Article: Edinburgh, Scotland - Usher Hall (July 30, 2012) post-show

[davidt]

You can view the page at http://www.morrissey-solo.com/content/856-Edinburgh-Scotland-Usher-Hall-(July-30-2012)-post-show

[Anonymous]

The Morrissey Can Do No Wrong Brigade will love it. And the Morrissey Can Do No Right Brigade will hate it.

Now let's just have a set list please.

[Miss Garden]

http://instagram.com/p/Ns3T7IsgXJ/
http://instagram.com/p/NuGjgmBZg1/
http://instagram.com/p/Nt9UGuBZqi/
http://instagram.com/p/Nt9e_UQPP1/
http://instagram.com/p/Nt-rTVhZrl/
http://instagram.com/p/Nt_tUChZsS/
http://instagram.com/p/NuCXg4BZuL/

[pubrockcoma]

Brilliant gig by moz.
Setlist changed from previous nights:

Lovely touch when guy near the front had microphone and mentioned his friend who had passed away this year, moz then dedicated next song to him (Kevin Roberts)

Band had 'COSH' on their tshirts , boz in drag

Several stage invaders at how soon is now in the encore .

Last night I dreamt somebody loved me.
Everyday is like Sunday
Alma matters
Throwing my arms around Paris
You have killed me
Shoplifters
Your the one for me fatty
Speedway
Maladjusted
Still ill
One day goodbye will be farewell
Ouija board ouija board
I know it's over
Let me kiss you
People are the same everywhere
To give (the reason I live)
please please let get me what I want this time.
I will see you in far off places
Meat is murder


How soon is now?

[Iarwain]

Hm that setlist is slightly better than Manchester's, wish I'd gone to both gigs now! Would have loved to hear One Day Goodbye, and Shoplifters for Scandanavia is a great swap. No Black Cloud or Action is my middle name?

[Anonymous]

Sorry folks I'm a moz fan, but thats either the set list of an angry old man or as more likely someone signalling he's on the way out. Loads of songs referencing last of/ what will you do in future etc... Read the song lyrics. Hope I'm wrong but also hope before he hang up his mic that he does a full on back cat masterpiece

[Anonymous]

Well well well!!!! Manchester made him and he chooses to put a shift in for Edinburgh!!!
Maybe Edinburgh City Council gave him the key to the city eh????????

[grant gauld]

Manchester was amazing but tonight moz was the capital of the world, i will sleep a very happy man tonight.
As for the royal family, please depart now

[Anonymous]

What would Edinburgh be without the rain?

Who knows...but it wouldn't be Edinburgh.

What would we be without Morrissey?

Happy, well adjusted, successful...normal?

Maybe...but I'm glad I've got Morrissey even if I lack those other things.

The crowd at the Usher Hall is the usual unusual.

Balding, middle-aged men desperately tugging the last few stray strands of hair to attention in an effort to make something that vaguely resembles a quiff.

Young turks with skinny jeans, fat egos and good shoes.

Pretty girls, pretty boys.

At least one skinhead in beautiful shoes.

People old enough to know better.

People young enough to know no different.

As the imperfect list blares from the sound system the atmosphere in the hall transforms us from this rag-tag bunch of misfits into one perfectly formed mass...we're all here because of the tie that binds.

Morrissey hits the stage looking fighting fit and able...trim, muscular, perky.

"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" is, in any setting and at any time, one of the most beautiful songs in the popular music songbook. It's a bold move to open a concert with a song like this...it's haunting, affecting and full of yearning. Every line is bawled back at the master and when the roof nearly comes off the venue at it's close it all makes sense.

He then roars through "Everyday is Like Sunday" and "Alma Matters" with the band sounding tight and his voice getting stronger with every verse one can't help but feel that this could be a night to remember. Who else could take a single like "Alma" which barely made a dent in the charts and that features on an album that is, at best, patchy by his standards and make it sound like the only song you every wanted to hear?

When he hands the mic to the front row a Northern lass pleads with him; "Coom to Wigan Morrissey...please, coom to Wigan." Taking the mic back he barks "No" and then we are headlong into a clutch of four singles in a row; "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris", "You Have Killed Me", "Shoplifters of the World Tonight" and "You're the One for me Fatty". Before he introduces his band of "love hungry bachelors" we are given "Speedway" which is given a re-working but doesn't suffer as a result...if anything it sounds better than ever.

Casual observers and supporters of Morrissey would now be looking for "First of the Gang to Die", "This Charming Man" and "Irish Blood English Heart"...Morrissey isn't one for giving people what they want so instead we are given a blistering rendition of "Maladjusted" which is played with such aggression, such power and such ferocity that I am left reeling. Then it's the glory of "Still Ill", the demanding "One Day Goodbye Will be Farewell" and the hysterical but moving "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" before being emotionally assaulted by "I Know It's Over".

I'm not sure that before tonight any of those songs would feature in my personal "Best of..." collection but after hearing them tonight they won't ever be off of that collection.

At the end of "Let Me Kiss You" Morrissey strips to the waist...not an unusual sight at a Morrissey concert but one which, in recent years (if we are being honest) has resulted in a few downward glances as we have tried to avoid the fact that our personal saviour has fallen victim of middle-age spread. Not tonight. He looks fabulous. I'm saying no more for fear of plunging myself into some sort of homo-erotic coma.

"Todays lesson is that we are all, all of us, minorities..." is the introduction to the only unreleased song we hear tonight. "People are the Same Everywhere" sounds like it is cut from the same cloth as "All You Need is Me" or "Something is Squeezing my Skull". It's power-pop...rocky and raucous. I like it...so there.

The cover version of "To Give" by Frankie Valli is dedicated to Kevin Roberts a Morrissey fan given a mention by a friend in the front row. He passed away earlier this year, was a huge Morrissey fan and his friend wanted to have him remembered so when the mic came to him he told us all about him and Morrissey preceded the song with a simply "For Kevin". A beautiful moment and a none too subtle reminder of how important Morrissey is to so many of us.

"We all know that the British judiciary killed Oscar Wilde and that something similar happened to Shelley, Byron, Keats and Yeats by the establishment. The British establishment rewards mediocrity and the mediocre. It also hates people who are not mediocre so..."

"Please, please, please..." is so moving tonight that, genuinely, I am in tears by the time it ends. I'm confident I'm not the only one.

"I Will See You in Far Off Places" is thumping, loud, aggressive, blistering and rage filled. It's a glorious reminder of why Morrissey matters. Without a record deal, and stubbornly refusing to do the DIY thing, it is easy to see him as old news, yesterdays man. But when he can write songs like this, that have more to say about the world we live in than any public proclamation by the vile David Cameron ever could, it is clear to see why we need him now more than ever.

Most artists like to end on a high note...a romp through a few of the "oldies", the fans favourites...Morrissey chooses to end the set with "Meat is Murder" complete with a gruesome set of images that may well serve to convert yet another generation of fans to the vegetarian cause. It's powerful and political.

An encore of "How Soon is Now" seems like the only possible way a concert like this could have ended. A trip down memory lane, the greatest single his old band never released, a clarion call to the lonely...it's everything you need to know about Morrissey.

8 singles.

A cover version.

7 Smiths songs.

Album tracks from "Maladjusted", "Vauxhall and I", "Ringleader of the Tormentors", "The Queen is Dead", "The Smiths", "Meat is Murder" and "Strangeways Here We Come" (I'm sure I've missed or mistaken some of the songs...forgive me, it's late).

1 unreleased song.

People will complain no matter what Morrissey plays...there is always something you want, something you are tired of...but the truth is that 20 songs over 90 minutes with all sorts of treats packed in isn't really a set you can complain about.

The last night of the tour...questions over whether or not he will tour again, will he ever release another album, will we see his autobiography? For now though I'm glad I was there...I sang my heart out, I laughed, I cried and I felt part of something.

What more could you want?

[Mozzersmandan]

^^^^ brilliant review anon

thanks

[Anonymous]

Great gig. Morrissey's voice sounded fantastic throughout. First half of concert was sublime, from 'Last Night I Dreamt...' through to 'Still Ill'. Second half had not quite so enjoyable but 'How Soon Is Now' sounded good, and overall a great atmosphere.

[Miss Garden]

https://twitter.com/jackkirwan10/status/230063798625636352/photo/1

[Anonymous]

Great show, great voice, great band.
Very good support.
Thanks

[Anonymous]

Just back. A brilliant gig! Moz was in top form. Hard to recall when I've seen him (or the band) perform any better....I must admit after scanning some of the manchester 'reviews' yesterday I wasn't sure if he'd deliver the goods in Edinburgh, but pleased to report Our Man absolutely did not disappoint! Truly excellent! I've seen him loads of times, but really could not fault tonights gig...the anonymous poster above has said everything better alrerady than I could anyway!

Ps. I was quite near the front / middle area for the latter half of the gig and almost fainted during Meat is Murder (2nd last song) due to the intense heat. I'd like to say thanks a million to the guy in the blue/green shirt on my left who helped me get back on my feet and steady myself...! Cheers mate, I owe you a one, you were a star!

Forget the Manc moaners, Morrissey.....come back to Scotland anytime!
Lotsa love.

E.

[hand in glove]

What would Edinburgh be without the rain?

Who knows...but it wouldn't be Edinburgh.

What would we be without Morrissey?

Happy, well adjusted, successful...normal?

Maybe...but I'm glad I've got Morrissey even if I lack those other things.

The crowd at the Usher Hall is the usual unusual.

Balding, middle-aged men desperately tugging the last few stray strands of hair to attention in an effort to make something that vaguely resembles a quiff.

Young turks with skinny jeans, fat egos and good shoes.

Pretty girls, pretty boys.

At least one skinhead in beautiful shoes.

People old enough to know better.

People young enough to know no different.

As the imperfect list blares from the sound system the atmosphere in the hall transforms us from this rag-tag bunch of misfits into one perfectly formed mass...we're all here because of the tie that binds.

Morrissey hits the stage looking fighting fit and able...trim, muscular, perky.

"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" is, in any setting and at any time, one of the most beautiful songs in the popular music songbook. It's a bold move to open a concert with a song like this...it's haunting, affecting and full of yearning. Every line is bawled back at the master and when the roof nearly comes off the venue at it's close it all makes sense.

He then roars through "Everyday is Like Sunday" and "Alma Matters" with the band sounding tight and his voice getting stronger with every verse one can't help but feel that this could be a night to remember. Who else could take a single like "Alma" which barely made a dent in the charts and that features on an album that is, at best, patchy by his standards and make it sound like the only song you every wanted to hear?

When he hands the mic to the front row a Northern lass pleads with him; "Coom to Wigan Morrissey...please, coom to Wigan." Taking the mic back he barks "No" and then we are headlong into a clutch of four singles in a row; "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris", "You Have Killed Me", "Shoplifters of the World Tonight" and "You're the One for me Fatty". Before he introduces his band of "love hungry bachelors" we are given "Speedway" which is given a re-working but doesn't suffer as a result...if anything it sounds better than ever.

Casual observers and supporters of Morrissey would now be looking for "First of the Gang to Die", "This Charming Man" and "Irish Blood English Heart"...Morrissey isn't one for giving people what they want so instead we are given a blistering rendition of "Maladjusted" which is played with such aggression, such power and such ferocity that I am left reeling. Then it's the glory of "Still Ill", the demanding "One Day Goodbye Will be Farewell" and the hysterical but moving "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" before being emotionally assaulted by "I Know It's Over".

I'm not sure that before tonight any of those songs would feature in my personal "Best of..." collection but after hearing them tonight they won't ever be off of that collection.

At the end of "Let Me Kiss You" Morrissey strips to the waist...not an unusual sight at a Morrissey concert but one which, in recent years (if we are being honest) has resulted in a few downward glances as we have tried to avoid the fact that our personal saviour has fallen victim of middle-age spread. Not tonight. He looks fabulous. I'm saying no more for fear of plunging myself into some sort of homo-erotic coma.

"Todays lesson is that we are all, all of us, minorities..." is the introduction to the only unreleased song we hear tonight. "People are the Same Everywhere" sounds like it is cut from the same cloth as "All You Need is Me" or "Something is Squeezing my Skull". It's power-pop...rocky and raucous. I like it...so there.

The cover version of "To Give" by Frankie Valli is dedicated to Kevin Roberts a Morrissey fan given a mention by a friend in the front row. He passed away earlier this year, was a huge Morrissey fan and his friend wanted to have him remembered so when the mic came to him he told us all about him and Morrissey preceded the song with a simply "For Kevin". A beautiful moment and a none too subtle reminder of how important Morrissey is to so many of us.

"We all know that the British judiciary killed Oscar Wilde and that something similar happened to Shelley, Byron, Keats and Yeats by the establishment. The British establishment rewards mediocrity and the mediocre. It also hates people who are not mediocre so..."

"Please, please, please..." is so moving tonight that, genuinely, I am in tears by the time it ends. I'm confident I'm not the only one.

"I Will See You in Far Off Places" is thumping, loud, aggressive, blistering and rage filled. It's a glorious reminder of why Morrissey matters. Without a record deal, and stubbornly refusing to do the DIY thing, it is easy to see him as old news, yesterdays man. But when he can write songs like this, that have more to say about the world we live in than any public proclamation by the vile David Cameron ever could, it is clear to see why we need him now more than ever.

Most artists like to end on a high note...a romp through a few of the "oldies", the fans favourites...Morrissey chooses to end the set with "Meat is Murder" complete with a gruesome set of images that may well serve to convert yet another generation of fans to the vegetarian cause. It's powerful and political.

An encore of "How Soon is Now" seems like the only possible way a concert like this could have ended. A trip down memory lane, the greatest single his old band never released, a clarion call to the lonely...it's everything you need to know about Morrissey.

8 singles.

A cover version.

7 Smiths songs.

Album tracks from "Maladjusted", "Vauxhall and I", "Ringleader of the Tormentors", "The Queen is Dead", "The Smiths", "Meat is Murder" and "Strangeways Here We Come" (I'm sure I've missed or mistaken some of the songs...forgive me, it's late).

1 unreleased song.

People will complain no matter what Morrissey plays...there is always something you want, something you are tired of...but the truth is that 20 songs over 90 minutes with all sorts of treats packed in isn't really a set you can complain about.

The last night of the tour...questions over whether or not he will tour again, will he ever release another album, will we see his autobiography? For now though I'm glad I was there...I sang my heart out, I laughed, I cried and I felt part of something.

What more could you want?

Thank you for such a wonderful review!

[Anonymous]

what more could you want ?

Amother 50 UK dates would be nice in 2013. And not in the cricket season.

