Jack Antonoff breaks silence on performing songs about Margaret Qualley after split

Jack Antonoff says he was worried about performing songs linked to Margaret Qualley after their reported separation

Jack Antonoff has revealed that he was worried about performing songs connected to his relationship with Margaret Qualley following their reported separation.

The Bleachers frontman discussed the challenge in an interview with The Guardian published on October 25, explaining why he decided to keep the songs in his live setlist.

Antonoff was asked whether the changes in his personal life had made him consider altering the setlist for the ongoing Bleachers Forever Tour. He acknowledged that the situation had concerned him but ultimately decided against removing the songs.

The musician said he had thought carefully about the decision and felt a responsibility to remain honest with his audience through his music. He added that performing the songs had turned out to be a positive experience, as fans understood their original meaning and recognised how their significance might have changed.

Antonoff said he would rather experience personal circumstances publicly through his performances than try to avoid them privately. He did not identify specific tracks during the interview, although songs such as “You and Forever” and “Tiny Moves” have been associated with his relationship with Qualley. Qualley appeared in the music video for “You and Forever”.

News of Antonoff and Qualley’s separation emerged in July, after approximately three years of marriage. The couple had reportedly dated for around a year before getting engaged in 2022 and marrying in New Jersey. A representative for Qualley previously told E! News that there had been no infidelity and described the relationship as one marked by respect, partnership, love and care.

Neither had reportedly filed to legally end their marriage at the time of the interview.

Antonoff also addressed online criticism, saying he no longer wanted to engage with negative commentary about his relationship or other aspects of his life. His remarks offer insight into how he plans to continue performing personal music while navigating changes in his private life.