Jimmy Eat World: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Watch Jimmy Eat World play "Love Never", "All The Way (Stay)" and "The Middle" at the Tiny Desk.
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Jan. 29, 2020 | Lars Gotrich -- Jimmy Eat World showed up to the NPR Music office all smiles and no guitars, goofing off with toy instruments behind the Tiny Desk and cracking jokes. They borrowed a couple acoustics, a miniature gong and tambourine emblazoned with Bob Boilen's face, which set the tone for a slightly silly, but altogether gracious performance.
For 27 years, Jimmy Eat World has been the rock band with a bleeding, beating heart. Both its music and message have evolved in kind, from brokenhearted ballads to anthems of self-empowerment and the lessons of age. Joined by touring multi-instrumentalist Robin Vining and percussionist Zach Lind, Jim Adkins opens the stripped-down set with "Love Never," a song about the hard work of sustaining love, which was originally released as a 7-inch in 2018. Adkins' and Vining's harmonies ring out brightly, and then Lind rings the gong.
"All The Way (Stay)" comes from the band's tenth album, Surviving. Many of these new songs reflect older Jimmy Eat World themes: "Your sense of self-worth coming from external validation is an empty pursuit," Jim Adkins tells the crowd. So as guitarist Tom Linton joins the band, they launch into "The Middle." Over time, this feel-good Bleed American single has remained a constant source of goodness in a sometimes bleak world. When the audience joins in for the last chorus, an uplifting catharsis streaked through our hearts as we all sang, "Everything, everything will be just fine / Everything, everything will be all right, all right."
SET LIST
"Love Never"
"All The Way (Stay)"
"The Middle"
MUSICIANS
Jim Adkins: vocals, guitar; Tom Linton: guitar; Robin Vining: guitar, vocals; Zach Lind: percussion
CREDITS
Producers: Bob Boilen, Lars Gotrich, Maia Stern, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative director: Bob Boilen; Audio engineer: Josh Rogosin; Editor: Maia Stern; Videographers: Bronson Arcuri, Maia Stern, Kara Frame; Associate producer: Bobby Carter; Executive producer: Lauren Onkey; VP, programming: Anya Grundmann; Photo: Laura Beltran Villamizar

[@OtherwiseFine]

Nothing will make me feel older than watching a bunch of dads singing the Middle and realizing this song came out 19 years ago

[@gmzanatta]

And nothing makes me feel younger than realizing a song that spoke to me in my teens is still very valid 20 years on. We're all kids just faking it after all.

[@friedoxygen]

It makes me feel even older when I realize that The Middle was Jimmy Eat World's comeback single.

[@911heroesandme]

@@friedoxygen No doubt! Clarity > Bleed American everyday.

[@melprophet1936]

Just wait until when these guys are all 60+ years old and playing concerts with other bands from the era and you think to yourself that you can't believe that song was 35 years ago. Oh yes, you can feel older. And you will.

[@LEFT4BASS]

If it makes you feel older, Jimmy Eat World formed the same year I was born, and I’m 26.

[@elixdab]

Singing "The Middle" at my 8th grade talent show without knowing half the words was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.

[@shonthelawn]

hahaha awesome

[@floatingpoint20]

Everything about this makes sense

[@Walterthefriendly]

Actually cool though

[@deneesherpather9686]

Don't you worry about what the bitter hearts are gonna say.

[@kevinpritchard251]

Thats funny

[@andredmtr]

0:00 Love Never 3:14 All The Way (Stay) 7:54 The Middle

[@AFN2750]

André Pansera bless your face

[@johermeah6540]

I'll tell my prospective children I once knew a TRUE hero, by the name of Andre Pansera.

[@AI-df9kn]

Thanks

[@michaelbloxdorf1615]

Thank you

[@lktlkt]

My mind: "wow, Jimmy Eat World, I wonder if I'll recognise them: Singer's hair:

[@adwagmusic]

Our boy has not aged even a little bit

[@warmcrunch3829]

I love this series. The perfect spiritual successor to mtv unplugged

[@grimleybd]

man, 'the middle' got me through some rough times and i think this version is gonna help get me through even more :')

[@dm20422]

👍👍

[@cris_here]

A yes same!!!! it was such a pivotal song in my childhood

[@dgunit01]

"It's only in your head you feel left out" --> i still reflect on this in moments of self-doubt

[@proporcionesepicas]

Bro, just stop getting your self into rogh times...

