Morrissey

Morrissey at the Royal Albert Hall, 7th March 2018

This was my seventh time seeing the Mozfather live and, having needed a telescope to see him last time I went (at the O2), this time I had splashed out on a good seat. I treated myself, in other words, and I'm glad I did, because being up close really made the evening. And not just for the photos and videos I took, but for the details ... the looks on his face, the hand gestures. All of that. You don't get it from the back of an enormodome, even with Jumbotrons to help. But anyway. After a quick perusal of the merchandise stall (offering scarves, fans, badges and pillowcases as well as the obligatory t-shirts, none of which featured contemporary photographs of Moz), I took my seat early and, if I'm honest, with a little trepidation. Reviews of earlier shows on the tour had been mixed, with The Guardian very much determined not to enjoy themselves. Also, I'm often a little unsure how gigs in all-seater venues will play out - often, the atmosphere is different, I think. Less of a spark. And I was concerned that, although my ticket clearly said "Morrissey plus special guests", I had read that the support act was a film show, not a band... At precisely 8.15pm the pre-show back-drop picture of the late Peter Wyngarde as Jason King disappeared, and the film show started.

To be honest, "film show" is over stating it a bit. YouTube clips spliced together is more accurate. But it was an eclectic selection - with links to the clips used where possible, the montage included: early Ramones; Something Here In My Heart by 60s girl group The Paper Dolls; Tatu covering How Soon Is Now? on a German retread of TOTP; The Sound Of The Crowd by The Human League; Say It Loud, I'm Black And I'm Proud by James Brown; a spoken word Candy Darling clip (I think); Dionne Warwick singing Don't Make Me Over; a drag artist joking about nationality; The Sex Pistols singing God Save The Queen; a 60s-looking civil rights speech for racial equality that I couldn't ID; Sally's Song by Amy Lee; a Germaine Greer talking head spot; a clip from L'Insoumis of Alain Delon reclining into his Queen Is Dead sleeve art pose (which got a big cheer); It's The Same Old Song by The Four Tops; Jet Boy by The New York Dolls ... and probably more besides. Throughout this, the bloke sitting next to me kept looking up the songs on Shazam - when he couldn't get a match for the James Brown track, I had to lean over and help him out. He even Shazam'ed the Sex Pistols track, surely one of the least ambiguous tracks of the last fifty years. But I digress.

At precisely 8.50pm the screen that all this had been projected on was whipped down, and out strode Morrissey and his band. He cuts a substantial figure these days, does Moz - not fat but no longer the skinny, callow figure of yesteryear. Middle-aged spread comes to us all if you we eat too many pies, even vegetarian pies. And the fabled quiff is largely a thing of the past, a victim of a receding hairline. But he is still magnetic on stage, owning the space. Dressed top to toe in dark clothes, a string of beads and a dangling key fob completed Morrissey's look. The band, by contrast, were all in white shirts. The stage was lit with neon prefect badge shapes, a nod to the Low In High School theme.

After opening strongly with The Last Of The Famous International Playboys and I Wish You Lonely, the audience was treated to the first of many asides from a pleasantly chatty Moz: "So amazingly, I'm still alive. The question is, are you?" This was followed by Jacky's Only Happy When She's Up On The Stage, which slowed things down a bit, before a stomping Suedehead, which sped them back up again. The crowd, predictably, went wild for this, even though many of them weren't alive when it was released.

After this, there was a bit of a pause whilst Moz dispensed with the line of security at the front of the stage who were spoiling the devoted's view, and complained to unseen crew member Max about a spotlight giving him a headache. When it was turned off, he remarked, "Now you can't see me, which is pretty perfect." This was followed by recent album track When You Open Your Legs, before another aside between tracks: a propos of nothing, Moz appeared to say something like, "Please believe me, I'm not. People are extremely ignorant. They can't be controlled, so don't control them." Was this a reference to Der Spiegel's recent portrayal of him? We may never know.

Slightly unexpectedly, for me at least, Munich Air Disaster 1958 was next, complete with archive footage of Busby's Babes projected on the back screen. "We miss them," Moz concluded. This was swiftly followed by Home Is A Question Mark, for which Jesse Tobias unleashed an electric 12-string and I got a sudden bout of guitarist's envy. After My Love, I'd Do Anything For You, the stage lighting switched to red and yellow as a clue for what was coming next. "This song is delightful," said Moz. "About slavery and servitude in Espana." After which the band launched into The Bullfighter Dies, accompanied by fairly explicit video footage of bulls being stabbed by matadors (during the verses) and matadors being gored (during the "hooray, hooray" chorus). The point was well, if graphically, made.