Sorry but you did ask.

Strawberry.

[Anonymous]

Time to wake up and smell the coffee (Manchester the only U.K. gig!!!!!!)
Manchester means NOTHNG to him !!!!!!!
TOZZER!!!!!!

[meledinburgh]

Just got home the gig was a triumph I feel inspired

[johnnymunro]

What would Edinburgh be without the rain?

Who knows...but it wouldn't be Edinburgh.

What would we be without Morrissey?

Happy, well adjusted, successful...normal?

Maybe...but I'm glad I've got Morrissey even if I lack those other things.

The crowd at the Usher Hall is the usual unusual.

Balding, middle-aged men desperately tugging the last few stray strands of hair to attention in an effort to make something that vaguely resembles a quiff.

Young turks with skinny jeans, fat egos and good shoes.

Pretty girls, pretty boys.

At least one skinhead in beautiful shoes.

People old enough to know better.

People young enough to know no different.

As the imperfect list blares from the sound system the atmosphere in the hall transforms us from this rag-tag bunch of misfits into one perfectly formed mass...we're all here because of the tie that binds.

Morrissey hits the stage looking fighting fit and able...trim, muscular, perky.

"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" is, in any setting and at any time, one of the most beautiful songs in the popular music songbook. It's a bold move to open a concert with a song like this...it's haunting, affecting and full of yearning. Every line is bawled back at the master and when the roof nearly comes off the venue at it's close it all makes sense.

He then roars through "Everyday is Like Sunday" and "Alma Matters" with the band sounding tight and his voice getting stronger with every verse one can't help but feel that this could be a night to remember. Who else could take a single like "Alma" which barely made a dent in the charts and that features on an album that is, at best, patchy by his standards and make it sound like the only song you every wanted to hear?

When he hands the mic to the front row a Northern lass pleads with him; "Coom to Wigan Morrissey...please, coom to Wigan." Taking the mic back he barks "No" and then we are headlong into a clutch of four singles in a row; "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris", "You Have Killed Me", "Shoplifters of the World Tonight" and "You're the One for me Fatty". Before he introduces his band of "love hungry bachelors" we are given "Speedway" which is given a re-working but doesn't suffer as a result...if anything it sounds better than ever.

Casual observers and supporters of Morrissey would now be looking for "First of the Gang to Die", "This Charming Man" and "Irish Blood English Heart"...Morrissey isn't one for giving people what they want so instead we are given a blistering rendition of "Maladjusted" which is played with such aggression, such power and such ferocity that I am left reeling. Then it's the glory of "Still Ill", the demanding "One Day Goodbye Will be Farewell" and the hysterical but moving "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" before being emotionally assaulted by "I Know It's Over".

I'm not sure that before tonight any of those songs would feature in my personal "Best of..." collection but after hearing them tonight they won't ever be off of that collection.

At the end of "Let Me Kiss You" Morrissey strips to the waist...not an unusual sight at a Morrissey concert but one which, in recent years (if we are being honest) has resulted in a few downward glances as we have tried to avoid the fact that our personal saviour has fallen victim of middle-age spread. Not tonight. He looks fabulous. I'm saying no more for fear of plunging myself into some sort of homo-erotic coma.

"Todays lesson is that we are all, all of us, minorities..." is the introduction to the only unreleased song we hear tonight. "People are the Same Everywhere" sounds like it is cut from the same cloth as "All You Need is Me" or "Something is Squeezing my Skull". It's power-pop...rocky and raucous. I like it...so there.

The cover version of "To Give" by Frankie Valli is dedicated to Kevin Roberts a Morrissey fan given a mention by a friend in the front row. He passed away earlier this year, was a huge Morrissey fan and his friend wanted to have him remembered so when the mic came to him he told us all about him and Morrissey preceded the song with a simply "For Kevin". A beautiful moment and a none too subtle reminder of how important Morrissey is to so many of us.

"We all know that the British judiciary killed Oscar Wilde and that something similar happened to Shelley, Byron, Keats and Yeats by the establishment. The British establishment rewards mediocrity and the mediocre. It also hates people who are not mediocre so..."

"Please, please, please..." is so moving tonight that, genuinely, I am in tears by the time it ends. I'm confident I'm not the only one.

"I Will See You in Far Off Places" is thumping, loud, aggressive, blistering and rage filled. It's a glorious reminder of why Morrissey matters. Without a record deal, and stubbornly refusing to do the DIY thing, it is easy to see him as old news, yesterdays man. But when he can write songs like this, that have more to say about the world we live in than any public proclamation by the vile David Cameron ever could, it is clear to see why we need him now more than ever.

Most artists like to end on a high note...a romp through a few of the "oldies", the fans favourites...Morrissey chooses to end the set with "Meat is Murder" complete with a gruesome set of images that may well serve to convert yet another generation of fans to the vegetarian cause. It's powerful and political.

An encore of "How Soon is Now" seems like the only possible way a concert like this could have ended. A trip down memory lane, the greatest single his old band never released, a clarion call to the lonely...it's everything you need to know about Morrissey.

8 singles.

A cover version.

7 Smiths songs.

Album tracks from "Maladjusted", "Vauxhall and I", "Ringleader of the Tormentors", "The Queen is Dead", "The Smiths", "Meat is Murder" and "Strangeways Here We Come" (I'm sure I've missed or mistaken some of the songs...forgive me, it's late).

1 unreleased song.

People will complain no matter what Morrissey plays...there is always something you want, something you are tired of...but the truth is that 20 songs over 90 minutes with all sorts of treats packed in isn't really a set you can complain about.

The last night of the tour...questions over whether or not he will tour again, will he ever release another album, will we see his autobiography? For now though I'm glad I was there...I sang my heart out, I laughed, I cried and I felt part of something.

What more could you want?

Great review - You're totally on my wavelength - I'll post more (if you haven't already covered it!) tomorrow.

My lasting impression is Last Night I Dreamt - It was fucking superb - I could easily have left after that (and it crossed my mind to) and been happy, died happy indeed.

What a great night - Thank you Morrissey.

[johnnymunro]

PS - Guy with the iTablet in the middle of the stalls taking photos - You're a cock. The people filming it on mobiles are bad enough but you have taken it to a new level for me - Please don't bother in future - You look stupid and you were pissing off loads of folk near me.

More positive review/karma to follow tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

I'm such a flop fan, I didn't recognize "Maladjusted" till the chorus came in, oh dear. LNID was a strange opener, it's usually an encore.. not that I'll ever complain about him doing that one.

Surprised Imperfect List was revived, but that covers his rants for him. Getting the audience to talk to him/the crowd was a great new interactive touch, surprised that wasn't thought of before. Glad he never passed the mic to me, I wouldn't know what the hell to say to him other than cliched "thanks", but if this continues people could prepare shit.

HSIN seemed more muscular/layered than usual, I guess this new band are rather good? But what would I know. I liked the one new new song and dramatic ballad quite a lot on first listen, much better than the last new songs that were played. Now I'm really annoyed cause I want an album, following the holy 00s trinity will be difficult but I'm sure there's at least some more future Moz classics, he's delivered a few since the Quarry comeback so why would it stop now.

[Anonymous]

What would Edinburgh be without the rain?

Wow, you must have a great memory or had a digital camera with you. ;) Thanks for that great document of the night.

[Anonymous]

What would Edinburgh be without the rain?

Who knows...but it wouldn't be Edinburgh.

What would we be without Morrissey?

Happy, well adjusted, successful...normal?

Maybe...but I'm glad I've got Morrissey even if I lack those other things.

The crowd at the Usher Hall is the usual unusual.

Balding, middle-aged men desperately tugging the last few stray strands of hair to attention in an effort to make something that vaguely resembles a quiff.

Young turks with skinny jeans, fat egos and good shoes.

Pretty girls, pretty boys.

At least one skinhead in beautiful shoes.

People old enough to know better.

People young enough to know no different.

As the imperfect list blares from the sound system the atmosphere in the hall transforms us from this rag-tag bunch of misfits into one perfectly formed mass...we're all here because of the tie that binds.

Morrissey hits the stage looking fighting fit and able...trim, muscular, perky.

"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" is, in any setting and at any time, one of the most beautiful songs in the popular music songbook. It's a bold move to open a concert with a song like this...it's haunting, affecting and full of yearning. Every line is bawled back at the master and when the roof nearly comes off the venue at it's close it all makes sense.

He then roars through "Everyday is Like Sunday" and "Alma Matters" with the band sounding tight and his voice getting stronger with every verse one can't help but feel that this could be a night to remember. Who else could take a single like "Alma" which barely made a dent in the charts and that features on an album that is, at best, patchy by his standards and make it sound like the only song you every wanted to hear?

When he hands the mic to the front row a Northern lass pleads with him; "Coom to Wigan Morrissey...please, coom to Wigan." Taking the mic back he barks "No" and then we are headlong into a clutch of four singles in a row; "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris", "You Have Killed Me", "Shoplifters of the World Tonight" and "You're the One for me Fatty". Before he introduces his band of "love hungry bachelors" we are given "Speedway" which is given a re-working but doesn't suffer as a result...if anything it sounds better than ever.

Casual observers and supporters of Morrissey would now be looking for "First of the Gang to Die", "This Charming Man" and "Irish Blood English Heart"...Morrissey isn't one for giving people what they want so instead we are given a blistering rendition of "Maladjusted" which is played with such aggression, such power and such ferocity that I am left reeling. Then it's the glory of "Still Ill", the demanding "One Day Goodbye Will be Farewell" and the hysterical but moving "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" before being emotionally assaulted by "I Know It's Over".

I'm not sure that before tonight any of those songs would feature in my personal "Best of..." collection but after hearing them tonight they won't ever be off of that collection.

At the end of "Let Me Kiss You" Morrissey strips to the waist...not an unusual sight at a Morrissey concert but one which, in recent years (if we are being honest) has resulted in a few downward glances as we have tried to avoid the fact that our personal saviour has fallen victim of middle-age spread. Not tonight. He looks fabulous. I'm saying no more for fear of plunging myself into some sort of homo-erotic coma.

"Todays lesson is that we are all, all of us, minorities..." is the introduction to the only unreleased song we hear tonight. "People are the Same Everywhere" sounds like it is cut from the same cloth as "All You Need is Me" or "Something is Squeezing my Skull". It's power-pop...rocky and raucous. I like it...so there.

The cover version of "To Give" by Frankie Valli is dedicated to Kevin Roberts a Morrissey fan given a mention by a friend in the front row. He passed away earlier this year, was a huge Morrissey fan and his friend wanted to have him remembered so when the mic came to him he told us all about him and Morrissey preceded the song with a simply "For Kevin". A beautiful moment and a none too subtle reminder of how important Morrissey is to so many of us.

"We all know that the British judiciary killed Oscar Wilde and that something similar happened to Shelley, Byron, Keats and Yeats by the establishment. The British establishment rewards mediocrity and the mediocre. It also hates people who are not mediocre so..."

"Please, please, please..." is so moving tonight that, genuinely, I am in tears by the time it ends. I'm confident I'm not the only one.

"I Will See You in Far Off Places" is thumping, loud, aggressive, blistering and rage filled. It's a glorious reminder of why Morrissey matters. Without a record deal, and stubbornly refusing to do the DIY thing, it is easy to see him as old news, yesterdays man. But when he can write songs like this, that have more to say about the world we live in than any public proclamation by the vile David Cameron ever could, it is clear to see why we need him now more than ever.

Most artists like to end on a high note...a romp through a few of the "oldies", the fans favourites...Morrissey chooses to end the set with "Meat is Murder" complete with a gruesome set of images that may well serve to convert yet another generation of fans to the vegetarian cause. It's powerful and political.

An encore of "How Soon is Now" seems like the only possible way a concert like this could have ended. A trip down memory lane, the greatest single his old band never released, a clarion call to the lonely...it's everything you need to know about Morrissey.

8 singles.

A cover version.

7 Smiths songs.

Album tracks from "Maladjusted", "Vauxhall and I", "Ringleader of the Tormentors", "The Queen is Dead", "The Smiths", "Meat is Murder" and "Strangeways Here We Come" (I'm sure I've missed or mistaken some of the songs...forgive me, it's late).

1 unreleased song.

People will complain no matter what Morrissey plays...there is always something you want, something you are tired of...but the truth is that 20 songs over 90 minutes with all sorts of treats packed in isn't really a set you can complain about.

The last night of the tour...questions over whether or not he will tour again, will he ever release another album, will we see his autobiography? For now though I'm glad I was there...I sang my heart out, I laughed, I cried and I felt part of something.

What more could you want?

Through all the garbage here, it's people like you, wonderful people, who make coming here-even though it is insanity-worthwhile. This jewel you wrote, shines like a pink diamond in a sea of shit. Thank you. Thank you for "getting" Morrissey and thank you for, pretty much, the only thing worth reading on this entire website. Without you, this place is pointless.

[CrystalGeezer]

PS - Guy with the iTablet in the middle of the stalls taking photos - You're a cock. The people filming it on mobiles are bad enough but you have taken it to a new level for me - Please don't bother in future - You look stupid and you were pissing off loads of folk near me.

More positive review/karma to follow tomorrow.

He was holding up a huge ipad taping the show? Lol. You should've thrown shit at it.

[Anonymous]

I loved how "Alma" was pointedly followed by "Paris". I always thought those songs were twins, with "Paris" being a nice update of "Alma", that same uplifting sound.

[Anonymous]

PS - Guy with the iTablet in the middle of the stalls taking photos - You're a cock. The people filming it on mobiles are bad enough but you have taken it to a new level for me - Please don't bother in future - You look stupid and you were pissing off loads of folk near me.

More positive review/karma to follow tomorrow.

God, that is horrendous. He must've known he would look like a right twat. Plus it's obstructive and distracting, he's got some nerve to do that. What next? Bring in your laptop?

[A non ymous]

What would Edinburgh be without the rain?

Who knows...but it wouldn't be Edinburgh.

What would we be without Morrissey?

Happy, well adjusted, successful...normal?

Maybe...but I'm glad I've got Morrissey even if I lack those other things.

The crowd at the Usher Hall is the usual unusual.

Balding, middle-aged men desperately tugging the last few stray strands of hair to attention in an effort to make something that vaguely resembles a quiff.

Young turks with skinny jeans, fat egos and good shoes.

Pretty girls, pretty boys.

At least one skinhead in beautiful shoes.

People old enough to know better.

People young enough to know no different.

As the imperfect list blares from the sound system the atmosphere in the hall transforms us from this rag-tag bunch of misfits into one perfectly formed mass...we're all here because of the tie that binds.