[@Em4gdn1m]

Right? The Middle and Sweetness got me through my teenage years.

[@thefadedone8192]

I'll always respect the bands that play one for the audience. There is no way they want to play The Middle for the 5000th time.

[@zachgreen759]

There's no way I want to hear it again.

[@frogicidelol]

@@zachgreen759 preach

[@IzzyRomero]

The Middle is forever one of those songs you can jam out to

[@Thickspouse]

Shocked how good his voice sounds live after all these years

[@andredmtr]

Right? Jim Adkins is one of the few artists that sometimes sounds even better live than on the record.

[@timerman52]

Despite being in his forties he is still young

[@morry32]

those are muscles , flex

[@keithallen9547]

Criminally underrated band, highly recommend checking out everything beyond the middle and sweetness. Their new album is one of their best IMO.

[@thekeishahustle]

This 30 year old appreciates the reminder and the throwback.

[@thekeishahustle]

@chris murphy Happy Birthday! Everything will be just be fine

[@camf8372]

29 and yeah good memories for sure

[@amazingabby25]

Sameeee

[@phillipcoogan7711]

Couldn’t agree more! Absolutely geekin over this

[@MrPDTaylor]

You are not a 30 year old

[@naught330]

I wasn’t expecting this at all but but I’m grateful for it

[@tectonicdragon1100]

Wow, last band I expected to see at the desk. Glad they did tho, what a great set. Harmonies are on point. Cheers Bob!! Forgot how good these guys are.

[@LoLinForU]

Everyone singing along at the end of The Middle made me tear a little bit. That song aged so well!

[@misslindseyfrost]

It randomly came on the radio the other day, and I had not listened to it in years. I started bawling. It was like the lyrics really hit me for the first time. Even though I listened to it none stop when I was much younger.

[@lichiang]

So has Jim 👍

[@carissanami5824]

Man...the middle.... suddenly remember the middle school phase, argh nostalgic!

[@jeffdunn890]

I wish they would have done 23, that one just sends me over the edge... One my favs of theirs tho.

[@WaldoCarmen]

Now here's a true JEW fan! Easily one of their top 3 songs. I can't call it my absolute favorite cuz I always had a weird love for their covers of firestarter and new religion. But I can't imagine more than a dozen ppl remember those ha

[@heythere6983]

that song is a masterpiece

[@numero9]

23's impact would be lost acoustically I think. It needs the extra atmospherics which makes it a great closing track. That said, last two JEW shows I saw (and one was a complete playthrough of "Bleed American" the album), "23" was played both times. When they have the full equipment, they do it very well live.

[@InvisibleKerry]

Futures came out when I was 14. There are not many other albums that time warp me back to an exact moment in time and feeling as much as that one does.

[@RhubarbRehab]

Me too, but i was 23 lol, JEW have a huge nostalgia for me

[@AshArAis]

I listened to Futures debut on MySpace. Mad stuff

[@kohjiandriani3607]

I remember when i heard work for the first time and that song still makes me time travel

[@CuratedCars]

I graduated from high school June 2004, “Futures” came out that October. I had several different options for the next stage of life but didn’t know which way I would go. Most of my friends started college that fall but I was working a basic job with no clear path forward at the time. “I always believed in futures, but hoped for better Novembers” is the opening line that told the story of my own life, at a time when the future was all that mattered. The rest of the album tells a story, my story, it’s so cohesive, and I’ve come back to it again and again as I’ve progressed through life, to become a business owner and a father of 5 girls.

[@vyleside]

Saw these guys supporting green day in 2005 at the mk bowl. They were the main reason I went. Fell in love with authority song and loved ever since. Jim hasn't aged a day and they are still as sharp as they've ever been. They're pure audio nostalgia to me in the best way.

[@Wilberforce53]

Dude me too!! I only ever heard of "The middle" before I saw them live though, I was only there for green day. But went away a fan for life. Still the only band on my itunes that i never skip.

