Neon Trees Got Up Close and Personal with Fans at The Fonda

Sandra Miska

Neon Trees have joined the likes of Weezer and Muse by embarking on a tour of smaller venues to get more up close and personal with their fans, and Thursday night it was L.A.’s turn to bond with the band when “An Intimate Night Out with Neon Trees” came to the Fonda Theater in Hollywood.

According to front man Tyler Glenn, Neon Trees had intended to take a yearlong break following the release of their third album “Pop Psychology” in early 2014, but changed their plans once boredom set in and decided to tour smaller venues. Glenn admitted he was initially nervous about the potential turnout.

“And you all made it tonight, ladies and gentlemen!” He roared to cheering fans.

Glenn also expressed his disdain for naysayers by using a word he claimed to almost never use.

“F*ck critics, ladies and gentlemen!”

Neon Trees treated the crowd to hits such as “Animal,” that Glenn thanked local radio station KROQ, the show’s sponsor, for playing back in the day and helping them get their start. Before breaking into “1983,” a song titled for the year Glenn was born, the lead singer gave thanks for his 31 years of being alive.

Although grateful for all the Neon Trees’ mainstream success, Glenn expressed gratitude for their true fans, the ones who know “lyrics other than the ones you hear on the radio all the time.”

“I like music to be fun. I like it to mean something. I like it to be catchy. I like to sweat at shows,” declared Glenn.

Glenn dedicated “Mad Love,” quite fittingly, to all the fans. He acknowledged his love of speaking into the microphone before breaking into the aptly titled “Everybody Takes.” Neon Trees ended the night with a rousing rendition of the Dexy’s Midnight Runner’s classic “Come on Eileen.”

Neon Trees Played Fonda Theatre June 11.