Morrissey hits the stage looking fighting fit and able...trim, muscular, perky.

"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" is, in any setting and at any time, one of the most beautiful songs in the popular music songbook. It's a bold move to open a concert with a song like this...it's haunting, affecting and full of yearning. Every line is bawled back at the master and when the roof nearly comes off the venue at it's close it all makes sense.

He then roars through "Everyday is Like Sunday" and "Alma Matters" with the band sounding tight and his voice getting stronger with every verse one can't help but feel that this could be a night to remember. Who else could take a single like "Alma" which barely made a dent in the charts and that features on an album that is, at best, patchy by his standards and make it sound like the only song you every wanted to hear?

When he hands the mic to the front row a Northern lass pleads with him; "Coom to Wigan Morrissey...please, coom to Wigan." Taking the mic back he barks "No" and then we are headlong into a clutch of four singles in a row; "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris", "You Have Killed Me", "Shoplifters of the World Tonight" and "You're the One for me Fatty". Before he introduces his band of "love hungry bachelors" we are given "Speedway" which is given a re-working but doesn't suffer as a result...if anything it sounds better than ever.

Casual observers and supporters of Morrissey would now be looking for "First of the Gang to Die", "This Charming Man" and "Irish Blood English Heart"...Morrissey isn't one for giving people what they want so instead we are given a blistering rendition of "Maladjusted" which is played with such aggression, such power and such ferocity that I am left reeling. Then it's the glory of "Still Ill", the demanding "One Day Goodbye Will be Farewell" and the hysterical but moving "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" before being emotionally assaulted by "I Know It's Over".

I'm not sure that before tonight any of those songs would feature in my personal "Best of..." collection but after hearing them tonight they won't ever be off of that collection.

At the end of "Let Me Kiss You" Morrissey strips to the waist...not an unusual sight at a Morrissey concert but one which, in recent years (if we are being honest) has resulted in a few downward glances as we have tried to avoid the fact that our personal saviour has fallen victim of middle-age spread. Not tonight. He looks fabulous. I'm saying no more for fear of plunging myself into some sort of homo-erotic coma.

"Todays lesson is that we are all, all of us, minorities..." is the introduction to the only unreleased song we hear tonight. "People are the Same Everywhere" sounds like it is cut from the same cloth as "All You Need is Me" or "Something is Squeezing my Skull". It's power-pop...rocky and raucous. I like it...so there.

The cover version of "To Give" by Frankie Valli is dedicated to Kevin Roberts a Morrissey fan given a mention by a friend in the front row. He passed away earlier this year, was a huge Morrissey fan and his friend wanted to have him remembered so when the mic came to him he told us all about him and Morrissey preceded the song with a simply "For Kevin". A beautiful moment and a none too subtle reminder of how important Morrissey is to so many of us.

"We all know that the British judiciary killed Oscar Wilde and that something similar happened to Shelley, Byron, Keats and Yeats by the establishment. The British establishment rewards mediocrity and the mediocre. It also hates people who are not mediocre so..."

"Please, please, please..." is so moving tonight that, genuinely, I am in tears by the time it ends. I'm confident I'm not the only one.

"I Will See You in Far Off Places" is thumping, loud, aggressive, blistering and rage filled. It's a glorious reminder of why Morrissey matters. Without a record deal, and stubbornly refusing to do the DIY thing, it is easy to see him as old news, yesterdays man. But when he can write songs like this, that have more to say about the world we live in than any public proclamation by the vile David Cameron ever could, it is clear to see why we need him now more than ever.

Most artists like to end on a high note...a romp through a few of the "oldies", the fans favourites...Morrissey chooses to end the set with "Meat is Murder" complete with a gruesome set of images that may well serve to convert yet another generation of fans to the vegetarian cause. It's powerful and political.

An encore of "How Soon is Now" seems like the only possible way a concert like this could have ended. A trip down memory lane, the greatest single his old band never released, a clarion call to the lonely...it's everything you need to know about Morrissey.

8 singles.

A cover version.

7 Smiths songs.

Album tracks from "Maladjusted", "Vauxhall and I", "Ringleader of the Tormentors", "The Queen is Dead", "The Smiths", "Meat is Murder" and "Strangeways Here We Come" (I'm sure I've missed or mistaken some of the songs...forgive me, it's late).

1 unreleased song.

People will complain no matter what Morrissey plays...there is always something you want, something you are tired of...but the truth is that 20 songs over 90 minutes with all sorts of treats packed in isn't really a set you can complain about.

The last night of the tour...questions over whether or not he will tour again, will he ever release another album, will we see his autobiography? For now though I'm glad I was there...I sang my heart out, I laughed, I cried and I felt part of something.

What more could you want?

As others have said great review, thank you for taking the time of putting this thoughtful overview together. I couldn't have said it better. What a great night, maybe the key is to experience Morrissey in a more intimate setting than in a huge arena setting. Having seen him several times on this tour this is the happiest I have seen him, his face was relaxed and he often had a little smile. Maybe he found some happiness in the backyard "Il faut cultiver notre jardin".

[celibate]

What would Edinburgh be without the rain?

Who knows...but it wouldn't be Edinburgh.

What would we be without Morrissey?

Happy, well adjusted, successful...normal?

Maybe...but I'm glad I've got Morrissey even if I lack those other things.

The crowd at the Usher Hall is the usual unusual.

Balding, middle-aged men desperately tugging the last few stray strands of hair to attention in an effort to make something that vaguely resembles a quiff.

Young turks with skinny jeans, fat egos and good shoes.

Pretty girls, pretty boys.

At least one skinhead in beautiful shoes.

People old enough to know better.

People young enough to know no different.

As the imperfect list blares from the sound system the atmosphere in the hall transforms us from this rag-tag bunch of misfits into one perfectly formed mass...we're all here because of the tie that binds.

Morrissey hits the stage looking fighting fit and able...trim, muscular, perky.

"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" is, in any setting and at any time, one of the most beautiful songs in the popular music songbook. It's a bold move to open a concert with a song like this...it's haunting, affecting and full of yearning. Every line is bawled back at the master and when the roof nearly comes off the venue at it's close it all makes sense.

He then roars through "Everyday is Like Sunday" and "Alma Matters" with the band sounding tight and his voice getting stronger with every verse one can't help but feel that this could be a night to remember. Who else could take a single like "Alma" which barely made a dent in the charts and that features on an album that is, at best, patchy by his standards and make it sound like the only song you every wanted to hear?

When he hands the mic to the front row a Northern lass pleads with him; "Coom to Wigan Morrissey...please, coom to Wigan." Taking the mic back he barks "No" and then we are headlong into a clutch of four singles in a row; "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris", "You Have Killed Me", "Shoplifters of the World Tonight" and "You're the One for me Fatty". Before he introduces his band of "love hungry bachelors" we are given "Speedway" which is given a re-working but doesn't suffer as a result...if anything it sounds better than ever.

Casual observers and supporters of Morrissey would now be looking for "First of the Gang to Die", "This Charming Man" and "Irish Blood English Heart"...Morrissey isn't one for giving people what they want so instead we are given a blistering rendition of "Maladjusted" which is played with such aggression, such power and such ferocity that I am left reeling. Then it's the glory of "Still Ill", the demanding "One Day Goodbye Will be Farewell" and the hysterical but moving "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" before being emotionally assaulted by "I Know It's Over".

I'm not sure that before tonight any of those songs would feature in my personal "Best of..." collection but after hearing them tonight they won't ever be off of that collection.

At the end of "Let Me Kiss You" Morrissey strips to the waist...not an unusual sight at a Morrissey concert but one which, in recent years (if we are being honest) has resulted in a few downward glances as we have tried to avoid the fact that our personal saviour has fallen victim of middle-age spread. Not tonight. He looks fabulous. I'm saying no more for fear of plunging myself into some sort of homo-erotic coma.

"Todays lesson is that we are all, all of us, minorities..." is the introduction to the only unreleased song we hear tonight. "People are the Same Everywhere" sounds like it is cut from the same cloth as "All You Need is Me" or "Something is Squeezing my Skull". It's power-pop...rocky and raucous. I like it...so there.

The cover version of "To Give" by Frankie Valli is dedicated to Kevin Roberts a Morrissey fan given a mention by a friend in the front row. He passed away earlier this year, was a huge Morrissey fan and his friend wanted to have him remembered so when the mic came to him he told us all about him and Morrissey preceded the song with a simply "For Kevin". A beautiful moment and a none too subtle reminder of how important Morrissey is to so many of us.

"We all know that the British judiciary killed Oscar Wilde and that something similar happened to Shelley, Byron, Keats and Yeats by the establishment. The British establishment rewards mediocrity and the mediocre. It also hates people who are not mediocre so..."

"Please, please, please..." is so moving tonight that, genuinely, I am in tears by the time it ends. I'm confident I'm not the only one.

"I Will See You in Far Off Places" is thumping, loud, aggressive, blistering and rage filled. It's a glorious reminder of why Morrissey matters. Without a record deal, and stubbornly refusing to do the DIY thing, it is easy to see him as old news, yesterdays man. But when he can write songs like this, that have more to say about the world we live in than any public proclamation by the vile David Cameron ever could, it is clear to see why we need him now more than ever.

Most artists like to end on a high note...a romp through a few of the "oldies", the fans favourites...Morrissey chooses to end the set with "Meat is Murder" complete with a gruesome set of images that may well serve to convert yet another generation of fans to the vegetarian cause. It's powerful and political.

An encore of "How Soon is Now" seems like the only possible way a concert like this could have ended. A trip down memory lane, the greatest single his old band never released, a clarion call to the lonely...it's everything you need to know about Morrissey.

8 singles.

A cover version.

7 Smiths songs.

Album tracks from "Maladjusted", "Vauxhall and I", "Ringleader of the Tormentors", "The Queen is Dead", "The Smiths", "Meat is Murder" and "Strangeways Here We Come" (I'm sure I've missed or mistaken some of the songs...forgive me, it's late).

1 unreleased song.

People will complain no matter what Morrissey plays...there is always something you want, something you are tired of...but the truth is that 20 songs over 90 minutes with all sorts of treats packed in isn't really a set you can complain about.

The last night of the tour...questions over whether or not he will tour again, will he ever release another album, will we see his autobiography? For now though I'm glad I was there...I sang my heart out, I laughed, I cried and I felt part of something.

What more could you want?

What more could we want


well a bloke from Whythenshaw, playing a few Smiths songs as guest

well you asked, not that it ever will happen

thanks fort the revieuw, didn't snip anything from it

now rest for Solomon and for Lynn to buy another wardrobe for hubby Boz

and in the fall we'll see him [for me] in far of places [on this site]

thank you:thumb:

[Anonymous]

My thanks to those who have offered such lovely comments about my "review".

Can I apologise for referring to "Shoplifters of the World Unite" as "Shoplifters of the World TONIGHT". A very silly mistake to make.

I also noticed a chap with an iPad. It not only caused a massive distraction/obstruction for those around him but it also served to make him look absolutely ridiculous. I don't think I have ever seen someone using an iPad in this way before and I hope I don't again.

Anyhoo. My thanks again for the lovely responses to my thoughts on a wonderful night.

[Anonymous]

What would Edinburgh be without the rain?

Who knows...but it wouldn't be Edinburgh.

What would we be without Morrissey?

Happy, well adjusted, successful...normal?

..........

The last night of the tour...questions over whether or not he will tour again, will he ever release another album, will we see his autobiography? For now though I'm glad I was there...I sang my heart out, I laughed, I cried and I felt part of something.

What more could you want?

Well, that was the review of the tour - brilliant, thanks so much for taking the time. You have restored some pride to this weary website and you have articulated what so many people feel about our Mozzer.

Excellent, excellent piece of writing.

[gerrys7]

That was the gig Manchester should have been. Brilliant.

[Anonymous]

PS - Guy with the iTablet in the middle of the stalls taking photos - You're a cock. The people filming it on mobiles are bad enough but you have taken it to a new level for me - Please don't bother in future - You look stupid and you were pissing off loads of folk near me.

More positive review/karma to follow tomorrow.

i wasn't there and i hate him too!!
remember when people went to gigs to watch the bands and listen to the music?!
now every sap wants to film the whole thing so they can clog up you tube with wobbly inaudible shite. and they have the audacity to tut when they get an elbow in the back of the head!
when did rock n roll become a corporate bun fight to be viewed and discected! the audience are there to play a part and can, and often do, easily kill a gig.
keep your phones in your pockets and your opinions in your head, the world doesnt need either.
remember why wanted to be there.

[divine]

What would Edinburgh be without the rain?

Who knows...but it wouldn't be Edinburgh.

What would we be without Morrissey?

Happy, well adjusted, successful...normal?

Maybe...but I'm glad I've got Morrissey even if I lack those other things.

The crowd at the Usher Hall is the usual unusual.

Balding, middle-aged men desperately tugging the last few stray strands of hair to attention in an effort to make something that vaguely resembles a quiff.

Young turks with skinny jeans, fat egos and good shoes.

Pretty girls, pretty boys.

At least one skinhead in beautiful shoes.

People old enough to know better.

People young enough to know no different.

As the imperfect list blares from the sound system the atmosphere in the hall transforms us from this rag-tag bunch of misfits into one perfectly formed mass...we're all here because of the tie that binds.

Morrissey hits the stage looking fighting fit and able...trim, muscular, perky.

"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" is, in any setting and at any time, one of the most beautiful songs in the popular music songbook. It's a bold move to open a concert with a song like this...it's haunting, affecting and full of yearning. Every line is bawled back at the master and when the roof nearly comes off the venue at it's close it all makes sense.

He then roars through "Everyday is Like Sunday" and "Alma Matters" with the band sounding tight and his voice getting stronger with every verse one can't help but feel that this could be a night to remember. Who else could take a single like "Alma" which barely made a dent in the charts and that features on an album that is, at best, patchy by his standards and make it sound like the only song you every wanted to hear?

When he hands the mic to the front row a Northern lass pleads with him; "Coom to Wigan Morrissey...please, coom to Wigan." Taking the mic back he barks "No" and then we are headlong into a clutch of four singles in a row; "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris", "You Have Killed Me", "Shoplifters of the World Tonight" and "You're the One for me Fatty". Before he introduces his band of "love hungry bachelors" we are given "Speedway" which is given a re-working but doesn't suffer as a result...if anything it sounds better than ever.

Casual observers and supporters of Morrissey would now be looking for "First of the Gang to Die", "This Charming Man" and "Irish Blood English Heart"...Morrissey isn't one for giving people what they want so instead we are given a blistering rendition of "Maladjusted" which is played with such aggression, such power and such ferocity that I am left reeling. Then it's the glory of "Still Ill", the demanding "One Day Goodbye Will be Farewell" and the hysterical but moving "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" before being emotionally assaulted by "I Know It's Over".

