TMBG on 'Rock Steady' UK TV 1990 - "Birdhouse" & "Istanbul"

They Might Be Giants performing their two 1990 singles "Birdhouse In Your Soul" and "Istanbul - Not Constantinople" at Camden Lock in London UK for the TV show 'Rock Steady'. I have seen this same footage doctored for a different TV show elsewhere on KZbin, but this is the original (and it was definately in 1990!)

[@wubfur]

I worked for TMBG in those days and Flans gave the Oakland A's jacket he's wearing in this clip to my wife because she was such a big A's fan (and yes, she still has it).

[@glassyhouse12]

1:39 AND THE CROWD GOES MILD 🔥🔥🔥

[@samkniffen4760]

I wouldn't want to be the guy trying to keep that spotlight on Flansburgh. Man's off the chain.

[@space__idklmao]

He’s got some sort of Sam & Max black magic hyperkinesis propelling him

[@dergos05]

It's so weird to hear a live version of "Istanbul" without a crazy solo before it.

[@AnaAerophina]

Haha, I know. You think people will get tired of hearing Birdhouse, young John? You should see your fans almost 20 years later. I still get shivers every time. :3

[@tr1ll1um]

31 years later, any fan STILL sings along at the top of their lungs to Birdhouse!

[@Meltminder]

I was at this gig, Listen very carefully at 1:25 when they stop you can just make me out singing on followed by laughter in the audience. Hard to hear but I have fond memories of this day. :D

[@snakes7303]

I know its been....11 years, but you _can_ hear it

[@DaveDexterMusic]

You are immortal now.

[@PopFlyPopShop]

@@snakes7303it’s been 13 years now and you can still hear it! I wonder how long this will go on.

[@girres43]

PEOPLE JUST LIKED IT BETTER THAT WAYYYY!!!!!!!

[@L0REN0R2Z0RR0]

You could call Flans a jumping bean

[@FerHivore]

He’s got ants in his pants and he’s gotta dance

[@silly_billy_puppet]

HOW FLANSBURGH GRABS THE MICROPHONE WITHOUT ANY HESITATION,,, IT IS SO FUNNY TO ME ( for anyone wondering,, it's at 1:30 :] )

[@bertfromseasamestreet]

Great performance!!!!

[@terryhurley1]

Birdhouse......yes ....possibly the best song of all time?

[@mcbrineellis]

absolutely destroys

[@plopnod]

Linell does'nt sound like he's from Brooklyn,nope not at all

[@dylannoah123]

why is flans screaming

[@midnightcowboy1969]

he just felt like it

[@dylannoah123]

@@midnightcowboy1969 makes sense

[@snakes7303]

We will never know

[@eneedham789]

Not a fan of the higher key in birdhouse but it still sounds awesome

[@annaburgooo]

This performance is in the original key, right?

[@eneedham789]

@@annaburgooo not at the start it isn’t

[@annaburgooo]

@@eneedham789 oh yeah you’re right!