[@emoleary811]

I’m 29 crying at The Middle. That was on the first ever CD I bought. It just makes me feel good. I remember watching the video on VH1/MTV while getting ready for school in the morning.

[@jozdali00]

@10:15 Tom smiling while looking at Jim feels like they are great friends and have this amazing story of success together.

[@Slamthulhu]

That little smirk was so wholesome

[@donjoe8518]

god the 90s had some of the best music in every genre, takes me back every time

[@hillsonn]

Bleed American came out 2001. I think on 9.11, actually. So, they changed the name of the album to Jimmy Eat World.

[@curtisebear1568]

Didn’t know I needed this so badly.

[@VMitch-ng7tg]

Was just about to comment this. Took me back to middle school.

[@mowgliisav8289]

when they said, "this is called The Middle," I got instant goosebumps

[@morganhymancomedy]

Bleed American is still one of my favorite albums. Love seeing the band in this context!

[@ShredderZA]

Told my wife the same thing yesterday. I was 7 when it released, but my 17y/o brother brought the CD home. Music took on a new meaning once he played me that CD.

[@blacksunshine7485]

Would love to hear an acoustic 555.. but would happily listen to anything these guys play. A pretty flawless catalogue.

[@vexation5]

Yes: I can still feel the 🦋🦋🦋 🦋🦋 🦋

[@AdrianDunevein]

Do you want to work more hard than the reward ? That verse meant something to me and I bet it says something to a lot of others too

[@benmurie4815]

That crowd singing at the end is the icing on the cake. So many of us deeply feel this song, and its fun to also hear the crowd let it out.

[@justindtackett]

I’m really glad they played off their new album. So much respect for these guys! If you don’t have any beyond their hits, go see them live and your mind will change!!!!

[@MrPDTaylor]

Should've done Big Casino

[@MrPDTaylor]

I'll never forgive them

[@Muhdah1972]

I have enjoyed listening to Jimmy Eat World for maybe 20 years and they're one of the best of the 90s bands. 🔥😍🔥

[@giacomo.1574]

I missed the solo you know the solo that goes blilbbbiblibliblbiblibblu

[@branevvo]

giacomo1574 haha I thought that too

[@alwaysrecycles365]

I love that guitar solo too but honestly I prefer hearing it typed out in text. Well done.

[@elixdab]

It's hard to blilbbbibliblbibliblu with an acoustic guitar. Plus Dad-arthritis.

[@Antastico]

Not sure if their would be enough "bli" on the acoustic to do the solo justice. Really great 2 bar solo though.... I think it was two bars.

[@KELLYKH]

same

[@Thataussiebattler]

This lights my soul......such a good band of brothers.

[@blahber222]

EMOS, IT IS OUR TIME ONCE AGAIN.

[@Melancolly18]

I started making a list in my head of all the bands id want to see 🤣😂 gimme a brand new tiny desk where is early November man ..dashboard confessional is doing a 20 year anniversary tour can we get Chris carrabba with a few sweat bands a la mtv unplugged 😄😄

[@ennuiii]

This is hardly emo

[@AshArAis]

@@ennuiii They were the origin of what became emo after them. They preceded it, so some slot them into the genre after the fact. They don't have a lot of the baggage that comes with the later emo eg the clothing etc, but they are like the evolutionary link. Putting things into boxes doesn't matter all that much, but they are very influential to at least one genre

[@ennuiii]

@@AshArAis doesn't make it emo bud. It's just Alt rock

[@melv5174]

sordidennui it’s emo because it’s emotional, hence where the term comes from and they’re the originals so this is what it first looked and sounded like

[@cesarperales1623]

I’ve been a fan since “the middle “ but I love “23” unfortunately never seen them live! Jim’s song writing hits you in the heart “work” I could name them all ! Jimmy eat World pulled me thru tough times! Divorce, heartache, breakups etc.. thanks

[@krtwood]

"Hey, do you guys need a gong player in your band?" "Umm, not really. Thanks though." "Okay. I'll just awkwardly stand behind you then." "Cool. Well, since you're going to be there anyway..."