I'm not sure that before tonight any of those songs would feature in my personal "Best of..." collection but after hearing them tonight they won't ever be off of that collection.

At the end of "Let Me Kiss You" Morrissey strips to the waist...not an unusual sight at a Morrissey concert but one which, in recent years (if we are being honest) has resulted in a few downward glances as we have tried to avoid the fact that our personal saviour has fallen victim of middle-age spread. Not tonight. He looks fabulous. I'm saying no more for fear of plunging myself into some sort of homo-erotic coma.

"Todays lesson is that we are all, all of us, minorities..." is the introduction to the only unreleased song we hear tonight. "People are the Same Everywhere" sounds like it is cut from the same cloth as "All You Need is Me" or "Something is Squeezing my Skull". It's power-pop...rocky and raucous. I like it...so there.

The cover version of "To Give" by Frankie Valli is dedicated to Kevin Roberts a Morrissey fan given a mention by a friend in the front row. He passed away earlier this year, was a huge Morrissey fan and his friend wanted to have him remembered so when the mic came to him he told us all about him and Morrissey preceded the song with a simply "For Kevin". A beautiful moment and a none too subtle reminder of how important Morrissey is to so many of us.

"We all know that the British judiciary killed Oscar Wilde and that something similar happened to Shelley, Byron, Keats and Yeats by the establishment. The British establishment rewards mediocrity and the mediocre. It also hates people who are not mediocre so..."

"Please, please, please..." is so moving tonight that, genuinely, I am in tears by the time it ends. I'm confident I'm not the only one.

"I Will See You in Far Off Places" is thumping, loud, aggressive, blistering and rage filled. It's a glorious reminder of why Morrissey matters. Without a record deal, and stubbornly refusing to do the DIY thing, it is easy to see him as old news, yesterdays man. But when he can write songs like this, that have more to say about the world we live in than any public proclamation by the vile David Cameron ever could, it is clear to see why we need him now more than ever.

Most artists like to end on a high note...a romp through a few of the "oldies", the fans favourites...Morrissey chooses to end the set with "Meat is Murder" complete with a gruesome set of images that may well serve to convert yet another generation of fans to the vegetarian cause. It's powerful and political.

An encore of "How Soon is Now" seems like the only possible way a concert like this could have ended. A trip down memory lane, the greatest single his old band never released, a clarion call to the lonely...it's everything you need to know about Morrissey.

8 singles.

A cover version.

7 Smiths songs.

Album tracks from "Maladjusted", "Vauxhall and I", "Ringleader of the Tormentors", "The Queen is Dead", "The Smiths", "Meat is Murder" and "Strangeways Here We Come" (I'm sure I've missed or mistaken some of the songs...forgive me, it's late).

1 unreleased song.

People will complain no matter what Morrissey plays...there is always something you want, something you are tired of...but the truth is that 20 songs over 90 minutes with all sorts of treats packed in isn't really a set you can complain about.

The last night of the tour...questions over whether or not he will tour again, will he ever release another album, will we see his autobiography? For now though I'm glad I was there...I sang my heart out, I laughed, I cried and I felt part of something.

What more could you want?

Beautiful review, thanks! I went to Manchester and it makes you wonder if the old awkward one does take notice of his fans feedback and improves the setlist. One can only wonder .......

[Jammy Di]

Hi.
My first ever time seeing Morrissey and I was not disappointed. I couldn't wait to see him as the excitement was reaching a creschendo by yesterday morning, and come just after 9pm, I was absolutely amazed. All the songs sounded great, and despite some of the negative comments on here, the band delivered the music perfectly.
I never realised the catchement of fans that would be at the gig, but there was a man in the queue called David, who at a guess was 50 years of age, he spent the whole day pretty much bad mouthing everyone, even people he had just been speaking to in the queue. He then spent the whole evening in the hall, from start to finish, bawling his eyes out like a baby.

The only downside was the people who just think they can push in and do as they like. A few people made it on to the stage, and one girl, who looked like frankenstein, got the microphone and asked Morrissey to come to wigan. Never heard of wigan, although he (Morrissey) was probably terrified by her.


Diane.

[Anonymous]

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/morrissey-usher-hall-edinburgh-7993931.html

[BrummieBoy]

My thanks to those who have offered such lovely comments about my "review".


You provided a really great balance between the 'facts' of the event and your emotional response to it. Really special and cheered me up as I've just had notification of a motoring offence!

Love the dedication to Kevin Roberts. Decorum. So much more dignified and appropriate than endless peeves about Madonna/Mike Joyce/Royals/Olympics/Omnivores.

The 'iPAD' exhibitionist sounds really sad. 'Look at me with my expensive consumer bauble!' The whole digital camera phenomenon is ruining concerts. It's almost as if people aren't interested in 'being there' but only in telling everyone else via YouTube how cool they think they are by their choice of gigs. Ditto the constant texting and even phone calls. MSomeone started noisily crunching on an apple at a Rufus Wainwright show I attended and couldn't fathom why I glared at him. It amazes me how folk have become so enslaved by their 'tamagochi' smartphones that they've become their slaves. I don't know how artists can stand the ADHD of some parts of the modern audience. I wish artists would ban this crap and just post a brief snippet of footage on YouTube for each gig themselves.

This sounds such a good show after the 'troubled' reports from Manchester. I thought Morrissey's PR team were geographically challenged initially when they said the arena would be the 'only UK show'. But perhaps Morrissey has decided to support the call for Scottish independence by pre-empting the referendum and treating Scotland as already separated.

'What would Edinburgh be without the rain?'

My favourite Moz gig ever happened in Edinburgh a few years ago with the unforgettable 'Auld Lang Syne' fan-singalong incident. It still makes me chortle. Such a great city. Really wished I'd pushed the boat out to get there last night now. Oh well! Moz vs Olympics coverage: tough call.

It seems that Morrissey's brief visit to our shores has ended well before he has his summer hiking holiday in the Alps. I've enjoyed my brief return to this site and will keep it under RSS for the next release of recordings.

Thanks again for a great review.

[Anonymous]

My thanks to those who have offered such lovely comments about my "review".

Can I apologise for referring to "Shoplifters of the World Unite" as "Shoplifters of the World TONIGHT". A very silly mistake to make.

I also noticed a chap with an iPad. It not only caused a massive distraction/obstruction for those around him but it also served to make him look absolutely ridiculous. I don't think I have ever seen someone using an iPad in this way before and I hope I don't again.

Anyhoo. My thanks again for the lovely responses to my thoughts on a wonderful night.

When the guy with the iPad uploads to youtube, everybody will be happy. Hopefully he won't do it anymore now. I also filmed at a concert with my camera and the SMALLER people around me were actually happy about it, because it helped them to see on the display of my camera, what they otherwise could not see because of the heads in front of them.

[PeterW]

http://instagr.am/p/NuRGFqLz2d/

One from last night - great show!

[Veg]

Surprised no one has mentioned this, but I thought Kristeen Young was great.

Thanks

[Iarwain]

Getting the audience to talk to him/the crowd was a great new interactive touch, surprised that wasn't thought of before. Glad he never passed the mic to me, I wouldn't know what the hell to say to him other than cliched "thanks", but if this continues people could prepare shit.

He actually did the same thing at Manchester the other night. I did the same as you though, couldn't think of something witty in time so I let it pass me by. Curse my brain, going blank in the heat of the moment. Regrets, I've had a few...

[Anonymous]

My thanks to those who have offered such lovely comments about my "review".

Can I apologise for referring to "Shoplifters of the World Unite" as "Shoplifters of the World TONIGHT". A very silly mistake to make.

I also noticed a chap with an iPad. It not only caused a massive distraction/obstruction for those around him but it also served to make him look absolutely ridiculous. I don't think I have ever seen someone using an iPad in this way before and I hope I don't again.

Anyhoo. My thanks again for the lovely responses to my thoughts on a wonderful night.

Amusing really as you tend to storm off from here in a sulk muttering darkly. you are sundown playboy/kimura/kimura san and i claim my ten pounds

[Anonymous]

'What would Edinburgh be without the rain?'

Like it was last night?!?

[johnnymunro]

You provided a really great balance between the 'facts' of the event and your emotional response to it. Really special and cheered me up as I've just had notification of a motoring offence!

Love the dedication to Kevin Roberts. Decorum. So much more dignified and appropriate than endless peeves about Madonna/Mike Joyce/Royals/Olympics/Omnivores.

The 'iPAD' exhibitionist sounds really sad. 'Look at me with my expensive consumer bauble!' The whole digital camera phenomenon is ruining concerts. It's almost as if people aren't interested in 'being there' but only in telling everyone else via YouTube how cool they think they are by their choice of gigs. Ditto the constant texting and even phone calls. MSomeone started noisily crunching on an apple at a Rufus Wainwright show I attended and couldn't fathom why I glared at him. It amazes me how folk have become so enslaved by their 'tamagochi' smartphones that they've become their slaves. I don't know how artists can stand the ADHD of some parts of the modern audience. I wish artists would ban this crap and just post a brief snippet of footage on YouTube for each gig themselves.

This sounds such a good show after the 'troubled' reports from Manchester. I thought Morrissey's PR team were geographically challenged initially when they said the arena would be the 'only UK show'. But perhaps Morrissey has decided to support the call for Scottish independence by pre-empting the referendum and treating Scotland as already separated.

'What would Edinburgh be without the rain?'

My favourite Moz gig ever happened in Edinburgh a few years ago with the unforgettable 'Auld Lang Syne' fan-singalong incident. It still makes me chortle. Such a great city. Really wished I'd pushed the boat out to get there last night now. Oh well! Moz vs Olympics coverage: tough call.

It seems that Morrissey's brief visit to our shores has ended well before he has his summer hiking holiday in the Alps. I've enjoyed my brief return to this site and will keep it under RSS for the next release of recordings.

Thanks again for a great review.



Here's the thing about Mr Itablet - He wasn't even filming it for youtube as evertone is assuming - He was only taking photos! I know this because it was like someone holding a wee telly in front of me and you couldn't help seeing everything on it. I thought phones and cameras were bad enough but to take something THAT size just to take photos - Words fail me. This guy presumably uses sledgehammmers to break nuts.

I will write more later on about the gig (if there's anything I can add to the previous excellent review from anonymous of all people!). A rare example of an anon poster providing something (very) worthwhile to the debate - Thanks again.13785

[pubrockcoma]

great review Anon...captured the gig so well...i really believe that theatres/gig spaces like the usher hall is really the place to see morrissey these days....


also just seen / read a review from the independent:

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/morrissey-usher-hall-edinburgh-7993931.html

[Bluebirds]

Sounds so much better than Manchester. Morrissey is aware of the limitations of an arena show. Which makes the setlist order and choices on Saturday all the more baffling.

And this venue does look beautiful

great review anon. Hopefully if/when he does tour the UK again he'll do his usual trick of playing smaller, provincial theatres and concert halls etc

[Anonymous]

I would just like to say that Morrissey himself was absolutely fabulous last night. Personal highlights would have to have been the older Smiths type songs such as Still Ill, How Soon Is Now and Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want, although his solo work, too, was brilliant. I thought the order of songs was well done and spread really well. Meat Is Murder played along with the footage on show had me in tears and the staff at the Usher Hall were very helpful when I had to sit out as the heat had got a bit too much.
However, one thing that (for me, anyway) put a bit of a lousy spin on last night was the fans outside that have established some sort of superior Morrissey fan base and devised a 'list' which determines who gets to the front of the queue. If I had known about said list, I wouldn't have bothered travelling from Glasgow first thing in the morning to ensure that I would have a good position in the crowd. Sitting outside Usher Hall for around twelve hours amounted to nothing due to the fact that when the person in charge of the list decided it was time to form the 'proper' queue, people were lined up into some kind of order of hierarchy, of which the rest of us could do nothing about. When asked, the person in charge of the list could give no substantial answer as to why they were allowed to ensure their place at the front of the queue other than for the fact that they were "regulars."
I do understand that some of these people are very dedicated fans and had travelled far to get to Edinburgh, however that is the first time I had ever come across something like that. What happened to the days where to be at the front, you got a place in the queue early and waited until the doors opened? I personally think that this list concept is unfair and completely creates a divide in the fan base.
Despite this, I did get to meet some very friendly and charming people last night and, as mentioned at the start, Morrissey's performance was absolutely top-notch. I will definitely be going back to see Moz if he plays another Scottish date in the future (at least the next time I will know that there is absolutely no point in arriving early)!

[EnglandIsMine]

Can I say that I really enjoyed Kristeen Young. Reminded me of PJ Harvey (who supported Morrissey in Glasgow a few years back I remember). She was ideal really as we waited for His appearance. I spoke to Amy Lame at the merch. area. Her Fringe show 'Unhappy Birthday' looks interesting. She is a Morrissey obsessive of course.
Great night all round.

[BrummieBoy]

Here's the thing about Mr Itablet - He wasn't even filming it for youtube as evertone is assuming - He was only taking photos! I know this because it was like someone holding a wee telly in front of me and you couldn't help seeing everything on it. I thought phones and cameras were bad enough but to take something THAT size just to take photos - Words fail me. This guy presumably uses sledgehammmers to break nuts.13785

Great jpeg, might make it my avatar for a while.

I love it when I'm walking around the Bull Ring and someone is so lost in their 'tamagotchi/smartphone' they almost walk into me. Then they look up at me as if I'm mad for not moving out of the way whilst they carry on 'normally' walking into other pedestrians whilst they txt mt8s 4 ltr mtups. Phones in cars, txting on pavements, iPADs at concerts. Mad world.

A great quote from last night 'We are all minorities' is up there with 'there is no such thing as normal' and it's simply impossible for a person who says that to ever be capable of hiding any 'racist' secrets. I guess he had to back down from The High Court to avoid bankruptcy. I've had to consider the issues around getting to the threshold of The High Court in London myself. You pay the Solicitor, can't talk to the Barrister: and then the Insurance goons offer a paltry settlement at 1 minute to midnight!!! Settle or the Judge will award costs against you. I don't see it as Moz 'backing down' with the NME, having had to think it through myself. Maybe it's different in Scottish law! Murderous judicaries and the plots of the Establishment.

"We all know that the British judiciary killed Oscar Wilde and that something similar happened to Shelley, Byron, Keats and Yeats by the establishment. The British establishment rewards mediocrity and the mediocre. It also hates people who are not mediocre so..."

