Show themes
There are a number of recurring themes during Jonathan Coulton live performances.
Focus stealing
When Jonathan plays with Paul and Storm, there is often dialog about one of the performers stealing focus while the other is performing. The classic example is when Jonathan brought a video camera on stage while he performed backup vocals to Paul and Storm's "Nugget Man."
Rickrolls
Performances of Mr. Fancy Pants are often preceded or interrupted by portions of Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley.
Soft rock medleys
When Jonathan performs Soft Rocked by Me with Paul and Storm, the middle of the song is often dedicated to a medley of spontaneously-chosen soft rock songs. In the past, medleys have included:
- Closing Time - Semisonic (video from Cincinnati, OH: 2008-06-05)
- Faithfully - Journey (video from Philadelphia, PA: 2008-04-02)
- Hey Jude - The Beatles (video from Alexandria, VA: 2008-03-07)
- Leader of the Band - Dan Fogelberg (video from Alexandria, VA: 2008-03-07)
- On and On - Stephen Bishop (video from Philadelphia, PA: 2008-04-02)
- Peaceful Easy Feeling - Eagles (video from Alexandria, VA: 2008-03-07)
- Telephone Line - Electric Light Orchestra (video from Cincinnati, OH: 2008-06-05)
- Tequila Sunrise - Eagles (video from Cincinnati, OH: 2008-06-05)
- Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd (video from Cincinnati, OH: 2008-06-05)
Water
Water is often used as a comic device during shows. This was most notable as a recurring theme at Portland, OR: 2008-04-25, as evidenced by many of the videos from that night.