Father John Misty, King Tuff
Orpheum Theater 216 State St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703
When Father John Misty dropped the expansive, theatrical Pure Comedy in 2017, it seemed to mark the end of an era for the flamboyant folk rocker. The musician, born Josh Tillman, sings of "closing the gap between the mask and me," giving the audience a better look at the real person behind the Father John Misty caricature. On this year's God's Favorite Customer, Tillman bares his soul once more, trading doomsday pontificating for an unsparing look at personal well-being. From comically over-the-top breakdowns ("Mr. Tillman") to crumbling intrapersonal relationships ("The Songwriter"), he has created his most personal, straightforward album yet. He returns to Madison for the first time since 2015, alongside garage rockers King Tuff.
press release: Father John Misty has delivered the official video for “Please Don’t Die,” a standout from God’s Favorite Customer, out June 1 on Sub Pop and Bella Union. The new visual, which was helmed by returning director Chris Hopewell (“Things It Would Have Been Helpful Before The Revolution”), was constructed and filmed at Jacknife Studios in Bristol, UK.
"Please Don't Die" by Father John Misty
What people are saying about Father John Misty’s God’s Favorite Customer:
“A rich tapestry of AM-radio jangle and strum, threaded with songbook ballads like the rueful opener “Hangout at the Gallows” and pretty, plaintive “Just Dumb Enough to Try” [Grade: A-] - Entertainment Weekly
“His most personally revealing album yet… A heady journey through excess, absurdity and 21st–century mores from arguably the world’s most eloquent singer–songwriter.” **** - Q
"Given the nature of the album, it feels almost crass to point out that Tillman pulled it off again. But he did, in making another stunning Father John Misty album." - Stereogum