The Format
Nate Ruess before fun. — horn-flecked, sincere power-pop that reunion crowds have waited fifteen years to hear, and sing accordingly.
The Format were an Arizona duo built around singer Nate Ruess and multi-instrumentalist Sam Means, formed in 2002. Their music paired Ruess's high, unguarded voice with arrangements that reached beyond guitar-band conventions — horns, strings and layered harmony vocals working in service of straightforward pop songwriting.
The pair released two albums before splitting in 2008, after which Ruess formed fun. and Means continued working in Phoenix. The Format's records retained a devoted following in the intervening years, and the band later returned to playing live.
Festivals The Format is playing
The Format at a glance
What festivals is The Format playing in 2026?
The Format is booked at 2 festivals: Riot Fest 2026, Ohana 2026.
Is The Format playing Riot Fest 2026?
Yes — The Format is on the Riot Fest 2026 lineup, September 18–20, 2026 at Douglass Park, Chicago, IL. They play Sunday, September 20.
Is The Format playing Ohana 2026?
Yes — The Format is on the Ohana 2026 lineup, September 25–27, 2026 at Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, CA. They play Sunday, September 27.
Where is The Format from?
The Format is from Peoria, AZ.
What kind of music does The Format play?
The Format is tagged indie-pop and power-pop.
What festivals has The Format played before?
The Format has played Hinterland 2026.
Also on these bills
The Brook & The BluffSugarKATSEYECartelMen I TrustbeabadoobeeTwenty One PilotsRilo KileyASHNIKKOIggy PopEddie Vedder & FriendsAudrey Nuna
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