Showing His True Colors :: Neons Trees' Tyler Glenn

Tyler Glenn's story is straight out of "The Book of Mormon," except for the part where the practicing Mormon became a big rock star as the lead singer for Neon Trees; and also the part where he came out as gay in a major Rolling Stone article published little more than a year ago.

For the uninitiated, Neon Trees started playing back in 2005, and got their first big break opening for The Killers' 2008 North American tour. Best known for hit songs, "Animal" and "Everybody Talks," Neon Trees' sound ranges from teen pop to synth-heavy new wave.

They've performed at Lollapalooza, on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and opened for bands ranging from Thirty Seconds to Mars to My Chemical Romance. They've even had a song on "Glee." With every new album release - the band has released three full albums so far - Glenn's look morphs from slick black Mohawk and leathers to close-cropped platinum blonde and oversized Miami Vice-inspired pastel ensembles.

The thread of consistency is Glenn himself, writing stories into his music which, usually without being overt, are often his own.

"I want to be able to make songs that lift and are relevant to people's lives," says Glenn. "Fame is not the end goal," but, he shyly admits, "I'd really like to play 'Saturday Night Live.' "

On May 5, 2015, the group released a non-album single "Songs I Can't Listen To," which deserves an SNL spot if for no other reason than the tune's impressive feat of re-introducing today's teeny bop set to the echoes of '80s New Wave bands like Depeche Mode, New Order and Duran Duran.

The group's tour, "An Intimate Night With Neon Trees" kicks off June 6, including June 9 at the historic Fillmore in San Francisco. Tyler is clear that his personal identity is part of the act.

"During the show, I pick a time and a place to talk about identity and how it applies to music. During the last two tours, I talked about [my sexuality] and got a very warm response. I kept it within the confines of the music though, because I am a musician and songwriter first, and never want to talk about things that don't apply."

The still-practicing Mormon admits that his relationship with the church has changed since coming out.

"It's definitely gotten complicated," says Glenn. "I don't feel as comfortable, but it's been interesting to live in Utah and watch the church change its stance slowly over the last few years [following Proposition 8]."

The colorful and dashing lead singer is currently in a relationship and relieved to finally be able to be open with his friends, family, and importantly - his band mates.

"I didn't struggle with my sexuality, it was more about who needed to know and how I was going to live my life. I wish I'd been a little braver in my early 20s. I wonder if I would have felt more secure, or if it would have affected the band's success. I don't know. I do know that I don't regret [waiting to come out]. When I did it was the right time for me."

He echoes for himself the same advice he offers LGBT youth.

"Come out when the time is right in your life, but definitely come out. That's one of the best things I've ever done for myself - it melded the two worlds that were fighting in my head."

And his advice for musicians struggling up through today's industry begins with a heavy sigh, "I'd like to say I have the answer to that, but it's changed so much. So, just do your best shit and own it."

On June 9, Glenn and the Neon Trees are going to do their best shit and own it at The Fillmore.

And after the last song it played, the packed house of concert goers empties into the streets, and the final remnants of sweaty celebratory detritus are swept from the storied wood floors, Glenn will get back to work creating music that inspires him and others to be their most authentic selves.

He confesses, "I'd love to collaborate with Cyndi Lauper. I'd probably lose my mind getting to sing with her because her voice is insane, and she is a light, not only to me, but to the LGBT movement. I think that would be a very cool opportunity."