Morrissey was in rare form Saturday night. Chatting, joking, teasing and I, like some deer in the headlights star struck 12 year old, ate it with a spoon and I am unashamed.
I go to concerts fairly often and from the drop of the first tune I'm generally ok with saying 'seen it- lets go' but from the drop of "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" I was glued to the floor At age 53 Morrissey is the picture of aging with sex appeal Taught, tanned and without the previously noted "old man pants' he owned the stage at Port Chester New York's, Capitol Theater and he owned every person in that room.
The band was fantastic and drummer, Anthony Burulcich stole the spotlight more than once, Using the massive gong as a tribal warrior rally cry that the entire room was engulfed in Wait, wasn't he the drummer for The Bravery? Loved them too.
When going to a Morrissey show you can be certain of a couple things. Hes going to rant, hes going to meat is murder you, and hes going to be hugged. So lets cover those right away
Ranting- yes. Stating James Bond is considered sexy for killing people (and never gets arrested) and that posters of 007 gun at the ready are everywhere is considered cool. Yet 26 people were gunned down in Sandy Hook. "Mixed messages don't you think?" He also reminded us that we are all going to die so get on with it. Another pause to tell us that the phrase 'free gift' is redundant. We 'do not get invoiced for a present'. That was good to know, hes so freaking adorable and his delivery so snarky and short. The guy could get up there and give the ingredients of a pot pie and Id call it revelation and cry- he is simply that powerful.
Meat Is Murder. I camped out right behind the sound board. This gave me a comfy barricade to lean against a clear center view at the stage and a nice bit of elbow room. I despise humans so it was lovely to not have someones purse up my ass. But what was more shattering is the showing of PETA film Meat is Murder. As a vegan he's preaching to the choir. Its very difficult for me to watch, so I decided that was a good time to Tweet (follow us at _rocknyc_ !) I sang along of course, its my anthem. But suddenly I noticed to my left and right the women were squirming and as I looked up I saw both (on either side of me mind you-they were not together) were crying. This made my heart leap- finally! Impact! At the last show some idiot was screaming he wanted steak and how yummy they looked but this time- silence in the crowd full on tears. Victory. Until the poor woman on my right turned her back, looked at her companion took a step and hit the floor. Fainted smack dab there- poor dear. She did get up a minute later to be escorted out but let us hope there were some converts Saturday night. Amen. Note: Morrissey changed the last line to KFC is murder…..so quit eating there NOW.
The Huggin'. This bit at the encore is called 'stage invading'. Fans get on stage, hug the guy and walk off. The awesomeness here is that the staff of The fabulous Capitol Theater weren't advised of this so what took place was a human tug of war. Morrissey assisting people on the stage with a tug while the lanky 'security' staff shoved the other way. It was comedic it was awesome and that first kids arms should have been torn from their sockets. At one point a guard even shoved Morrissey aside to push a guy back. Classic. That fan was rewarded with a bear hug from Moz. I laughed aloud at the spectacle. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful show.
Wait this was a concert, right? Well musically it was more than that it was enchanting the band was powerful and with stoic faces and zero crowd interaction. They were there as backup to Morrissey and as that support they were strong and unflinchable. Not bored in anyway but rather blending in as backdrop. Lighting was like lasik surgery in that tiny venue with singing flashes throughout. I now have 20/20 vision, thanks!
Morrissey's voice was gorgeous and as he sang "Please, Please Please" in the soft slow nearly prayerful manner the crowd was silent until he looked up as an 'all clear' signal to join in. And join they did.
This show was such contrast to the Waterbury show last October. Morrissey looks more fit, happier (dare I say) and more engaged. The crowd was wonderful I was in heaven not being shoved or breathed on by drunks as I had in the fall. Mary Magpie bolted off and found a pocket of adults who allowed her 5' 2''' self a fantastic vantage point to shoot the photos and video you see here. Thanks to them for not shoving her to the ground as was the case at The Waterbury Palace.
This was the best concert of my entire life. Best in every regard from how I got there to what I saw right down to the temperature of the room. Oh and thank you to the wonderful sound board operator for being mindful of me. What a gent. There is no grade high enough for this show- Morrissey is magic.
Setlist: That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore / Speedway / Everyday Is Like Sunday / Action Is My Middle Name / Shoplifters Of The World Unite / Alma Matters / Maladjusted / Still Ill / I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris / Ouija Board, Ouija Board / You're The One For Me, Fatty / Black Cloud / November Spawned A Monster / To Give (The Reason I Live) / I Know It's Over / Let Me Kiss You / Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want / Meat Is Murder // How Soon Is Now?