After The Queen jumped out of that helicopter and flashed her knickers to Moz in retaliation for his threat to 'drop his trousers', I really wish she'd call his bluff and get him an offer of an OBE,CBE whatever those silly 'awards' are. Bowie said 'fook off!', Robert Plant, McCartney and Elton all thought it would be nice on the mantelpiece. I wonder what, exactly, Moz wants from 'The Establishment'? I guess Poet Laureate, although he's not technically good enough for that role, unfortunately.

I'm a balanced Republican myself, but see the value of the Royal lineage in times of war, etc. I hope Moz doesn't push this to parody so he can be permanently dismissed as a crank. Either he's an 'outsider' in which case he has no use for Brit Awards or OBE's or he secretly wants to 'belong'. But to what?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopmusic/9128792/Its-not-just-that-youre-wrong-Morrissey-youre-boring.html

This site is great once you filter out the trolls. I hope DavidT and The Management come to some 'understanding'. I don't have time to follow Moz's every move around the world so only now comment when he's 'home' in these 'Isles of Wonder', even if he's a cuckoo in Zurich now. I really hope 'Art Hounds' is indicative of the next album and that he lets rip with a new sonic template. It's time he had his 'Bowie / Iggy in Berlin' phase, seems pointless using Visconti if it's only to retread his contributions to the 'loudness wars' of the last decade.

Moz could up the ante against The Establishment. That women in the Indian Olympic team parade was hilarious. Moz should have turned up with his band, got past security and hijacked the Arctic Monkeys stage and announced to the world "i think there's been some mistake......." I like the Arctic Monkeys, but.....

http://www.onenewspage.co.uk/video/20120730/1005671/Indian-Olympic-Team-React-to-Mystery-Woman.htm

there's always the closing ceremony.

Edinburgh sound like it was one to remember. I guess he played everywhere last year so can't risk maxing his ticket sales out before the new album arrives next year, with the autobiography as the excellent 'advert' to bring him, finally, the #1 he needs before he dies. But.....where does that valedictory song exist in demo form yet? Over and out till the new album emerges.... once I post a final message to all my 'friends' on the Forum wards. :)

[Anonymous]

Another positive review:

http://m.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/edinburgh/review-morrissey-usher-hall-1-2441835

[daisydundee]

Best I've seen Morrissey in a long time. If Kevin's friend is watching, this is for him.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE4WyqCQarA&feature=share

[modrevolve]

He was holding up a huge ipad taping the show? Lol. You should've thrown shit at it.

It wasn't this guy was it??
http://www.brooklynvegan.com/img/music/swervedriver/bowery/31.jpg

[Anonymous]

What would Edinburgh be without the rain?

Who knows...but it wouldn't be Edinburgh.

What would we be without Morrissey?

Happy, well adjusted, successful...normal?

Maybe...but I'm glad I've got Morrissey even if I lack those other things.

The crowd at the Usher Hall is the usual unusual.

Balding, middle-aged men desperately tugging the last few stray strands of hair to attention in an effort to make something that vaguely resembles a quiff.

Young turks with skinny jeans, fat egos and good shoes.

Pretty girls, pretty boys.

At least one skinhead in beautiful shoes.

People old enough to know better.

People young enough to know no different.

As the imperfect list blares from the sound system the atmosphere in the hall transforms us from this rag-tag bunch of misfits into one perfectly formed mass...we're all here because of the tie that binds.

Morrissey hits the stage looking fighting fit and able...trim, muscular, perky.

"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" is, in any setting and at any time, one of the most beautiful songs in the popular music songbook. It's a bold move to open a concert with a song like this...it's haunting, affecting and full of yearning. Every line is bawled back at the master and when the roof nearly comes off the venue at it's close it all makes sense.

He then roars through "Everyday is Like Sunday" and "Alma Matters" with the band sounding tight and his voice getting stronger with every verse one can't help but feel that this could be a night to remember. Who else could take a single like "Alma" which barely made a dent in the charts and that features on an album that is, at best, patchy by his standards and make it sound like the only song you every wanted to hear?

When he hands the mic to the front row a Northern lass pleads with him; "Coom to Wigan Morrissey...please, coom to Wigan." Taking the mic back he barks "No" and then we are headlong into a clutch of four singles in a row; "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris", "You Have Killed Me", "Shoplifters of the World Tonight" and "You're the One for me Fatty". Before he introduces his band of "love hungry bachelors" we are given "Speedway" which is given a re-working but doesn't suffer as a result...if anything it sounds better than ever.

Casual observers and supporters of Morrissey would now be looking for "First of the Gang to Die", "This Charming Man" and "Irish Blood English Heart"...Morrissey isn't one for giving people what they want so instead we are given a blistering rendition of "Maladjusted" which is played with such aggression, such power and such ferocity that I am left reeling. Then it's the glory of "Still Ill", the demanding "One Day Goodbye Will be Farewell" and the hysterical but moving "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" before being emotionally assaulted by "I Know It's Over".

I'm not sure that before tonight any of those songs would feature in my personal "Best of..." collection but after hearing them tonight they won't ever be off of that collection.

At the end of "Let Me Kiss You" Morrissey strips to the waist...not an unusual sight at a Morrissey concert but one which, in recent years (if we are being honest) has resulted in a few downward glances as we have tried to avoid the fact that our personal saviour has fallen victim of middle-age spread. Not tonight. He looks fabulous. I'm saying no more for fear of plunging myself into some sort of homo-erotic coma.

"Todays lesson is that we are all, all of us, minorities..." is the introduction to the only unreleased song we hear tonight. "People are the Same Everywhere" sounds like it is cut from the same cloth as "All You Need is Me" or "Something is Squeezing my Skull". It's power-pop...rocky and raucous. I like it...so there.

The cover version of "To Give" by Frankie Valli is dedicated to Kevin Roberts a Morrissey fan given a mention by a friend in the front row. He passed away earlier this year, was a huge Morrissey fan and his friend wanted to have him remembered so when the mic came to him he told us all about him and Morrissey preceded the song with a simply "For Kevin". A beautiful moment and a none too subtle reminder of how important Morrissey is to so many of us.

"We all know that the British judiciary killed Oscar Wilde and that something similar happened to Shelley, Byron, Keats and Yeats by the establishment. The British establishment rewards mediocrity and the mediocre. It also hates people who are not mediocre so..."

"Please, please, please..." is so moving tonight that, genuinely, I am in tears by the time it ends. I'm confident I'm not the only one.

"I Will See You in Far Off Places" is thumping, loud, aggressive, blistering and rage filled. It's a glorious reminder of why Morrissey matters. Without a record deal, and stubbornly refusing to do the DIY thing, it is easy to see him as old news, yesterdays man. But when he can write songs like this, that have more to say about the world we live in than any public proclamation by the vile David Cameron ever could, it is clear to see why we need him now more than ever.

Most artists like to end on a high note...a romp through a few of the "oldies", the fans favourites...Morrissey chooses to end the set with "Meat is Murder" complete with a gruesome set of images that may well serve to convert yet another generation of fans to the vegetarian cause. It's powerful and political.

An encore of "How Soon is Now" seems like the only possible way a concert like this could have ended. A trip down memory lane, the greatest single his old band never released, a clarion call to the lonely...it's everything you need to know about Morrissey.

8 singles.

A cover version.

7 Smiths songs.

Album tracks from "Maladjusted", "Vauxhall and I", "Ringleader of the Tormentors", "The Queen is Dead", "The Smiths", "Meat is Murder" and "Strangeways Here We Come" (I'm sure I've missed or mistaken some of the songs...forgive me, it's late).

1 unreleased song.

People will complain no matter what Morrissey plays...there is always something you want, something you are tired of...but the truth is that 20 songs over 90 minutes with all sorts of treats packed in isn't really a set you can complain about.

The last night of the tour...questions over whether or not he will tour again, will he ever release another album, will we see his autobiography? For now though I'm glad I was there...I sang my heart out, I laughed, I cried and I felt part of something.

What more could you want?

A brilliant, in-depth and heartfelt review - thanks!!!

[johnnymunro]

It wasn't this guy was it??
http://www.brooklynvegan.com/img/music/swervedriver/bowery/31.jpg

I don't think so - He was too far forward for a start - He had Austin Powers glasses on - He was also taking photos of himself and his mates!

[Fan]

Okay, so I have read the lengthy review, and it is very positive, which is great. However, it is written in more of an"evidence" piece where the writer is trying to convince his/her audience that the show/Morrissey is/was fantastic.

From the other reviews, it seems as though this gig was much better than Manchester.

I am still critical of the setlist--first, starting the set off with "Last Night" is somewhat of an energy drainer, as fans are chanting and pumped up for a grant/pounding entrance, and this song is the opposite. A great song, not an opener for me.

The other singles that could/should be cut for the U.S. leg include "Kill Me, Kiss You, People Are the Same, and Far off Places." As for Smiths songs, time to give How Soon is Now a break--same with Please, Please.

Hopefully, the setlist for the U.S. gig will be revamped with better songs.

[JanM]

Last nights show was awesome, Mozza interacting with the crowd and people of all ages attending were encouraging, given that I myself am just a couple of years lder than the man himself.As for the chat regarding the guy with the Ipad/tablet...I was chatting to him before and after the gig and seems to me not a lot of complaints were made directly to him, in fact lots of people were asking the guy to take thier E/mail addresses in order for him to forward the whole show to them..(Yes he did film the show.and not the guy in front pictured above)Im guilty of giving the guy my mail address, as I wouldnt mind seeing the show again and sharing with others. The whole show, whilst not rushed, seemed to fly by all too quickly....and not one unfriendly fan did I meet, everyone was similer to one big family from what I experienced on the night. My only niggle is with the soundman, as the man is well known as a lyricist it was unfortunate that at times , for those those not well accustomed to his lyrics found that the his voice was lost occasionaly due to the loudness of the band, not a critisism just what I heard people saying....Lighting superb, the build up too..loved every moment. Didnt expect him to do Speedway so that was a bonus for me.

[Tbevie]

Brilliant gig last night, but then I’ve loved every Morrissey gig I’ve been to. Maybe I’m just easily pleased but seeing my hero singing live on a stage in front of me is always amazing. Things like good set lists and good atmosphere are just a bonus for me.

I thought the Usher hall was a beautiful venue. The staff were really kind and helpful. I arrived 10 minuets after the doors opened so I was quite happy with 8th row from the stage. But then frustratingly just before Morrissey took to the stage it became more 10th row thanks to a few selfish people who pushed their way through half the crowd and stood right in front of me, blocking my view and taking the place that I had been standing in for about 2 hours. There was actually a lot of pushing and arguments going on around me, much more than I had seen at previous gigs. I don’t know if last night being the last gig of the tour had anything to do with it. But I tried not to let it distract me and tried to just focus on the stage.

I loved the set list. It seemed to flow really nicely. I was surprised he opend with ‘Last night..’ but I thought it worked really well. The long intro really built up the atmosphere so when the opening line finaly came the crowd were desperate to start singing and kept on singing all night. It was a really enthusiastic crowd and Morrissey seemed to be in good spirits and his voice sounded really strong. He wasn’t as chatty as I’ve seen him and I can’t remenber the exact wording of the comments he did make so I’ll leave it to those who can. I do remember him dedicating ‘To Give’ to Kevin, a Morrissey who pased away recently, which I thought was a nice touch. I couldn’t see much of what was going on in the pit but I think a couple of fans made it on stage and one woman managed to give Morrissey a hug, which got a huge cheer. It always makes me smile when fans cheer stage invaders, obviously we’ve all jealous and would love the opportunity to make it on stage but we’re still happy for the fans who are brave enough to get up there and express themselves in a why that we all want to but can’t.

Morrissey ended the gig with “I love You” which is the first time he has said that at a gig I’ve been to so that meant a lot to me.

So another amazing night. But today I’m feeling very tired and a little bit empty, now all the excitement is over for another tour. But It’s always worth it.

[Anonymous]

Last night was absolutely fab, perfection. Annoying people in the crowd though, the self-important guy with the we hate will and kate tshirt on where him and his mate could get infront of everyone unfairly... but they weren't as bad as the drunk guys who came in late, and fell asleep/ standing eyes closed through the whole concert and of course ipad guy. WHat a fool. I bumped into him afterwards when I was trying to find the toilets, he was taking a picture of himself with it in a mirror (accidentally went into his photo...) jesus

[Anonymous]

I would just like to say that Morrissey himself was absolutely fabulous last night. Personal highlights would have to have been the older Smiths type songs such as Still Ill, How Soon Is Now and Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want, although his solo work, too, was brilliant. I thought the order of songs was well done and spread really well. Meat Is Murder played along with the footage on show had me in tears and the staff at the Usher Hall were very helpful when I had to sit out as the heat had got a bit too much.
However, one thing that (for me, anyway) put a bit of a lousy spin on last night was the fans outside that have established some sort of superior Morrissey fan base and devised a 'list' which determines who gets to the front of the queue. If I had known about said list, I wouldn't have bothered travelling from Glasgow first thing in the morning to ensure that I would have a good position in the crowd. Sitting outside Usher Hall for around twelve hours amounted to nothing due to the fact that when the person in charge of the list decided it was time to form the 'proper' queue, people were lined up into some kind of order of hierarchy, of which the rest of us could do nothing about. When asked, the person in charge of the list could give no substantial answer as to why they were allowed to ensure their place at the front of the queue other than for the fact that they were "regulars."
I do understand that some of these people are very dedicated fans and had travelled far to get to Edinburgh, however that is the first time I had ever come across something like that. What happened to the days where to be at the front, you got a place in the queue early and waited until the doors opened? I personally think that this list concept is unfair and completely creates a divide in the fan base.
Despite this, I did get to meet some very friendly and charming people last night and, as mentioned at the start, Morrissey's performance was absolutely top-notch. I will definitely be going back to see Moz if he plays another Scottish date in the future (at least the next time I will know that there is absolutely no point in arriving early)!

I was involved in setting up the list system, back in 2004. The idea was to make sure that people who queued all day, particularly younger people, were not fucked over by queue jumpers.

We ran a fairly tight ship and the basic rules were as follows

- you had to do your time in the queue. no turning up, putting your name down then fucking off to the pub for the day
- if you weren't there, you weren't on the list, regardless of how much of a regular you were.

My days of queueing are over now, so i'm not sure who is behind it now. However any keeping of places for people not on the list is an abuse of a good idea. Sorry to hear you were fucked over

[emmanuela_7]

Surprised no one has mentioned this, but I thought Kristeen Young was great.

