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Lollapalooza Thu May 09 2013
Lollapalooza Early Planning: Father John Misty
Performing under the moniker Father John Misty, folk singer J. Tillman exudes an effortless flamboyance that makes him one of the most captivating stage presences I've ever had the fortune of seeing live. I like to picture him as a romanticized Hunter S. Thompson type of character. I imagine him traveling from city to city, lodging in seedy hotel rooms with different women in each town, drinking copious amounts of whiskey and taking hallucinogens, surrounded by sex and regret.
This is all merely a projection on my part, but it seems to be the persona Tillman is establishing for this particular project. After seeing Father John Misty live, it is difficult to imagine why Tillman would ever be anywhere but front and center on stage, but he actually spent years behind the drum kit for indie acts Fleet Foxes and Saxon Shore. He released the debut Father John Misty album Fear Fun in May of 2012, but he originally caught my eye because of the haunting music video for the track "Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings" featuring none other than Aubrey Plaza.
And if Father John Misty is merely character for Tillman, the guy sure commits. Each time I've had the pleasure of catching one of his live shows, he's had a bottle of booze next to him on stage, taking swigs throughout the show. He saunters around on stage with the bravado of someone who knows something you don't. There's a distinct charm about him that will draw you in and ensnare you. Maybe it is all just an act, but I'm buying it.
While we're all still in the early planning stages of who to see at Lollapalooza, over the next few days we'll be highlighting a handful of bands on the Lolla roster to keep in mind. Lollapalooza is happening August 2nd - 4th in Grant Park, however all tickets besides Platinum passes are currently sold out.