BUTCH BASTARD

Ian Murray, professionally known as “Butch Bastard” in the music world, is making headways as the opening act for popular folk rock musician Father John Misty (Josh Tillman) while the two travel through North America on Tillman’s spring Tour.

On Tuesday, May 2nd, fans from Grand Rapids, Michigan, lined up outside of GLC Live At 20 Monroe for the show, waiting in the cold and light snow warmed by nothing but excitement. Once showtime came around and everyone was finally warmed up, Butch Bastard brought even more heat as he stepped onstage with his acoustic guitar.

Murray brought a vibe that is rare yet admirable with opening acts and that’s the fact that he directly interacted with the audience. He spoke with the floor crowd in specific of his experience in Cleveland a few days prior, which was less than great according to Murray. He praised the Grand Rapids crowd for mirroring his energy and keeping things moving while he played his set, contrary to Cleveland’s audience.

The set itself consisted of older pieces such as Hot Blooded, Heavy Handed Blues along with tracks from his newest album, Las Vegas Salvation. One song in particular that stuck out to the audience was that of Waiting For A Hot Pocket. The sorrowful tone and accompaniment on the keys and electric guitar from two of Tillman’s own bandmembers hit everybody right in the heartstrings which is just what an opening act should bring before the main attraction comes on.

Possessing a sound that is similar to artists such as Colter Wall, Sam Filiatreau, and Father John Misty himself, Butch Bastard is sure to grow and develop as a budding artist and new listeners are over the moon about what’s to come for this guy who up until recently, has only been playing bar gigs.

Check out Butch Bastard’s newest album here and give his Instagram a look here!