The Format returned at the beginning of 2026 with the duo’s first album in two decades, following Nate Ruess and Sam Means’ respective solo runs in the mid-’10s and a pair of massive albums at the beginning of the decade for Ruess with his band fun. Beyond the January release of Boycott Heaven, the duo’s post-reunion itinerary has included a slew of free outdoor shows in NYC as a part of their all-ages, community-oriented series Saturdays in the Park, while the upcoming winter months will see them travel out west for a series of unplugged shows that also include a November date at the Hollywood Bowl in celebration of 20 years of Dog Problems.
In between these occasions, The Format took the stage at New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall for a sold-out headlining performance. Ruess and Means seemed more surprised than anyone at that sentence, keeping busy during the leadup to the show by exploring the venue and documenting the eventful day in photos. Check out the backstage diary they’ve shared with us below, and find tickets for those upcoming dates here.
Left: Never in a million years did we think we would see our name on this marquee—let alone next to the words “Sold Out.”
Right: Poster by the one and only Jose Berrio.
Absolutely iconic view before load in.
The orange lights are my favorite view of from the floor.
Left: The Format merch game is strong.
Right: Couldn’t get over the view of the stage mechanics.
Josh P., Josh C., and Robb setting up our gear. My first view from the stage. Mind already blown.
Gordon and crew making sure everything goes off without a hitch.
The Lone Wolf sits at his throne soaking up the view.
Quick soundcheck rehearsal with our sixth man, Andrew Dost.
Our only rehearsal with the strings and horns was during soundcheck. Luckily, they’re pros. Don’t think we’ve ever sounded better!
No celebration would be complete without plenty of balloons.
From the first balcony after soundcheck.
Left: We’re very fortunate to be alongside many incredible artists in this book.
Right: We’re lucky to get a single room in most venues.
Left: The Dost Man being a good sport!
Right: You may know him as Will, but we call him the Lone Wolf.
These costumes were a last-minute idea and kind of silly, but as much as we respect the gravitas of Radio City, we wanted people to know we don’t take ourselves too seriously and were just there to have fun!
