Portugal. The Man is one of the hottest bands in the world today. Yesterday, the recent Grammy-winners had to deal with some extra heat on the way to their performance at the Iowa Memorial Union. As Pollstar reports, the band’s tour bus caught fire, forcing them to call the fire department.
Police stated that no one was on the bus when the fire broke out. As the band’s manager, Rich Holtzman of Red Light Management, told Pollstar, “Everyone is safe on the band and crew and the sold-out show came off without a hiccup. … We had to rent a truck, catch a plane and a new bus should show up today.”
Holtzman added that the situation is being viewed with “lots of humor about the band being so hot right now that everything is lit.” Continued Holtzman, “Maybe it was them saying ‘Hail Satan’ in their acceptance speeches,” referencing how the band endearingly made light of their Grammy win with various shenanigans during their speech, including a nod to the Antichrist.
The jokes about Portugal. The Man’s current temperature, both literal and figurative, are as true as they are predictable. The Alaska-native, Portland-based outfit’s “Feel It Still” was one of 2017’s biggest hit singles. In addition to their “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” Grammy, the group is also fresh off a win for “Best New Touring Artist” at the recent Pollstar Awards.
Portugal. The Man continues their ongoing 2018 tour with a sold-out performance at The Blue Note in Columbia, MO this evening, February 14th. For more information on upcoming tour dates, or to grab tickets, head to the band’s website. You can watch video of the blaze set to fanciful music and cartoon animation below via the band’s Instagram page.