[@alexboardman733]

I like how Zach Lind is just staring into the distance behind both of them singing for the first song and comes out for the gong hit

[@madi846]

The Middle got me through so much when I was younger, and now this just happens to pop up when I need it again. thanks guys ❤️

[@booly5]

theres times where I was just about to loose hope in music then I came across NPR my mind has and will continue to be expanded thanks to the team at NPR and all of your guests for a brighter fresher look on music because with out music whats the point of anything

[@jakej654]

been my favorite band since i was 10 years old. im 27 now and still love everything new they put out

[@kellen7425]

So much nostalgia. Most of the comments mention "The Middle". Is it only me that found myself thinking of "Sweetness"?

[@nkm46]

I've had the question asked amongst friends which is better "the middle" or "sweetness" most, along with myself, agree "sweetness". Regardless whether that is what you were inferring, I too was wondering about it. Anywho, have a good journey.

[@travisumbel6877]

Sweetness was like, the first intense and angsty song I heard when I was a kid, and I was captivated by it. It opened the door for a ton of music for me and will forever be a song cemented in my heart

[@michaeloconnor2459]

I love to hear sweetness get some recognition 😊

[@bryanbucco9252]

I've always felt Sweetness was the best of the singles.

[@theslugboiii5969]

Sweetness is infinitely better than The Middle, mainly because it wasn't overplayed to death.

[@liambeats1249]

IT JUST TAKES SOME TIME.

[@cris_here]

Liam Beats LITTLE BIT IN THE MIDDLE UP ALRIGHT (not sure if i sang that right haha)

[@liambeats1249]

@@cris_here you got the spirit 😂

[@ididgt4259]

@@cris_here This man just typed out what he heard and I love that.

[@daneroux9790]

"It just takes some time, little girl, you're in the middle of the ride"

[@WesternRacoon]

ELEPHANT ELEPHANT WILL BE ALRIGHT ALRIGHT

[@EzraBriggsMusic]

I'm so grateful for Jimmy Eat World. The first concert I ever went to (Newcastle, England, 2008) and i've been hooked ever since. They are loved by my entire family - including my 60 year old dad.

[@thomasmorse4042]

This 68 year old musician likes them thanks to my 30 year old son.

[@danielecaruso8026]

They are absolutely GREAT!!! Thanks NPR!

[@liike28]

Love how into it the office gets and sings along at the end. Great performance!

[@dylanmcdaniel5910]

Must hear these songs acoustic every time now. wonderful

[@daneroux9790]

It's been amazing to watch these guys rise from practicing in someone's garage in Arizona all the way to the Tiny Desk. Way to go!

[@llamawizard]

Weird flex bro

[@nubianfx]

wow.. this took me all the way back to college. They were my roomates fav band for a while so i started listening to them.

[@janices6140]

The Middle, yes! You guys still sound great. And I love the tribute to Huey Lewis on tambourine guy's T-shirt. Huey Lewis lost his hearing and doesn't perform anymore. But he and The News have contributed a lot to American music. So, all the best, Huey Lewis and the News!

[@jjongmayer]

oh man i listened 23 everyday when it was first released(i was 15-16), and also when i actually became 23. now i'm 31 and watching their npr stage brings back so much memories. pls keep rocking til im 40, 50 and so on!

[@laradahora8962]

Excellent to have this to listen to this early morning 😍

[@Josh-ky8ei]

Such a great upload to wake up to 👌👍

[@michaelwoodsdale460]

Saw these guys last summer...third time I’ve seen them live - amazing talent

[@jbh613b]

Those harmonies..... so great.

[@kempyshwempy]

My teen years in one video. Love this!

[@Durfit]

Saw them live in Colorado Springs back in 2017, I think it was. Amazingly good live. Played every single song I could think of and they sounded perfect. I see a lot of live music and they're honestly one of the best live bands I've seen in my 33 years.

[@Mharriscreations]

I was so bummed because I live in China, but grew up in Colorado Springs and I was back in town for a visit then, but they were playing like a day or two after I returned to China. I've always wanted to see them play live though.

[@oxsila]

Jim has one of the best voices ever man

[@oboemadness1995]

"till you want the work more than the reward." Thank you

[@Jan_ne]

I love the way they're harmonizing

[@danisan670]

Saw them post a teaser of this on Instagram last week. Immediately came here looking for it. Happy it's finally on! 😊😊😊

[@zjones9876]

"The Middle" takes me back to a specific point in my life and always will.

