Father John Misty and Destroyer recently wrapped up a short winter tour during a very sold-out show at The Anthem that showcased a headliner at the peak of his powers and an opener that reinforced their status as one of the best acts going today.
Father John Misty (aka Josh Tillman) is touring behind 2024’s extremely well-received album Mahashmashana, and it was the focus of the show, with all eight songs from the album being played at The Anthem on March 1. “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All” got the crowd going early in the set and “She Cleans Up” picked up the tempo later on. Both were highlights of the night.
Watch the official music video for “She Cleans Up” by Father John Misty on YouTube:
In between, there were plenty of other crowd pleasers featured like “Holy Fuck,” “Mr. Tillman,” “Nancy From Now On,” “I Love You, HoneyBear,” and more.
The stage set up was sparse, bathed in red with big spotlights scattered along the back of the stage. Tillman was decked out in a form-fitting suit and looked like a million bucks. He showcased his trademark wit throughout the show, particularly when he described The Anthem as “this Galactic Senate-looking place.”
Dan Bejar’s Destroyer served as the opening act for this leg of the tour, touring as a svelte three piece with a guitarist and a drummer who pulled double duty as the keyboardist. He stayed away from material from his upcoming album Dan’s Boogie (out March 28 via Merge Records!!), instead providing a great cross section of songs from his career including “Tinseltown Swimming in Blood,” “Times Square,” and “It Just Doesn’t Happen.”
Watch Destroyer perform “It Just Doesn’t Happen” live at The Current via YouTube:
The mostly stripped-down arrangements were definitely missing the horn and bass parts but the new arrangements also let the songs breathe a bit and put more of the focus on Bejar. Destroyer shows are great because, much like his new albums, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get. Fingers crossed there is a tour with a full band behind the new album.
Father John Misty setlist:
Funtimes in Babylon
I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All
Josh Tillman and the Accidental Dose
Mr. Tillman
Being You
The Night Josh Tillman Came to Our Apt.
Nancy From Now On
Disappointing Diamonds Are the Rarest of Them All
God’s Favorite Customer
Nothing Good Ever Happens at the Goddamn Thirsty Crow
She Cleans Up
Screamland
Summer’s Gone
Mental Health
Mahashmashana
Encore:
I’m Writing a Novel
Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)
So I’m Growing Old on Magic Mountain
Holy Shit
I Love You, Honeybear
Here are some photos of Father John Misty and Destroyer performing at The Anthem on March 1, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Kyle Gustafson.
Destroyer
Destroyer Setlist:
The Music Lovers
Tinseltown Swimming in Blood
Times Square
It Just Doesn’t Happen
Painter in Your Pocket
Cue Synthesizer
Chinatown
Stay Lost
Poor in Love
Notorious Lightning
