This past week Morrissey was in a bookstore in New York City. An elderly woman fell nearby. He bent down to gather her belongings and ask if she was ok or if she would like him to call for help. The woman declined said all was well and touched his cheek in appreciation. From witness accounts Morrissey then appeared flustered and left the shop with no purchase.
Who cares right? Some old bat hits the dirt I think most humans would stop to help. Most- I think….well I hope. But Morrissey? What makes this bit news is the man has a rep of just being an ass. His songs in solo or with his former band The Smiths are stuff of saddness personified. Bleak desolate confused dark…right? I mean isnt Morrissey Captain Emo?
Giant hair…gay right? Totally flaming gay…tree hugger too, animal lover weirdo. Morrissey at age 53 is still one of the most confusingly wonderful men in rock and roll. If there ever were an artist who didnt stand firm in beliefe and for you to THINK, I cant think of their name. He actually helped someone? Doesnt he usually bitch about stuff and slam doors?
Due to the ridiculous generosity of Iman Lababedi, my daughter Mary Magpie and I will be attending Morrisseys solo show in Waterbury Connecticut on Saturday October 6th. In one night a mother and child will experience a mutual idol. I have been a fan since first hearing The Smiths. The Magpie a concious fan since the moment she realized that voice shes heard since in the womb was Morrissey. Pretty cool that shes grown up to realize greatness in 'older' music. She has much more range than I- good for her.
Seeing Morrissey live will complete my bucket list of musical idols. I will be able to say I have seen every one of my musical Gods perform live. Joe Strummer, Joey Ramone, Chrissie Hynde, Exene Cervanka……now Morrissey.
I have had the honor if not downright horror of speaking to all but Chrissie and Morrissey. Chrissie I could not speak to if even on my death bed. Not worthy-she is far too much of a Goddess for a mere mortal to utter in her presence. (bow, kneel genuflect). Morrissey? Well I doubt I could do it. I think I would fall over (as I did on my first meet with Strummer), or babble about cats or something.
I was speaking with Iman of ways to meet Morrissey. I could throw my cat on the stage or maybe throw Mary, shes light. That'd get his attention. Stalk his bus? I intend on staking out the venue day of (if your going can you bring me a latte'?) I could cause a scene in the crowd (hell nearly dying is how I first met the Clash!), but then what? What do you say to someone who is so brilliant? Would they even understand what your trying to say?
Do you thank them? "Hey, Steven.. totally thanks for the feelings' uhh.. Do you ask something? "So like… whats up with that hairdresser on fire bit?" Do you just shake his hand and IS ANYONE WORTHY TO TOUCH HIM? That elderly lady touched his cheek..could I do that? Nope.
On my last meeting with Strummer I got the nerve up to kiss him on the cheek. He kissed mine and gave me the warmest nearly paternal hug in return. Could I do that to Morriseey? Nope.
In writing here you see how much I hate just about everything. Im cynical and opinionated- downright cruel and closed minded. This is a glimpse into the human side of me. I too can become overwhelmed by those I admire. I can instantly go from tough bitch to blithering idiot simply out of awe. Very few people can do this too me but knowing that a simple touch from an little old lady makes Morrissey feel uneasy, makes me wonder if perhaps we are more similar than I ever realized.