Thanks

Agreed!! While she was singing "It's so difficult to be typical", she was holding my hand and looking straight into my eyes for quite a while! :D

I was not familiar with her music but I was blown away by her powerful performance and her voice which reminded me of Kate Bush. Will definitely listen more, really great artist :)

I have no words for Morrissey. He was, as always, captivating and God like. Really loved how he was looking at the Meat is Murder footage. I cried during "I know it's over". At some point he ALMOST touched my hand! :( If only I had stretched a bit more! I was surprised to see the number of people that hugged him on the stage.

In regards to people that had put their name in a list so they get in first: that was not really the case... the list existed, I personally did not put my name (I only arrived there at 4pm). When I got in from the second door (I was first with another girl), the people from the first door that had put their name on the list started complaining. But yeah, the list was there but the people in charge didnt really adhere to it, it seemed.

Amazing gig - have only seen Mozza twice and I want MOAR!!! I also managed to get 3 guitar picks that Boz threw :)

[emmanuela_7]

I would just like to say that Morrissey himself was absolutely fabulous last night. Personal highlights would have to have been the older Smiths type songs such as Still Ill, How Soon Is Now and Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want, although his solo work, too, was brilliant. I thought the order of songs was well done and spread really well. Meat Is Murder played along with the footage on show had me in tears and the staff at the Usher Hall were very helpful when I had to sit out as the heat had got a bit too much.
However, one thing that (for me, anyway) put a bit of a lousy spin on last night was the fans outside that have established some sort of superior Morrissey fan base and devised a 'list' which determines who gets to the front of the queue. If I had known about said list, I wouldn't have bothered travelling from Glasgow first thing in the morning to ensure that I would have a good position in the crowd. Sitting outside Usher Hall for around twelve hours amounted to nothing due to the fact that when the person in charge of the list decided it was time to form the 'proper' queue, people were lined up into some kind of order of hierarchy, of which the rest of us could do nothing about. When asked, the person in charge of the list could give no substantial answer as to why they were allowed to ensure their place at the front of the queue other than for the fact that they were "regulars."
I do understand that some of these people are very dedicated fans and had travelled far to get to Edinburgh, however that is the first time I had ever come across something like that. What happened to the days where to be at the front, you got a place in the queue early and waited until the doors opened? I personally think that this list concept is unfair and completely creates a divide in the fan base.
Despite this, I did get to meet some very friendly and charming people last night and, as mentioned at the start, Morrissey's performance was absolutely top-notch. I will definitely be going back to see Moz if he plays another Scottish date in the future (at least the next time I will know that there is absolutely no point in arriving early)!


Sorry to hear you had that experience! I arrived there at 4pm and actually because there was no queue, I went to Nandos and was only waiting outside the door from 5:30 onwards. The first people that got let in were the ones from that "list" (that first door opened first), but I was first in line in the second door, which opened something like 2-3 minutes after the first door. Which is why the people that were in that list started complaining (I was not in it but was let in quite quickly). I did manage to get to the very front, right next to a woman who was on that list and she was right behind me. So that list didnt seem to be a problem for me getting to the front...

[Anonymous]

'What would Edinburgh be without the rain?'

Like it was last night?!?

It was raining heavily in Edinburgh last night...right up until about 7 p.m.

Also my use of that line as an opening statement was a (not very) sly reference to Morrissey as he asked the exact same question at the start of the concert.

I should have made that clear...sorry.

[Anonymous]

I was involved in setting up the list system, back in 2004. The idea was to make sure that people who queued all day, particularly younger people, were not fucked over by queue jumpers.

We ran a fairly tight ship and the basic rules were as follows

- you had to do your time in the queue. no turning up, putting your name down then fucking off to the pub for the day
- if you weren't there, you weren't on the list, regardless of how much of a regular you were.

My days of queueing are over now, so i'm not sure who is behind it now. However any keeping of places for people not on the list is an abuse of a good idea. Sorry to hear you were fucked over

I do understand the system and can see what should come out of it, however, in relation to what you have replied it seems that the system is being abused. We stayed in the same place outside the doors since about ten o'clock and witnessed older fans arriving and the list organiser going up and either putting them on the list or checking that their name was already on it, not once acknowledging us. The majority of the people on it did go elsewhere until the queue started! I did manage to get a good place in the crowd when we went in, so wasn't too disheartened. I just think things like the list are there to be abused and used in an unfair way. Still had a good time though!

[grant gauld]

Last night was the 4th time I've seen moz, last nights performance was as good as Inverness , Manchester was great, but last night he was on top form, kirsteen young is very hot but her music lacks punch, frankie rose would of been a perfect support , she is truly amazing. And the build up music of shocking blue etc was so cool. Life without morrissey is unthinkable.

[Anonymous]

I would just like to say that Morrissey himself was absolutely fabulous last night. Personal highlights would have to have been the older Smiths type songs such as Still Ill, How Soon Is Now and Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want, although his solo work, too, was brilliant. I thought the order of songs was well done and spread really well. Meat Is Murder played along with the footage on show had me in tears and the staff at the Usher Hall were very helpful when I had to sit out as the heat had got a bit too much.
However, one thing that (for me, anyway) put a bit of a lousy spin on last night was the fans outside that have established some sort of superior Morrissey fan base and devised a 'list' which determines who gets to the front of the queue. If I had known about said list, I wouldn't have bothered travelling from Glasgow first thing in the morning to ensure that I would have a good position in the crowd. Sitting outside Usher Hall for around twelve hours amounted to nothing due to the fact that when the person in charge of the list decided it was time to form the 'proper' queue, people were lined up into some kind of order of hierarchy, of which the rest of us could do nothing about. When asked, the person in charge of the list could give no substantial answer as to why they were allowed to ensure their place at the front of the queue other than for the fact that they were "regulars."
I do understand that some of these people are very dedicated fans and had travelled far to get to Edinburgh, however that is the first time I had ever come across something like that. What happened to the days where to be at the front, you got a place in the queue early and waited until the doors opened? I personally think that this list concept is unfair and completely creates a divide in the fan base.
Despite this, I did get to meet some very friendly and charming people last night and, as mentioned at the start, Morrissey's performance was absolutely top-notch. I will definitely be going back to see Moz if he plays another Scottish date in the future (at least the next time I will know that there is absolutely no point in arriving early)!

A great night. Marred slightly (no pun intended) before the gig started by Mr Q. Until last night I thought that Q was the one who supplied exploding ballpoints to James Bond. However, it appears that Q is actually Mozzers new best friend (or so he thinks). Anyway, rant over. A truly great night. I hope that the two nice young ladies from Newcastle and the nice young man from Liverpool who I spoke to enjoyed the gig. I didn't manage to see you after the show but hope that you left as happy as me. It is good to see that some of the younger folks still "get" Morrissey.

[johnnymunro]

Okay, so I have read the lengthy review, and it is very positive, which is great. However, it is written in more of an"evidence" piece where the writer is trying to convince his/her audience that the show/Morrissey is/was fantastic.

From the other reviews, it seems as though this gig was much better than Manchester.

I am still critical of the setlist--first, starting the set off with "Last Night" is somewhat of an energy drainer, as fans are chanting and pumped up for a grant/pounding entrance, and this song is the opposite. A great song, not an opener for me.

The other singles that could/should be cut for the U.S. leg include "Kill Me, Kiss You, People Are the Same, and Far off Places." As for Smiths songs, time to give How Soon is Now a break--same with Please, Please.

Hopefully, the setlist for the U.S. gig will be revamped with better songs.

Last Night I Dreamt is the greatest opening song I have ever seen him perform - (25+ gigs)

[Anonymous]

Hi.
My first ever time seeing Morrissey and I was not disappointed. I couldn't wait to see him as the excitement was reaching a creschendo by yesterday morning, and come just after 9pm, I was absolutely amazed. All the songs sounded great, and despite some of the negative comments on here, the band delivered the music perfectly.
I never realised the catchement of fans that would be at the gig, but there was a man in the queue called David, who at a guess was 50 years of age, he spent the whole day pretty much bad mouthing everyone, even people he had just been speaking to in the queue. He then spent the whole evening in the hall, from start to finish, bawling his eyes out like a baby.

The only downside was the people who just think they can push in and do as they like. A few people made it on to the stage, and one girl, who looked like frankenstein, got the microphone and asked Morrissey to come to wigan. Never heard of wigan, although he (Morrissey) was probably terrified by her.


Diane.


I saw him too, he was watching every move, seemed intent on "policing" the queue and wanted to know who certain people were, etc. He was very agitated before doors opened, we ended up far away from him so didn't see him crying lol whats that about. There were some boistorous lads behind us, they were having a great time and it added to the atmosphere to see such excitement. One of them got a handshake and looked like he'd won a medal he was chuffed

About the gig, it was a dream come true to see him in that venue, from the minute the mozza walked out on stage he had everyone in the palm of his hand, clutching on to evrey word he said. i have neve seen any other performer eject that response from a crowd, ever, ever.

I loved the backing vocals during Maladjusted, Gustavo, he has a great voice. He is a talented musician, noticed he was playing many instruments, he is a great addition to the morrissey family, all said, these are excellent musicians and they performed their guts out last night.

[Anonymous]

God Save The Moz! The one and only pop star on this planet ever - period.

[CrystalGeezer]

I loved the backing vocals during Maladjusted, Gustavo, he has a great voice. He is a talented musician, noticed he was playing many instruments, he is a great addition to the morrissey family, all said, these are excellent musicians and they performed their guts out last night.

This. Gustavo gives it 100% at the American gigs I've seen, as do all the band. I hope he sticks around to record should that happen someday.

[BrummieBoy]

'but there was a man in the queue called David, who at a guess was 50 years of age, he spent the whole day pretty much bad mouthing everyone, even people he had just been speaking to in the queue. He then spent the whole evening in the hall, from start to finish, bawling his eyes out like a baby.

The only downside was the people who just think they can push in and do as they like. A few people made it on to the stage, and one girl, who looked like frankenstein, got the microphone and asked Morrissey to come to wigan. Never heard of wigan, although he (Morrissey) was probably terrified by her. Diane.'


I saw him too, he was watching every move, seemed intent on "policing" the queue and wanted to know who certain people were, etc. He was very agitated before doors opened, we ended up far away from him so didn't see him crying lol whats that about.

'David' managed to briefly log off from 24/7/365 duty on 'the forums' where, of course, the 'real' Morrissey afficionados hang out to share their implaccable obsession with Morrissey's 'inappropriate' choice of support act. There's always one or two 'out there' forum folk at shows, but last night sounds an absolute classic. iPAD-man, the Bride of Wigan-stein and 'David' with his 'challenging behaviour and difficult to meet needs'. I wonder what their forum screen-names are...

I know the UK Government is planning interventions to help 'troubled families', maybe they can come in and rehabilitate the sociopathic 'family' who congregate on the forums.

I guess it becomes harder and harder to separate 'fantasy and reality' when you're only contact with consensual reality is attending a Morrissey gig.

[markdizz]

He was also taking photos of himself and his mates!


characteristics of a wanker.

[Anonymous]

Yeah this list system was awful. Maybe when it was set up it was a good idea, but there were lots of people pissed off it, including me. The list apparently is for people who queue early enough, but they didn't queue, seemingly having a nice day round edinburgh after signing the list in the morning then coming back about 6pm and moving everyone else who had queued in the meantime to the back. ridiculously unfair

[Anonymous]

I'm wondering if this poor girl from Wigan is reading these comments. Seemed like a fairly harmless remark/person to me (and I was at the gig, and heard her) does she really need to be pilloried for her looks? So much for the good atmosphere.... 'Diane' I guess you thought you were the best looking girl in the crowd, but you sound like you were at the wrong gig, maybe Duran Duran's more your level.

[GoingWilde]

Lovely comments, grazie.

[Iona Mink]

A great night. Marred slightly (no pun intended) before the gig started by Mr Q. Until last night I thought that Q was the one who supplied exploding ballpoints to James Bond. However, it appears that Q is actually Mozzers new best friend (or so he thinks). Anyway, rant over. A truly great night. I hope that the two nice young ladies from Newcastle and the nice young man from Liverpool who I spoke to enjoyed the gig. I didn't manage to see you after the show but hope that you left as happy as me. It is good to see that some of the younger folks still "get" Morrissey.

Not going to let this fly under the radar. Please go on.

[Anonymous]

Great Gig!!!!! Seen him 5 times now, took my 14 yr old son, his first Mozza gig!. We had a great time, no problem with where we stood, and certainly no "List". Are you "List" people for real? Where i come from (Scotland) a queue is a queue, it doesn't get any easier.If i had joined the queue only to be told of a "List" i would have insturcted List person what to do with it! Read the Manchester reviews and was a bit worried but it was awsome! Start to finish superb. Two things i may have missed from previous comments, Why was Boz in drag? and What did COSH on the bands shirts mean? Great venue, maybe this was MEN Manchesters problem? Lets hope Morrissey keeps going and a new album isnt too far away, we enjoyed another night of his music, we are his fans because we all get him!

Peace to all.

[Anonymous]

what time were they on stage? back to 9pm?

[stephsteph]

Yeah whats COSH?

[Anonymous]

I do understand the system and can see what should come out of it, however, in relation to what you have replied it seems that the system is being abused. We stayed in the same place outside the doors since about ten o'clock and witnessed older fans arriving and the list organiser going up and either putting them on the list or checking that their name was already on it, not once acknowledging us. The majority of the people on it did go elsewhere until the queue started! I did manage to get a good place in the crowd when we went in, so wasn't too disheartened. I just think things like the list are there to be abused and used in an unfair way. Still had a good time though!

This 'list' b.s. is befuddling to me. Under what/whose authority does it operate, and more importantly WHY does anyone abide by what someone else is telling you to do?

[Anonymous]

morrissey was brilliant in manchester he played such an unsual set..was on top form& his band..glad he did a good scottish show too

[Anonymous]

morrissey was suberb both nights in uk

[Anonymous]

This 'list' b.s. is befuddling to me. Under what/whose authority does it operate, and more importantly WHY does anyone abide by what someone else is telling you to do?

The list was originally set up to provide back up to the queue order. there had been situations where younger teenagers had waited all day and then been queue jumped.

however if places are being kept for people who haven't queued then it's a sham

[Anonymous]

Not going to let this fly under the radar. Please go on.

Maybe I am being too cryptic - Mr Q (or just Q ) is list man. The guy who seemed to think that he had the right to organise entry to the venue.

