Jack Antonoff Was ‘Worried’ About Performing Songs He Wrote for Margaret Qualley Following Split
Jack Antonoff says he will continue performing songs he wrote about Margaret Qualley, despite their separation, because changing the setlist would go against the honesty he has promised his audience. He described sharing the songs with fans who understand their changed meaning as “really beautiful”, and said he would rather experience difficult feelings publicly than avoid them in private.
The couple’s separation was reported in July after about three years of marriage; they had dated for roughly a year before marrying in New Jersey. Neither had reportedly filed to end the marriage at the time of the interview, and Qualley’s representative said there was no infidelity and that they still cared deeply for each other. Antonoff did not identify specific songs, though “You and Forever” and “Tiny Moves” may resonate differently now.
In short
- Antonoff plans to keep performing songs about Qualley.
- He says sharing them with fans has been meaningful.
- The couple separated after about three years of marriage.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Continuing to perform the songs can honour Antonoff’s commitment to artistic honesty and recognise that their meaning may evolve with his life. Sharing that change with listeners who connect to the music may also make a difficult experience feel less isolating.
The case against
Leaving the songs out could give both former partners more privacy while they adjust to the separation, especially when lyrics about a relationship may take on new meanings in public. A setlist can change without making the earlier work less honest, and choosing not to perform a song need not mean avoiding difficult feelings.
Explained simply
Jack Antonoff is an American musician, songwriter and record producer, best known as the frontman of the band Bleachers. He has also written and produced music for other artists, and sometimes performs songs drawn from his own life.
Margaret Qualley is an actor who married Antonoff in New Jersey after they had dated for about a year. Their separation was reported after roughly three years of marriage, though reports at the time said neither had filed to end it and that they still cared for each other.
Songs written during a relationship can take on new meanings after it ends. Antonoff has said he plans to keep performing his songs about Qualley, seeing the audience’s response as part of sharing them honestly.