Concert Review: Father John Misty’s “Tour Preview – Fake Show – Lots of Mistakes” at Mickey’s Black Box, Lititz, PA
- Scott Kucharski
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
Indie folk star, Josh Tillman, aka Father John Misty brings unforgettable warm up performance to Lititz, PA
On February 10, 2025, an air of intimacy and serendipity enveloped Mickey’s Black Box in Lititz, Pennsylvania, as Father John Misty (Josh Tillman) took the stage for a sold-out, one-night-only warm-up performance billed as “Tour Preview – Fake Show – Lots of Mistakes," as described in the event’s Hatch Show Print-style advertising.
The roguhly 600 lucky attendees who snagged tickets were treated to a night that felt less like a traditional concert and more like an exclusive sneak peek into the creative process of a musical storyteller.
For those unfamiliar with Lititz, it’s a small, almost out-of-the-way town whose charm is amplified by Rock Lititz, a hub for live production innovation. Mickey’s Black Box, nestled in this unique compund of state-of-the-art facilities, provided the perfect venue for an artist like Father John Misty to do a dry run before hitting the road on his 2025 World Tour—a blend of high-end production values and cozy intimacy. Bands like Green Day, Aerosmith, and countless others have used Rock Lititz as a launchpad for their massive tours, and tonight, it was Tillman’s turn.
Not knowing what to expect, would this be a full-blown show or a stripped down warm up, fans quikly realized upon entering that something special was about to go down. The stage was anything but minimal. It featured a full band setup, complete with keyboards, racks of guitars, and a horn section—hints at the sonic depth that awaited. A backdrop of Broadway-style lights created a warm ambiance during quieter moments, while strategically deployed strobes electrified the room at the set’s more climactic points. This mix of simplicity and spectacle mirrored Tillman’s own balance between introspection and theatricality.
Opening with “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools Of Us All” from his latest album, Mahashmashana (2024), Tillman wasted no time in demonstrating why he’s considered one of modern music’s most captivating performers. His vocal delivery—equal parts silky croon and emotional rawness—paired seamlessly with the lush, intricate arrangements provided by his band. While the show was billed as a rehearsal of sorts, any “mistakes” were so minor they felt more like charming improvisations than actual missteps.
Not wanting to reveal the setlist for those who want to experience the tour unspoiled, what stood out was the way Tillman’s songs were transformed in a live setting. His often-sarcastic, deeply poetic lyrics took on new dimensions, weaving humor and heartbreak into arrangements that felt grander, yet deeply personal. Whether it was the introspective ballads or the more upbeat tracks, the performance felt like a glimpse into the mind of a musical auteur who refuses to play it safe.
Tillman’s stage presence was magnetic. He balanced his dry wit with moments of genuine connection, making the audience feel like they were in on the joke, yet fully immersed in his artistry. The band was polished and precise, creating a rich sonic tapestry that enhanced Tillman’s already potent storytelling.
For those lucky enough to be in the room, the night was unforgettable. It was not just a preview of the upcoming tour but a reminder of why Father John Misty’s work resonates so deeply with fans. His ability to blend the profound with the playful, the intimate with the grandiose, left a lasting impression.
The official tour kicks off on February 12 in Chattanooga, TN, before wrapping up its U.S. leg on March 1 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., and then heading overseas. With many dates already sold out, fans who missed this “fake show” will have to act fast to secure tickets. If tonight was any indication, those in attendance on this tour are in for a masterclass in live performance.
As the crowd spilled out into the cold February night, the shared sentiment was clear: Father John Misty’s “mistakes” are the kind every artist should aspire to make.
To see full photo gallery, please click HERE.
To purchase tickets to the tour, click HERE.
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