[Anonymous]

OK, regarding 'the list' - this is simply a list of people who are queuing up all day (and sometimes the previous night) and means we don't have to literally stand in a line for 15 hours. Yes - people are allowed to go away for short periods of time to use the toilet, get something to eat, put their bags into their hotels etc. If people start taking the piss and dissappearing for hours they will be crossed off the list and lose their place, as indeed happenned to a couple of people in Edinburgh. If you just turn up an hour before doors and see all these people arriving and forming up - yes, they have been there for the majority of the day. There is no special fan heirarchy - anyone who turns up early enough can go on the list, in the order they arrive.



We stayed in the same place outside the doors since about ten o'clock and witnessed older fans arriving and the list organiser going up and either putting them on the list or checking that their name was already on it, not once acknowledging us[quote]
The list usually closes after around 40 or so people. There are only so many people you can fit on the barrier, and it's hard to line up 40 people before doors, let along 400. By ten o clock the list would have been long closed - there were already around a dozen people queuing by 5am. If you are desperate for the barrier - get up earlier, it's as simple as that.

[quote]This 'list' b.s. is befuddling to me. Under what/whose authority does it operate, and more importantly WHY does anyone abide by what someone else is telling you to do?
The list is arranged by the fans for the fans, and has been in operation at every single gig since I've been going to shows in 2004. It is not 'official', but it usually operates with the blessing of the tour crew, who will often do their best to try and ensure that those who have been queuing all day get in first.

[Anonymous]

Fantastic gig at the beautiful Usher Hall. Highlights included Please Please Please, Speedway, Maladjusted and Still Ill (but please, no more Meat is Murder!) Loved Morrissey's little comments on Wilde, Shelley, Byron, Keats and Yeats and the inspired 'minority' comment.

Really feel that I need to vent about this ridiculous 'list' system though. My friend and I arrived from Newcastle at 7 o clock on the morning of the gig and as we could not drop our bags in at the hotel until 3, we could not wait at the venue until after 4. We did have a walk past Usher Hall at about 1 o clock though and there was only a tiny smattering of people outside (I even have a photo that I took at the venue which shows this). After we joined the queue at around 5, 2 and a half hours before the doors opened and standing in heavy rain, I was astounded when some self-important idiot in a 'We Hate Wills and Kate' top, parted the crowd and started majestically calling the names of his mates out from a scrappy piece of paper so that they could form an elite queue whilst the rest of us, lucky enough not to be part of this pretentious Morrissey clique, were shunted to one side.

It was obvious that most of these people knew each other and had not been 'waiting since 5 that morning'. They seem to suffer from a kind of superiority complex whereby they believe only they have the exclusive right to the front row at Morrissey gigs (and I wonder if it occurs to them how bored poor Moz must be looking down night after night and seeing a front row comprised of the same few faces) despite the fact that most people have travelled, paid a lot of money and are just as big fans as they are, if not more so.

There was no coherent reason given for the list. When questioned, 'We Hate Wills and Kate' came out with the hilarious "Morrissey has given us these wristbands". I didn't realise Morrissey now mans the box office at his gigs. Perhaps he'll be pulling the pints at his next one. Mystifying.

I can understand that it would be annoying if you had genuinely sat for a full day and then people pushed in infront of you, but this didn't seem to be the case at all. It seemed to have been abused by a bunch of cliquey, self important people and it would be nice if the rest of us were given the chance to be near enough to the front of the crowd to touch Morrissey's hand or have a go at the stage, instead of the same few people who can afford and have time to go to all of his gigs getting their mates to put their name down on a ridiculous 'list' in order for them to hog the front row.

Anyhow rant over. Morrissey seems to be on fine form at the moment and looks happy and relaxed. To the man from Inverness we spoke to outside, we had a great time thankyou. Will never tire of seeing Morrissey and can only hope there are many more gigs to come!

[Anonymous]

This 'list' b.s. is befuddling to me. Under what/whose authority does it operate, and more importantly WHY does anyone abide by what someone else is telling you to do?

In Edinburgh it was a guy who had a 'We Hate Will And Kate' tshirt on, who thinks he's in some kind of higher position than everyone else for the reason that he's jumped on stage twice with Morrissey (only to have Mozza's security, who he said "recognise him and the list", push him back into the crowd). He was giving out wrist bands to people and saying that you would be "rejected by Morrissey's security if you try to get in this way without being on the list" which, to me, sounded like the biggest amount of crap!
As for abiding by it, when I did try to "rebel" against the list system by joining in the queue where I should have been, there were some VERY angry fans telling me where to go, if you know what I mean. One woman even screamed, "Well f*ck you then!" at a security man for opening another door to let us apparent plebs in. We literally could not do anything about it at all! And as we were the younger ones in the queue, we didn't want to start a ruckus with older fans.
That was my attitude completely though "why should we be told where to go" etc, but in the situation it was very, very hard to act against it in any way.

[Anonymous]

Not going to let this fly under the radar. Please go on.

Was I too cryptic? This is me sounding off about the guy with the queue list.

[Anonymous]

This 'list' b.s. is befuddling to me. Under what/whose authority does it operate, and more importantly WHY does anyone abide by what someone else is telling you to do?

You know, it really doesn't matter because Moz's people will always let in the regulars, ie. people that follow most of the tour, before anyone else anyways. It's been that way for a long time.

[joe frady]

What would Edinburgh be without the rain?

Who knows...but it wouldn't be Edinburgh.

What would we be without Morrissey?

Happy, well adjusted, successful...normal?

Maybe...but I'm glad I've got Morrissey even if I lack those other things.

The crowd at the Usher Hall is the usual unusual.

Balding, middle-aged men desperately tugging the last few stray strands of hair to attention in an effort to make something that vaguely resembles a quiff.

Young turks with skinny jeans, fat egos and good shoes.

Pretty girls, pretty boys.

At least one skinhead in beautiful shoes.

People old enough to know better.

People young enough to know no different.

As the imperfect list blares from the sound system the atmosphere in the hall transforms us from this rag-tag bunch of misfits into one perfectly formed mass...we're all here because of the tie that binds.

Morrissey hits the stage looking fighting fit and able...trim, muscular, perky.

"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" is, in any setting and at any time, one of the most beautiful songs in the popular music songbook. It's a bold move to open a concert with a song like this...it's haunting, affecting and full of yearning. Every line is bawled back at the master and when the roof nearly comes off the venue at it's close it all makes sense.

He then roars through "Everyday is Like Sunday" and "Alma Matters" with the band sounding tight and his voice getting stronger with every verse one can't help but feel that this could be a night to remember. Who else could take a single like "Alma" which barely made a dent in the charts and that features on an album that is, at best, patchy by his standards and make it sound like the only song you every wanted to hear?

When he hands the mic to the front row a Northern lass pleads with him; "Coom to Wigan Morrissey...please, coom to Wigan." Taking the mic back he barks "No" and then we are headlong into a clutch of four singles in a row; "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris", "You Have Killed Me", "Shoplifters of the World Tonight" and "You're the One for me Fatty". Before he introduces his band of "love hungry bachelors" we are given "Speedway" which is given a re-working but doesn't suffer as a result...if anything it sounds better than ever.

Casual observers and supporters of Morrissey would now be looking for "First of the Gang to Die", "This Charming Man" and "Irish Blood English Heart"...Morrissey isn't one for giving people what they want so instead we are given a blistering rendition of "Maladjusted" which is played with such aggression, such power and such ferocity that I am left reeling. Then it's the glory of "Still Ill", the demanding "One Day Goodbye Will be Farewell" and the hysterical but moving "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" before being emotionally assaulted by "I Know It's Over".

I'm not sure that before tonight any of those songs would feature in my personal "Best of..." collection but after hearing them tonight they won't ever be off of that collection.

At the end of "Let Me Kiss You" Morrissey strips to the waist...not an unusual sight at a Morrissey concert but one which, in recent years (if we are being honest) has resulted in a few downward glances as we have tried to avoid the fact that our personal saviour has fallen victim of middle-age spread. Not tonight. He looks fabulous. I'm saying no more for fear of plunging myself into some sort of homo-erotic coma.

"Todays lesson is that we are all, all of us, minorities..." is the introduction to the only unreleased song we hear tonight. "People are the Same Everywhere" sounds like it is cut from the same cloth as "All You Need is Me" or "Something is Squeezing my Skull". It's power-pop...rocky and raucous. I like it...so there.

The cover version of "To Give" by Frankie Valli is dedicated to Kevin Roberts a Morrissey fan given a mention by a friend in the front row. He passed away earlier this year, was a huge Morrissey fan and his friend wanted to have him remembered so when the mic came to him he told us all about him and Morrissey preceded the song with a simply "For Kevin". A beautiful moment and a none too subtle reminder of how important Morrissey is to so many of us.

"We all know that the British judiciary killed Oscar Wilde and that something similar happened to Shelley, Byron, Keats and Yeats by the establishment. The British establishment rewards mediocrity and the mediocre. It also hates people who are not mediocre so..."

"Please, please, please..." is so moving tonight that, genuinely, I am in tears by the time it ends. I'm confident I'm not the only one.

"I Will See You in Far Off Places" is thumping, loud, aggressive, blistering and rage filled. It's a glorious reminder of why Morrissey matters. Without a record deal, and stubbornly refusing to do the DIY thing, it is easy to see him as old news, yesterdays man. But when he can write songs like this, that have more to say about the world we live in than any public proclamation by the vile David Cameron ever could, it is clear to see why we need him now more than ever.

Most artists like to end on a high note...a romp through a few of the "oldies", the fans favourites...Morrissey chooses to end the set with "Meat is Murder" complete with a gruesome set of images that may well serve to convert yet another generation of fans to the vegetarian cause. It's powerful and political.

An encore of "How Soon is Now" seems like the only possible way a concert like this could have ended. A trip down memory lane, the greatest single his old band never released, a clarion call to the lonely...it's everything you need to know about Morrissey.

8 singles.

A cover version.

7 Smiths songs.

Album tracks from "Maladjusted", "Vauxhall and I", "Ringleader of the Tormentors", "The Queen is Dead", "The Smiths", "Meat is Murder" and "Strangeways Here We Come" (I'm sure I've missed or mistaken some of the songs...forgive me, it's late).

1 unreleased song.

People will complain no matter what Morrissey plays...there is always something you want, something you are tired of...but the truth is that 20 songs over 90 minutes with all sorts of treats packed in isn't really a set you can complain about.

The last night of the tour...questions over whether or not he will tour again, will he ever release another album, will we see his autobiography? For now though I'm glad I was there...I sang my heart out, I laughed, I cried and I felt part of something.

What more could you want?

Kudos comrade :thumb:

Apologies if I'm in error here, but I thought I recognised a certain strain of romantic nihilism in your jottings. You wouldn't have been, er, a certain Virgil Hilts (Captain) in a former life; would yer?

If not, ignore me, but remember this ~ a cracking review. You should write for 'The Scotsman' ~ are you a wee free farmer? They don't publish incomers.

[Anonymous]

You know, it really doesn't matter because Moz's people will always let in the regulars, ie. people that follow most of the tour, before anyone else anyways. It's been that way for a long time.

Then the list is a moot point, and I for one, certainly won't be taking directives from "Q" should his delusional ass show up at the fall tour.

[Iona Mink]

Was I too cryptic? This is me sounding off about the guy with the queue list.

Apologies. No you weren't. It was merely me reading the lines between the lines, between the lines. I'll put my tin hat away.

[Anonymous]

OK, regarding 'the list' - this is simply a list of people who are queuing up all day (and sometimes the previous night) and means we don't have to literally stand in a line for 15 hours. Yes - people are allowed to go away for short periods of time to use the toilet, get something to eat, put their bags into their hotels etc. If people start taking the piss and dissappearing for hours they will be crossed off the list and lose their place, as indeed happenned to a couple of people in Edinburgh. If you just turn up an hour before doors and see all these people arriving and forming up - yes, they have been there for the majority of the day. There is no special fan heirarchy - anyone who turns up early enough can go on the list, in the order they arrive.


We stayed in the same place outside the doors since about ten o'clock and witnessed older fans arriving and the list organiser going up and either putting them on the list or checking that their name was already on it, not once acknowledging us

The list usually closes after around 40 or so people. There are only so many people you can fit on the barrier, and it's hard to line up 40 people before doors, let along 400. <b>By ten o clock the list would have been long closed - there were already around a dozen people queuing by 5am. If you are desperate for the barrier - get up earlier, it's as simple as that.</b>


The list is arranged by the fans for the fans, and has been in operation at every single gig since I've been going to shows in 2004. It is not 'official', but it usually operates with the blessing of the tour crew, who will often do their best to try and ensure that those who have been queuing all day get in first.

As I said previously, people were arriving AFTER us and being put on the list. It was clear the organiser knew them from previous gigs or whatever. We waited all day and there were very few people who did the same, maybe a maximum of fifteen /twenty people at any given time (up until about 4/5). The majority of the 'list' people went away and returned only occasionally.

You said it yourself, "if you are desperate for the barrier - get up early" and I agree, but there should be no list - you should keep your place in the queue until the doors are open. If you want to go at 5AM to be at the barrier then that is your choice, but you SHOULD NOT be allowed to determine who is at the front and who isn't. You go, queue up and get in. That's how it should work. The guy reading out the names for the queue was the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen at a gig. I am certainly sure now that if I was ever offered a place on the list I would decline it.

I also agree with the person above who mentioned that Morrissey must be tired of seeing the same faces at the front of every one of his gigs. How very depressing that must be!

[Boethius]

Afternoon All,
Having just returned home from the two gigs (and a glorious day spent walking in the Pentland Hills) I must admit that I feel thoroughly refreshed. Yes, Edinburgh was certainly a far better performance than Manchester, I believe this to be for several reasons; the size and style of venue, the set-list, the appreciation of the crowd, and the form shown by the man himself. True, Morrissey's voice was marvellous in Manchester, particularly for the first few songs, but in Edinburgh he was nothing short of majestic. I had been puzzled by the choice to revert back to Imperfect List as the intro music, some of my all-time favouirite recent Morrissey moments were provided by the Operation drums/ red flashing lights intro, but to walk on and perform There is a Light was sublime. The song order built the atmosphere nicely and the spoken comments were both witty ('No!' to Wigan) and well thought out (Wilde v mediocrity). The band, in my opinion, were quite tight. Gutavo was brilliant on keyboards, Soloman seemingly appeared fully recovered from his injury and, along with Eric the Drum, provided his usual drive, the oft-belittled Mr Tobias was on form (although I could have done without the intro to Maladjusted), and GT Boorer gets better looking every day. What a man/woman! The highlights of the gigs for me were Please, Please, Please in Manchester and I Know It's Over and How Soon is Now? in the Usher Hall. It has been a long time I have seen the great man perform consecutive gigs without hearing about Hector, but the 'silly boy' did not appear to be missed.
Lastly may I say a very sincere thank you to everyone who made the last few days so special; the staff at the Salford Lads Club for their time and commitment, the incredibly attractive sales-assistant in All Saints in Manchester who showed me great kindness, the fellow fans who travelled up on the midday flight from Luton, the blonde lady with the cheeky smile in Edinburgh (who spoke to me during the gig but unfortunately I could not hear!), the marvellous love and respect shown by the crowd, and lastly to the master himself. Thank you Morrissey.
Love, Peace, and Trumpton,
Boethius.

