An enthralling and electrifying musical masterclass from the brilliant Father John Misty
Theatrics, there’s always theatrics! Showmanship – without a doubt! A musical masterclass for the masses – absolutely! Welcome to the world of Father John Misty!
Regular readers will know that this was not my first rodeo seeing the enigmatic and wry Joshua Tillman AKA Father John Misty. I have seen him perform both here in the UK and in Berlin, and whilst every show was amazing, the spring 2025 tour in support of his latest album ‘Mahashmashana’ was nothing short of marvellous.
Introducing…Butch Bastard
Superbly supported by the exceptional Butch Bastard, a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter (the alias of Ian Murray, formerly a member of Fleet Foxes’ side project Poor Moon), the performance was nothing short of electrifying. He showcased his remarkable songwriting talent, treating the audience to tracks from his recently released album ‘Death Valley’.
Throughout his impressive set he had the crowd enthralled, proving to be the perfect choice to warm up the audience for Father John Misty. Throughout his tenure as the ‘Father’, Josh Tillman has finessed his alter ego to be one of music’s most intriguing characters, and the lines between where Misty starts and Tillman ends is getting increasingly blurred.
Father John Misty Delivers a Spellbinding Night at Brighton Dome
Father John Misty remains one of the most compelling live performers in contemporary music, and the spring 2025 tour in support of “Mahashmashana” confirmed that status without question. Joshua Tillman has so completely inhabited his alter ego that the line between character and creator has all but dissolved, creating a live experience unlike anything else. Self-referential, sardonic, and deeply sincere all at once, his Brighton Dome performance drew on career-defining material across six albums, threading together themes of love, vulnerability, and mental health with a wit and intelligence that consistently left the sold-out crowd both laughing and genuinely moved.
A Setlist That Spanned Brilliance and Depth
Backed by a flawless seven-piece band, Father John Misty moved effortlessly between the funk-driven energy of his greatest hits compilation and the atmospheric grandeur of “Mahashmashana”. Standout moments included the tender “I Love You, Honeybear”, the irreverent “Holy Shit”, and the quietly devastating “Mr. Tillman”, each delivered with complete command. Support act Butch Bastard also impressed greatly, warming up the room with genuine songwriting substance. By the time the encore closed, it was abundantly clear why Father John Misty continues to draw devoted crowds. This was a night defined by artistry, theatricality, and a rare emotional generosity that very few artists can genuinely offer.
One of music’s most mesmerising characters
Self-referential from the start, three of the Father John Misty tracks in the beginning of what was set to be an unforgettable set from the charismatic songwriter which included ‘Josh Tillman and the Accidental Dose’, a tale of acid tripping, where he saw ‘something that he shouldn’t see’ which effortlessly sat alongside ‘The Night Josh Tillman Came to Our Apt.’
The latter track with its swoon-worthy line ‘Music is the air she breathes’ from the album that propelled Father John Misty into the mainstream and my personal favourite ‘Mr. Tillman’ from the 2018 album, the reflective ‘God’s Favorite Customer’ – a delicious swirl of folk pop that speaks from the perspective of a concerned hotel employee questioning Mr. Tillman’s rather peculiar behaviour and Mr. Tillman’s reassurance to not be alarmed and that ‘this is just my vibe’
A career-spanning set
He kicked off proceedings with the funk-laden ‘I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All’ from his career-spanning ‘Greatish Hits’ which is a sensational sonic sojourn from Father John Misty’s back catalogue so far. In fact, ‘I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All’ was the only new song from his greatest-hits compilation.
Assured, luminous, and charismatic, Father John Misty takes us through themes of mental health and self reflection, love and vulnerability in his own sardonic, sagacious, and engaging way. At one point, he joked that he had ‘too much power’ based on every time he raised his arms, a saxophone played!
Mesmerising musicality
Father John Misty’s seven-piece band was just as legendary as he was, consisting of a group of truly consummate musicians who elevated the Father John Misty sound even more. From the mesmerising ‘Mahashmashana’ and the eclectic ‘Being You’ to the sybaritic but irreverent ‘Mental Health’, the band and the good father himself were a seamless blend of mesmerising musicality.
Stylish, sophisticated, and effortlessly suave, Father John Misty has evolved into one of the most captivating artists of his generation. His sonic evolution was on full display to the sold-out crowd at Brighton, where his setlist spanned his impressive catalog, including standout tracks like ‘Buddy’s Rendezvous’ and ‘God’s Favorite Customer’
After an unforgettable encore, which featured the dreamy ‘Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)’, the raucous anthem ‘Holy Shit’ and the swoon-worthy ‘I Love You, Honeybear’—a soaring, heart-stirring love song for the modern age—it was clear just how exceptional a musician and lyricist Father John Misty truly is.
From his razor-sharp wit to the profound beauty of his lyrics, combined with his effortlessly slick yet deeply emotive stage presence, watching Father John Misty live is nothing short of magical.