The only real lull in the show followed, with a slightly flat run-through of If You Don't Like Me, Don't Look At Me. Quite a lot of people went for drinks. Not me though. So I was there to see the cover of Pretenders' track Back On The Chain Gang that followed (backdropped with Chrissie Hynde's yearbook photo), and Moz introducing World Peace Is None Of Your Business by saying, "We invented democracy. We invented free speech. I think it's time we got it back."

The next track was a personal favourite, Hold On To Your Friends, at the end of which (slightly bizarrely) Moz signed some vinyl for people in the front row, whilst the crowd chanted his name. Then pianist Gustavo Manzur teased an elongated version of the piano intro to In Your Lap before the band launched into Everyday Is Like Sunday and the crowd combusted. This was the first in a run of five blistering tracks: Jack The Ripper was next, with the stage bathed in red light and smoke; then came recent single Spent The Day In Bed, quite a singalong for the crowd; this was followed by live favourite Speedway, which has lost none of its power; and then, the only Smiths track of the night, How Soon Is Now?, ending with drummer Matthew Ira Walker letting loose on the gong and timpani.

This might have been the obvious point at which to end the main set, but no. Who Will Protect Us From The Police? and I'm Not Sorry followed, before the band lined up to take a bow. Then they slipped off-stage, only to return minutes later, for Morrissey to say goodnight with "As always, be good to yourself, be kind to animals and look after each other. And that's it really." Moz had changed his shirt, donning a plain white number that, predictably enough, was thrown into the crowd at the end of the sole encore track, a thumping Irish Blood, English heart. As the band scooted off-stage, Jesse launched a plectrum into the crowd too, but not many noticed - they were too busy forming a polite but determined scrum around the shirt.

And then the house lights came up and it was all over. I have to tell you, I felt ecstatic. As I've already said, sitting so close to the action made a real difference and changed, for me, what might have just been Morrissey singing into Morrissey performing. And although I'd taken my proper camera, rather than rely on my phone, I came away feeling I wanted an actual souvenir, a keepsake more substantial than digital photographs ... so I bought a set of Moz lapel badges from the merch stall on the way out. As I trudged through a dark Hyde Park to Lancaster Gate tube, I reflected that this was, if not the best I had seen Moz, certainly in the top three.

Wow. Morrissey has been my favourite artist for a long time. But last night just exceeded my expectations by far. He played two of songs by The Smiths, firstly I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish. The vocals he has are just amazing, truly truly brillaint. He did How Soon Is Now and the atmosphere was incredible. He did some brilliant songs from his new album Low In High School my favourite being I Wish You Lonely. He also did Suedehead, Everyday Is Like Sunday and Jack The Ripper which were all absolutely fantastic. At one song there was a digereedoo being played and the rest of his band were very active with the crowd. Morrissey himself was lovely and charming and spoke to the crowd a lot. But the moment for me was Speedway. He played it before he came on for his encore, I was so so sure that he wasn’t going to play it and then I heard the Speedway noise. I lit up and just could not believe I was hearing my favourite song. He left some parts of the first verse blank and that was so amazing to hear the crowd sing. I cried throughout and cried after. He was so beautiful and it was the best experience of my life so far.

The venue itself was really good and where Morrissey was positioned was brilliant because we were stood on the side and still had perfect view. And I’m quite small.

Morrissey is one-of-a-kind. I have been listening and admiring his work since The Smiths days and have followed his solo career with equal enthusiasm. His lyrics are amazing and awe-inspiring and his voice melodic and haunting.
I attended a fantastic concert by Morrissey quite by accident. I was driving through Wichita Falls, Texas with a friend and saw a giant LED sign from the highway advertising his concert that very evening. What an unusual twist of circumstances! Well, I immediately said (perhaps shouted) to my friend driving - pull over! I pointed out the sign and demanded that we stop, get a hotel room, and attend the concert if possible. My friend absolutely agreed. The show did not disappoint. Despite being an international music icon, Morissey seems to be not one bit deterred from small theaters in small cities and puts on a fantastic show. Whether you are familiar with Morrissey or not, you will enjoy his concerts thoroughly. He has one of the most enchanting voices that you will ever hear, coupled with astounding and thought-provoking lyrics that come to life in person. Plus, Morissey appeals to a wide range of fans of all ages and backgrounds, so the audience is a fun mix of people.

While critical adoration for Stephen Patrick Morrissey has fluctuated throughout his career – from adulation to vilification and back again – the adoration of his fan base has been a constant. Droves of Moz devotees (fan being too measly a word for the borderline worshipping that goes on at his shows) still flock to see the former Smiths frontman play not only songs from the Morrissey / Marr heyday, but from his growing back catalogue of solo material that contains more than its own share of indie classics ("Everyday Is Like Sunday," "Suedehead" and "Irish Blood, English Heart") generate cheers at the very least on the level of "Still Ill" - that is, if he feels like playing it. Another thing undiminished by the passage of time is Morrissey’s inimitable voice, which remains as expressive and on the money as ever, along with the prowess of his backing band. Led by long time collaborator Boz Boorer, it’s only when witnessing them live that you discover the true reason he’s so reluctant to reform The Smiths, no matter how much money he’s thrown at them – frankly (Mr. Shankly), with a band so attuned to his idiosyncrasies as this one, there just isn’t any need.

