Jack Antonoff Admits He Was Worried About Performing Songs Written for Margaret Qualley after Split

Jack Antonoff is continuing to perform songs inspired by his relationship with Margaret Qualley, despite the personal changes that have given them a new meaning. In an interview with The Guardian published Sunday, October 25, the Bleachers front man admitted he had worried about singing these tracks following their separation but ultimately decided to keep them in his set list for the ongoing Bleachers Forever Tour.

When asked whether recent events had tempted him to change the set list, Antonoff responded, “Oh, I can imagine what you’re going to say: It’s bizarre.” He acknowledged his concerns, saying, “I obviously was really worried about this specific thing,” before explaining that he had spent considerable time considering whether to remove the songs.

“I sat long and hard with it and thought: ‘If I change the set list …,’ and in my gut there was a unanimous jury that said, ‘No, this is the deal.’ The deal I’ve made with my audience is that I’m going to tell you honestly how I feel and I’m going to risk at any moment having to stand behind it for f–king ever.”

Despite those initial worries, Antonoff described performing the songs as a positive experience. “It’s actually been really beautiful,” he said, reflecting on how audiences understand the stories behind his music and recognize how their meaning can change over time.

“For people to come together, to know what I write a song about, to know how that must feel for me now, to know what that song means to you as an audience member, to just hold it all and sort of celebrate … I would rather live through something publicly than even escape it privately.”

Antonoff and Qualley’s separation was first reported in July after approximately three years of marriage. The couple had dated for around a year before reportedly getting engaged in the first half of 2022. Their New Jersey wedding was attended by several celebrities, including Taylor Swift. Following the separation news, a representative for Qualley told E! News that there had been no infidelity and that the pair still had “deep love and care for one another.”

Although Antonoff did not identify specific songs in the interview, Bleachers tracks such as ‘You and Forever’ and ‘Tiny Moves’ may carry different meanings for him now. Qualley starred in the music video for the former. During a Los Angeles show in September, Antonoff also joked when a fan requested the 2017 love song ‘Let’s Get Married’, responding, “Read the news, brother.”

Addressing online criticism, Antonoff added, “I don’t give a f–k any more,” dismissing the negativity surrounding artists’ personal lives. His decision to keep performing these songs reflects his commitment to honesty. This decision further allowed both the music and its meaning to evolve with his experiences.

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