[@zzarkS]

takes me right back to those days in high school when this music was so crucial

[@projecteightysix]

I love them so much. Thanks for doing this JEW and NPR for promoting them.

[@evilcab]

this brings back so much. good and bad memories. man it's been a long time.

[@jeffreymcummings]

Saw them in Asheville in November and they brought the house down. Such a great live band!

[@rockmanafb]

Last time I saw them was in Asheville but back in 2010 that show was amazing best I ever saw them

[@towersong]

This is the first TDC I've instantly watched again. Bravo!

[@mcintyreseamus]

I didn't know i needed this today, but the smile on my face at the end told me I did.

[@luanne916]

Forever loving Jimmy Eat World

[@ndtschau]

Always great to see (hear), doesn't matter if they play in front of a big crowd or a few people. JEW's always an ear candy! 👍🏻🎵🎸🤘🏻

[@jennarae9375]

this made my entire morning

[@Kawaiicutiebaby]

I miss them, I‘m happy that they still got it. 💕😊

[@Sonny1065LV]

Wow this took me back, I love this band!

[@Ryanbaggarly]

Ive been lucky enough to have seen them 7 times in the last 13 or so yrs

[@ton1978]

This brought back so many memories.

[@taylorhill195]

*The Middle Guitar Hero Days!!* 😭

[@maxandalice]

I love Jimmy Eat World so much 💕

[@uberjoshy]

4.35 I didn't know I needed to hear that and I wasn't ready for it. JEW keep changing me 15 years on.

[@thismanatemyson]

Jim sporting the Maryland flag on his guitar strap 👍

[@TheJunsLee]

They sound so great acoustic! The Middle :') love it

[@flyingelbowdrop1448]

Man.. saw this and clicked so fast and scrolled to the description to see if Hear You Me was on the setlist. That would've been beautiful. It brought me a lot of clarity after my father passed away and I even played it at my high school talent show.

[@strex97]

Please don’t ever stop playing 😊

[@HIGHTS]

Great guest!!! More bands like this please!!

[@indierock79]

I was obsessed with Tom in my early 20s. Tom, I will always love you!

[@MaddieCollins13]

This is the first time I’ve heard The Middle and actually heard words in the chorus. “Little girl you’re in the middle of the ride” we’re not words I’ve ever heard before.

[@TheBatch21]

Oh boy! They are so good 😊

[@awesomeoberks]

Jimmy Eatworld are one of the few bands from this error still capable of producing something stunning. The futures bright.

[@danielecaruso8026]

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!

[@reegaan]

omg why did i cryyyyyyy. so much nostalgia

[@mylezxi]

Saw them @ Wrex the Halls 2010 in San Diego, still in my top 3 concerts ever.

[@chris908]

This feels like when I saw Third Eye Blind a few years ago at a festival mid afternoon and it was everything I never knew I needed to hear.

[@MarcoBuch]

Still lovin' this band!

[@joejones8009]

I 😘 this band still. Was just a kid imo, when I started jamming them. I turn 40 this year. Lol

[@LoisZozobrado]

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH IM CRYING

[@caramason56]

Definitely need to see this band in concert 😊👍

[@ijustneedmyself]

I hope you have by now. I just did and they were amazing 🥹

[@jacksonwright427]

Love these songs. This band got me through some tough times when I was younger. Y'all should get Rainbow Kitten Surprise on here, if you haven't heard them you're missing out!

[@erichoerner5019]

Awesome! I needed this.

[@dannymac6368]

I already love this.

[@cameronberg3302]

Not sure I’ve ever been this happy

[@ericmolletta1588]

So stoked to see JEW at Tiny Desk. These guys are STILL going and STILL as relevant as ever. So good!

[@WaldoCarmen]

Haha just seeing it abbreviated again reminds me of being in middle school when you'd write the names of bands you like on your folders to show you're cool, I would have "JEW" on mine and everyone was like.... why? Ahh memories

[@plers1]

Jimmy eat world rocks, if u don't like them just keep that to yourself and remember to spread kindness instead of hate..

[@GermanWeirdo]

I‘m feeling 14 again... this was so nice. Thanks NPR ❤️

[@DWQJVB]

Powells Books shirt is a nice touch