Some artists don’t just perform songs; they create an atmosphere, a world that feels suspended in time, where humour, heartbreak, and wit collide in the most strangely beautiful way. On Wednesday night at The Glasshouse in Gateshead, Father John Misty did exactly that, delivering a performance that felt like stepping into the smoky lounge of a bygone era, somewhere between 70s Laurel Canyon and a dream you once had about a velvet-draped theatre where everyone spoke in poetry.
First, the venue: The Glasshouse was immaculate. From the moment we walked in, it felt special. Spacious, clean, with an ambience that was both refined and welcoming. The seating was surprisingly comfortable (a rare treat at gigs these days), and even better, the drinks were reasonably priced. Buying a pint didn’t feel like a personal attack for once. Before the show, we made a couple of stops at Central Bar and Axis Bar in Gateshead. Both absolutely delivered. Central had a cracking beer selection, and Axis had great staff and a great overall vibe. The kind of pre-gig vibe that sets the tone perfectly for the night ahead.
As for the music, Father John Misty was in top form. There’s a distinct charm he brings to the stage. Equal parts smooth, sardonic, and strangely vulnerable. It’s like he’s always one step away from a smirk, or maybe a sigh, and it makes for a truly compelling presence.
The setlist was packed with gems, but Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins) was an early standout. It’s one of my all-time favourites, and while the full brass ensemble wasn’t present this time around, one incredibly talented musician handled it all and somehow, it still filled the room. The richness of the horns soared through the space, bringing just the right amount of drama and warmth. It was beautiful.
Later in the set came Goodbye Mr Blue, and I honestly can’t say enough about the songwriting here. It’s one of those songs that somehow hits harder live. There’s a kind of humorous devastation in lines like:
“1 down, 8 to go / but it’s no less true / don’t the last time come too soon?”
and
“Do you swear it’s not the cat? / You don’t have to answer that / I’ll just make do.”
These lyrics land like gut punches wrapped in velvet, sardonic, understated, and achingly human.
The show wasn’t without its more grand, sweeping moments either. One of the most surprising highlights for me was Mental Health, with its soaring, anthemic chorus and one of the most poignant lines of the night:
“This dream we’re born inside / feels awful real sometimes / but it’s all in your mind.”
It caught me off guard, raw, poetic, and delivered with total conviction. There’s something bold about writing music that looks depression straight in the eye and sets it to something this majestic.
Musically, his set continues to be a masterclass in combining incredible musicianship with lyrical introspection. There’s a sleazy elegance to it all, in the best way. The kind of aesthetic that makes you feel like you’re in some dimly lit bar at the edge of the world, sipping something strong and listening to a crooner who knows too much.
This wasn’t my first time seeing Father John Misty, and while the scale of the band was slightly reduced this time around, the intimacy of the setup only enhanced the performance. What he loses in grandeur, he gains in focus, and it was hard to look away. Every glance, every half-spoken joke, every breath between verses felt deliberately placed. The kind of attention to detail that makes live music feel like more than just a show.
All in all, it was one of those evenings where everything clicked. From the great bars we visited beforehand, to the immaculate setting of The Glasshouse, to Father John Misty’s hypnotic performance, it was a night I didn’t want to end.
If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of seeing him live, stop waiting. He’s the kind of performer who turns a good night into something quietly unforgettable.
Song Recommendations: Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins), Goodbye Mr Blue, Mental Health
Bar Recommendations: Central Bar, Axis Bar
Venue: The Glasshouse – a venue I’ll be returning to without hesitation.