Tears, Grooves, and Magic Mountains: Father John Misty Captivates At O2 Apollo
- Desh Kapur
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
O2 Apollo April 13th 2025
WORDS AND IMAGES ISOBEL EVE SCOTT
With a queue snaking around the side of the building, it’s a sold-out show at Manchester’s O2 Apollo. There’s a real buzz in the air tonight – the kind of pre-show energy that only builds when a beloved artist is in town. Tonight’s audience is here for Father John Misty, who’s touring his latest studio album: ‘Mahashmashana’. The venue is packed out with fans who clearly know their stuff, many of them already swapping stories about past gigs and favourite tracks.
Opening the show is Butch Bastard, the solo act of Seattle-based Ian Murphy. Armed with just an acoustic guitar, he plays a very enjoyable folk/Americana set that feels right in place at a Father John Misty concert. His stripped-back style and dry wit immediately win over the early crowd. ‘If It Wasn’t For The UFOs’ is his closing track, it’s a lyrically complex tune that really leaves an interesting mood before the headliner. There’s something about the storytelling in that song that lingers in the room even after he exits the stage.
Probably best known for his collaboration with Lana Del Rey, Father John Misty’s own work really backs up the reputation he’s built off the track. He walks onstage to rapturous applause, suited and charismatic, and launches into a set that quickly proves he’s far more than just a collaborator. One thing I notice as he plays through the first songs on his set is that he has a bit more of a funkier sound than I originally believed. It’s not just folk or indie rock – there’s groove, rhythm, and a touch of soul woven through the performance. ‘Mr. Tillman’ is the first song that really starts getting heads bumping in the venue, it’s one of a few songs of his named after his off-stage name, Josh Tillman, and it’s a whole lot of fun live. It’s clear the crowd loves it too, with many singing along to the self-aware lyrics and playful tone.
But nothing is more of a crowd mover than ‘She Cleans Up’, off the newest album. It’s a bit divergent from a lot of what’s being played tonight, but it’s by far my favourite thing I’ve heard so far. There’s something refreshing about its tone – it cuts through the set with a slightly different energy. It’s one of the songs I was already aware of before coming to the gig, and it’s incredible seeing how tight Father John Misty’s live band is, and their renditions of his music are sounding like they’re straight off the record. Every member of the band plays with precision and feeling, and they elevate the performance without ever stealing the spotlight.
I’m surprised to see ‘Real Love Baby’ is absent from the setlist. It’s been a real sleeper hit since its initial release in 2016, and there’s definitely a few murmurs amongst the crowd wondering why he isn’t playing it. You can feel a little collective sigh when it becomes clear it’s not coming – but to be fair, with so many albums and a deep catalogue to pull from, not everything was going to make it. That’s not to say the night didn’t end on an incredible high. The encore is four songs long, most of which being long, powerful ballads. These aren’t just throwaway tracks to close the show – they’re emotionally weighty, gorgeously arranged, and leave a real impact. As he plays ‘So I’m Growing Old On Magic Mountain’ there are a few tears shed by concert goers around me, which ultimately makes me get a little emotional too. There’s a hush in the room as he plays – you can hear the stillness, and feel the weight of the lyrics landing with the audience.
Closing on an older track, ‘I Love You, Honeybear’, it’s a nice sendoff for the night and it feels like a revisit to an earlier album. It’s a pretty string-heavy track, and yet another tearjerker. The audience sways, some still wiping away tears, others mouthing every word. It’s a beautiful and fitting end to a set that balanced humour, heartbreak, and a whole lot of musical talent. Walking out into the Manchester night, it’s clear this show left its mark.
SET LIST
1/ I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All
2/ Josh Tillman and the Accidental Dose
3/ Mr. Tillman
4/ The Night Josh Tillman Came to Our Apt.
5/ Being You
6/ Disappointing Diamonds Are the Rarest of Them All
7/ Goodbye Mr. Blue
8/ Nancy From Now On
9/ God's Favorite Customer
10/ Nothing Good Ever Happens at the Goddamn Thirsty Crow
11/ She Cleans Up
12/ Screamland
13/ Summer’s Gone
14/ Mental Health
15/ Mahashmashana
Encore:
16/ So I'm Growing Old on Magic Mountain
17/ Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)
18/ Holy Shit
19/ I Love You, Honeybear
FOLLOW FATHER JOHN MISTY
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