1 day Ago
Father John Misty’s sold out show the Dome on April 14 was a masterclass in theatrical showmanship and musical crowd control. Fans packed the venue to witness Josh Tillman—better known by his stage name—blend sardonic humor and heartfelt confession in an enthralling set. Ably supported by his seven-strong band, he had the Brighton crowd squarely in the palm of his hand from the moment he arrived onstage, tailored suit and trademark grin.
He opened with “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All,” a reflective and funk-laden piece that set the ironic yet introspective tone. Next came “Josh Tillman and the Accidental Dose,” a new track showcasing his knack for pairing folk-rock melodies with incisive wit. The self-referential “Mr.
Tillman” followed, prompting laughter from longtime fans appreciating Father John’s willingness to mock himself. Then came “The Night Josh Tillman Came to Our Apt.,” demonstrating his well-honed sardonic lyrical style.
Born in Maryland, Tillman once performed under the name J. Tillman, releasing folk albums before joining American indie band Fleet Foxes as their drummer. In 2012, he emerged as Father John Misty with Fear Fun, a debut album that impressed with its sly humor and lush arrangements.
Subsequent releases—most notably I Love You, Honeybear and Pure Comedy—solidified his reputation for merging acerbic existential nihilism with personal vulnerability. God’s Favorite Customer delved deeper into self-reflection, while the recent Mahashmashana - which he is now on tour with - returned to ornate orchestration and film score scale ambition, both on full display tonight. Mid-set, he treated the audience to “Disappointing Diamonds Are the Rarest of Them All,” its skewed take on love inviting wry smiles.
“Goodbye Mr. Blue” followed with wistful warmth. A standout moment arrived during “Nancy From Now On,” performed with the same irresistible irreverence that made it an early fan favorite.
“God’s Favorite Customer” reverberated with clutching urgency, and “Nothing Good Ever Happens at the Goddamn Thirsty Crow” had Tillman channeling his inner lounge singer, leaning into the track’s dark swagger. Tillman played most of the tracks on Mahashmashana, and the new material stood up well alongside old classics. “She Cleans Up” and “Screamland” balanced upbeat hooks with introspection, while “Summer’s Gone” and “Mental Health” revealed a searching quality that resonated through the Dome.
The transcendental “Mahashmashana” capped the main set, its swirling arrangements and rhetorical musings leaving the crowd enraptured. I don’t believe I would have been the only participant whose hairs stood at the song’s climax. Returning for an encore, Tillman delivered “So I’m Growing Old on Magic Mountain” in a hypnotic haze.
“Holy Shit” built to a fervent satirical peak before the show’s final triumph: “I Love You, Honeybear.” In two rich hours, Father John Misty showcased why, at 43 years young and with increasing dashes of salt in his peppery beard, he remains a compelling performer - mixing wit with sincerity, operating in the delicate space between cynicism and longing. A performer fit for a legendary venue.
Or perhaps a venue fit for a legendary performer. Both, in fact..
