Photos and words by Debi Del Grande

In a world full of lyrics that you just can’t relate to or don’t make any sense or are just about big butts, here comes Father John Misty to save you from despair. On the eve of the official release of I Love You, Honeybear, FJM and his extremely talented band (including guitarist David Vandervelde) had patrons at the Roxy hanging on every word. And that’s the key to his songs. You need to listen. Mr. Tillman kept the chit chat to a minimum – he had a lot of songs to play. The love J. Tillman shares with his wife is all over the new songs and it’s almost like she’s up there on stage with him. The love flowed onto the floor as FJM hugged fans and put smiles on faces.

‘They gave me a useless education
And a sub-prime loan on a craftsman home
Keep my prescriptions filled
And now I can’t get off but I can kind of deal

Oh with being bored in the USA
Oh just a little bored in the USA
Save me president Jesus
I’m bored in the USA
How did it happen
Bored in the USA’

Guy Blakeslee (The Entrance Band) stood on stage with a guitar, a lot of pedals, buttons and a musical bracelet. Blakeslee sang his heart out. He will be touring with FJM this month.

Father John Misty’s Setlist:
I Love You, Honeybear
Strange Encounter
True Affection
Only Son of the Ladiesman
When You’re Smiling and Astride Me
The Night Josh Tillman Came to Our Apt.
I’m Writing A Novel
Misty’s Nightmares
Nothing Good Ever Happens at the Goddamn Thirsty Crow
Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)
Nancy From Now On
This is Sally Hatchet
The Ideal Husband
Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings
Fun Times in Babylon
Now I’m Learning to Love the War
Holy Shit
Encore:
Bored in the USA
I’m Your Man
Tee-Pees
Everyman Needs a Companion