Saw him last night at the Tennessee Theater. It was phenomenal. I'm in awe of how good his voice was at his age. Notice, not good FOR his age, just great....at his age. Last night elevated my like for his music that much more. The videos don't do him justice. My wife was right about that part, and I'm listening to recent concerts on Youtube, I concur. Aside from his amazing voice, charisma, and style, the band was fantastic. The melodies were off the charts. While 20 minutes too short, standard for him, it was definitely in the top 3 venues I've been to. As far as whole package, the best. You just can't get enough of the man.

Last note on this, in an interview when commenting on why his concerts are on the shorter side, he remarked how his songs are very wordy and there's very little pausing, it's just word heavy, and that it would be easier to do 2 hours if you're fiddling with the guitar and all the other things that take up time. So, just keep that in mind when feel like it wasn't long enough. Plus, he's 65 :)

When I first learned that Morrissey would be coming to Visalia, I couldn't believe it. I was over the moon excited as I've been a fan for a very long time.

Given the length of his career, it was hard to pinpoint what exactly he'd include in his set list. But as the band hit the stage and the lights came on, it was pure magic.

The energy of the crowd was amazing and that was just intensified by the vivid imagery of the visuals used and beautifully sad voice of Morrissey. I didn't know what to expect live as I've never seen him before but I was absolutely enthralled the whole time.

Despite several stage jumpers, Morrissey was completely focused on delivering a magnificent performance. I had heard horror story about sets being insanely short or last minute cancellations but the two hours he played will forever stay with me. I don't know how else to say it--everyone NEEDS to see this man at least once. I was deeply moved.

I purchased these tickets as soon as I knew of their upcoming existence. I had very high hopes and I was teeming with excitement to see this artist. I was severely let down. We arrive at the venue on NYE for the show which was supposed to begin at 8:00 pm. No supporting acts, so we waited staring at a projector screen showing random stuff for over an hour. He begins with Suedehead at around 9:10 and I think to myself ok, this is worth the wait. It was all downhill from there.

A bunch of newer songs and another guy singing in Spanish. I have nothing against the Spanish language, I am of South American descent but I paid to see Morrissey. I know he's a big activist and speaks out against animals as food but I wasn't looking to be depressed on NYE. He performed 'Meat is Murder' with slaughterhouse footage in the background. That was the last straw for me, evening ruined. Happy New Year!!

I will not go see him live again.

I thought the "artist" request of not providing any sort of meat at the concert JUST because he is vegan, plus the video showing how animals are being slaughtered for human consumption was absolutely disgusting. Everyone is entitled to be carnivore, vegetarian, vegan WITHOUT being judged by others.

Then, as if it wasn't enough, he started going all "political" about it in the middle of the concert. WELL, I DID NOT PAY TO HEAR HIS POLITICAL VIEWS, I PAID TO LISTEN TO HIM SINGING!

He has clearly shown a total lack of respect for his public, only catering for his own self!

And ALL THAT SHIT to just hear 3 songs I relate to!!!!!

My first AND last time watching Morrissey! a tick in my blacklist.

The rest was fine, organisation, venue etc

2 out of 10 for me

Well I had pretty awesome seats so I got an up and close experience and after waiting 30 plus years to see him then months after a cancelled show I wasn't disappointed.. Of course I wish he played more of my absolute favorites he did give me a real satisfying fix of in my opinion some of his best shit... Although I wish I could hear clearer the banter he exchanged with the crowd or maybe it's cause he was mumbling for he looked like he was semi inebriated well a bit more then semi.. I wasn't disappointed.. Maybe cause I was also more then past semi...and yes I'm referring to my lady boner and party lubricants combo .. Worth the money.. The wait... The exhaustion felt next day after the hype wore off and life resumed

As the drums from The Queen is Dead sounded, I knew this was going to be a fantastic night! 'Hello Manchester!' And the night kicked off with Suedehead. Morrissey was on fine form, his vocals were perfect and of course the Mozza charm you expect to hear! There was a large array of Morrisseys solo work including 2 Smiths tracks, one of them was the harrowingly brilliant Meat is Murder sending chills down the spine as Moz bellowed out the powerful lyrics.' 'I can see you are all tired.....so we will stay!! Until you wake up.' From Suedehead to Irish Blood, English heart it was a brilliant night and I wish I could do it all again!