[I Like You]

LMAO at this 'list' business. Hope noone tolerates it next time Moz is in the UK, what a load of nonsense.

[Anonymous]

Just to chime in on the list business...

I've been attending Morrissey concerts for a few years and the first time I encountered it was 2009 in Glasgow. An American girl (I think) approached me and explained how as she and some others had been there for God knows how long, they'd made a list so that they could then go off (for food, toilet, whatever) without having to worry about their places in line. Seemed unnecessary but fair enough I suppose. She was quite friendly about it, and as I'd arrived fairly early myself she put my name down on it. No real drama.

Since then it looks to have become a bit of a bigger deal. The guy in charge in Edinburgh seemed a bit of a nutcase, and took it all quite seriously. I think if people arrived at ten or so in the morning they should have beeen told about it and added to the list. It's only fair. If it is causing trouble and people are abusing the idea behind it then it should be gotten rid of. Not really sure what can be done? It's not sanctioned by any means so as such there can't really be a decision made on whether or not its a good thing surely? No-one really wants to get in an argument/cause a scene outside a concert for going against it I suppose.

The important thing is that the gig was amazing and I'm sure those who wanted to be at/near the front got close enough. The attititudes of some self-appointed super-fans can be irritating but try not to let it affect your enjoyment of things.

[Anonymous]

Kudos comrade :thumb:

Apologies if I'm in error here, but I thought I recognised a certain strain of romantic nihilism in your jottings. You wouldn't have been, er, a certain Virgil Hilts (Captain) in a former life; would yer?

If not, ignore me, but remember this ~ a cracking review. You should write for 'The Scotsman' ~ are you a wee free farmer? They don't publish incomers.

No he was Sundown Playboy, Kimura and Kimura-San in previous lives

[Anonymous]

Kudos comrade :thumb:

Apologies if I'm in error here, but I thought I recognised a certain strain of romantic nihilism in your jottings. You wouldn't have been, er, a certain Virgil Hilts (Captain) in a former life; would yer?

If not, ignore me, but remember this ~ a cracking review. You should write for 'The Scotsman' ~ are you a wee free farmer? They don't publish incomers.

Ahoy.

I am the "author" of the review...I'm afraid I don't know what you're on about! That's meant to be read as if I were speaking in a jaunty tone of voice!

Sorry!

[Anonymous]

In Edinburgh it was a guy who had a 'We Hate Will And Kate' tshirt on, who thinks he's in some kind of higher position than everyone else for the reason that he's jumped on stage twice with Morrissey (only to have Mozza's security, who he said "recognise him and the list", push him back into the crowd). He was giving out wrist bands to people and saying that you would be "rejected by Morrissey's security if you try to get in this way without being on the list" which, to me, sounded like the biggest amount of crap!
As for abiding by it, when I did try to "rebel" against the list system by joining in the queue where I should have been, there were some VERY angry fans telling me where to go, if you know what I mean. One woman even screamed, "Well f*ck you then!" at a security man for opening another door to let us apparent plebs in. We literally could not do anything about it at all! And as we were the younger ones in the queue, we didn't want to start a ruckus with older fans.
That was my attitude completely though "why should we be told where to go" etc, but in the situation it was very, very hard to act against it in any way.



The 'list man' as you are calling him with the We Hate William and Kate tshirt on, which morrissy gave to him in manchester, got on stage both nights and was actually dragged onto the stage by Morrissey and his security and it is all on youtube. So get your facts right before posting mindless cobblers on here. toodleloo for now Thanks by number 17 on the list :D

[Jameseybhoy]

My first Morrissey gig, he was immense and still has it. From the opener Last Night I Dreamt that Somebody Loved Me to the closing How Soon Is Now with loads of great tunes in between. A few surprise tracks. Biggest surprise was the tracks he left out, but with the depth of back catalogue he has the choices he made more than made up for it.

[Anonymous]

See if i had queued for twelve hours and some random guy told me to move due to some made up list.......jog on mate.

[Anonymous]

We stayed in the same place outside the doors since about ten o'clock and witnessed older fans arriving and the list organiser going up and either putting them on the list or checking that their name was already on it, not once acknowledging us
Is there any reason why you just sat there silently, instead of going up to whoever was organising the list, asking what was going on and getting your name on it? Speaking about it AT THE TIME might have helped sort out whatever your problem was, and got you in at the right place. Doing nothing at the time and bitching about it online later isn't going to help anybody. It sounds like someone just fucked up, and amidst all the other fans milling about the place didn't realise that you hadn't added your names to the list. Try speaking to people at the concerts next time.

[Anonymous]

The 'list man' as you are calling him with the We Hate William and Kate tshirt on, which morrissy gave to him in manchester, got on stage both nights and was actually dragged onto the stage by Morrissey and his security and it is all on youtube. So get your facts right before posting mindless cobblers on here. toodleloo for now Thanks by number 17 on the list :D

^Absolute prime example of the type of people in 'the list' queue.
Morrissey must love him so much!

[joe frady]

Ahoy.

I am the "author" of the review...I'm afraid I don't know what you're on about! That's meant to be read as if I were speaking in a jaunty tone of voice!

Sorry!

No harm no foul. Thought you might be someone I knew in a former life.

Thanks again for your truth. Here's mine ~

Part One ~

In a city this beautiful it would seem just downright rude not to offer sublimity. An affront to our auspicious surroundings, rain or no rain. In a drunken shithole like Glasgow we takes what we gets, but here the stakes (no offence) are higher:

In three score and ten concerts I've never seen Morrissey open with such an audacious choice of songs. 'Last Night I Dreamt..' and 'Sunday' are meant to be a mid-set peak aren't they, or even pre-encore set closers? But after the (frankly too bloody long) 'Imperfect List', which is as depressingly apt now as when it was written, Moz strides on looking thunderously suave in his tailored sports-luxe zip top and proceeds to lie down on the stage, nestling his head between the two kick drums with the St. Andrews cross on them, as Gustavo tinkles the intro. As a self-loathing Scotsman I could have done without the Scotch flag bit, but I was agape at the gall of beginning a show flat on your back with a bit of pianissimo while the crowd shower their love like Scouse plastic cups.

He soars through 'Last Night' with an immaculate precision that beggars belief. I'd been concerned in Manchester that his singing sounded a little raspy (understandably so) but tonight it was like a warm, and real, embrace that one hoped would never break. I don't know where he dredges this stuff up from, not sure I want to either, but it seems as vital and alive now, on this stage, as it must have when he first put the words to paper last century. As 'The story is old, I know, but it goes on..' glides gracefully through me it occurs that it's another one of those tried and true profundities which litter Morrissey's art like diamond dust ('Does the mind rule the body..', etc) It's a distillation of existential thought that J-PS would, surely, have given his left nut for. To write the line is good enough, but to send it out into the world with a vocal melody of such defiant yearning, poignancy and resigned acceptance is Top Trumps. Giving expression to the philosophical theory whilst simultaneoulsy rendering the emotional cost. He ends the song where he came in - flat on the floor, in a foetal pose. I don't blame him.

'Everyday Is Like Sunday' continues in (with?) the same vein of majisterial melancholy, and the glorious middle eight going into the crowd-crescendo-lights-up-sing-along-a-Sunday. A true National Anthem. But I'm thinking, this is only 2 songs in? This shouldn't be. But, for me, those 2 opening songs had the crowd slurping out of the man's stigamta for the remainder of the set. He won us over in 2 rounds, he had us by 'greased tea', and we went with him the rest of the way. Following into any ficht. That, I think, is the subtle difference between the Manchester and Edinbugh shows. I enjoyed both immensely, but Edinburgh was definitely the more special. It could simply be a question of percentages (bigger crowd, more idiots) but the Edinburgh crowd were more on-side than Manchester.

And Morrissey seemed to sense it, as he launched into 'Alma Matters' with an apparent mood of gleeful and charming defiance in the delivery. He almost seemed to skip around the stage, matching the dodging and weaving within the lyric of this underrated shining pop gem.

'I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris', as always, is greeted with a roar of approval that disarms me. Don't get me wrong, I love the wee guy, but it always surprises me how popular this song is when there are others on 'Refusal' that are far greater. Tonight, for some reason, it goes in a little deeper than normal. Maybe it's being alone in a handsome town, but the gentle poignancy and bittersweet rigour have me slightly moistening. Or maybe it's cos as he chides 'Yes, you've made yourself plain..' he yanks his luxe-zip-top shut all the way to the neck! (Don't worry, he loosened it again in the dark)

'You Have Killed Me' is, as always, a joy. Sounding slightly less menacing than last summer (although that may have been due to sound 'issues' - the sound generally tonight was pretty poor: too loud, or undefined and squelchy. Not ruinously so though. Ironically, Manchester seemed to me to have clearer sound with about triple the height of tonights speaker rack.) The song is still a winning amalgam of poperatic dramatics and puckish punkish exuberance.

Next - the true alchemy of pop: 'Shoplifters' crashes into life and I am transported, in a palpitating heartbeat, back to Glasgow Barrowland, Feb 1995, and the first time Morrissey played it, or any other Smiths song, as a solo artist. As a moment in life it beat birth, marriage and death, greeted with a roar of approval I've yet to hear the equal of, but, frankly, the man tonight is almost unrecognisable from that wintery night back West. Tonight he delivers it with such antoginistic abandonment that it is sacrely believable that there are youths in here who were just a twinkle in their father's 'Girlfiend In A Coma' 12-inch in '95. Moz was in a pretty bad way, in many ways, in '95. Some of us were thinking - how many more years could he muster? 17 years later, here some of us are thinking - why bother stopping? Particularly affecting is the 'heartless hand on my shoulder' crescendo; this section is played and sung with such an on-rush of unified and flowing perfection that it really does send shivers up my neck. Who knows what the words actually mean (I'm aware of all the theorys), essentially they may very well be poetical jibberish, but here he delivers them with such swift and silken conviction, the 'BORED before I even BEGAN' climax is rendered with such punchy veracity that I am brought to the point of tears. Happiness was never so sad, etc, and vice versa, etc...

'Fatty' is greeted as raucously as ANY Smiths song you'd care to name. I rarely ever look behind me at concerts (for fear of seeing some weeble shaped moron playing with his BetFred app or some other example of moron-ism) but as 'Fatty' leaps into life I do risk a glance and I see a classic moment - a forty-something couple front row centre of the Grand Circle leap to their feet and begin simultaneously Moz-dancing and singing the song directly to each other, faces inches apart. The couple are....pleasingly rotund. A Kodak moment (widescreen). Although slightly undercut by me looking back as Moz sings '..And I will stay' to see the fella bolting up the stairs towards the doors. Chocolates?

'Speedway' is the equal of last summer, although slightly less stark and stripped back as it was then, slightly more recognisable to the original version. It could still be said to be a sublime mix of Jacques Brel and Johnny Ramone, although last summer Jacques was on top; now Johnny's back in charge. Teasing, enticing, exploratory, celebratory and accusatory - at times almost as if Morrissey himself doesn't quite know where he's going to go with it. Tonight it seems to excite and amuse him.

The black heart of the set pulses on with 'Maladjusted'. This is manifestly the song as it was always destined to be - a dizzying spiral of stalking, seething, questing, loving menace. The dark epic intimacy of the song is fully realised. My favourite Morrissey line ever ('When the gulf between / All the things I need / And the things I receive / Is an ancient ocean wide / wild / lost /uncrossed ') is raised to it's rightful place; as he spits out each word the drums and lights underline their power. He pauses to look askance at the 'safe and stable' warm light above before spinning back into the blood red stage lighting, circling the stage, round and round until that eponymous finalé. As he repeats 'maladjuted...never to be trusted' I watch his face and truth is smeared over every inch. Gustavo seals the deal with the truest falsetto there ever was...

Saturday night's encore comes next and is greeted with similar screams. This delivers up one of my favourite moments from the night when, during the chorus, Morrissey folds to his knees on his vocal monitor and looks to the heavens beyond the gilded innards of the Usher Hall to implore 'Am I Still Ill?' Answer came there none.

'One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell' is a stay-er. It seems able to triumph in any location, something to do with that bass line and those propulsive drums. And the fact that Morrissey sings his words with absolute conviction.

[Anin (or at least i was)]

Sorry folks I'm a moz fan, but thats either the set list of an angry old man or as more likely someone signalling he's on the way out. Loads of songs referencing last of/ what will you do in future etc... Read the song lyrics. Hope I'm wrong but also hope before he hang up his mic that he does a full on back cat masterpiece

you're silly.

[joe frady]

Part Two ~

'Ouija Board' offers a comprehensive masterclass in Morrissey stagecraft. The fact that, in the breadth of one darkened pause, he can veer from the muscular linearity of 'Goodbye' to this subtle and nuanced performance is all the testament one would require to his genius. He sings this one almost conversationally, as if to the ouija board, pleading and debating to deliver his lover. At one point he brings his right hand up to his head so that his fingers brace his jawline, and it rests there for a beat, as one might do in converstion with a person, before he pulls the hand away and looks at it with confusion and disgust and tries to throw it off. Like a Strangeways Stranglelove. The words he sings 'just can't find my place in this world', 'so horribly lonely', etc, are writ small and subtle on his very body. The performance is full of these twisted little joys. Just before each Jesse guitar break, in ghostly white light, he creases to his knees and lets out a haunted yawp to his love, from this sphere to the next. At one point he's circling backwards, almost trancelike. It's a breathtaking performance of such a 'funny little single'.

'I Know It's Over' suffers ever so slightly from comparison with the Manchester rendition, in that on Saturday night it was delivered with such volume and size into such a vast space that it became Lancashire Opera. Fittingly. Here, it's merely soul-wrenching.

The sweet and tender subtlety of 'Let Me Kiss You' suffers a little from the poor sound of the venue, and you cannot get the full warmth of Gustavo's keyed string line. Having changed his shirt at the end of 'I Know It's Over' he now rips off this fresh one and tosses it horde-wards. What if you liked them manky? Not your night then.

I'm slightly delighted that he returns in my favourite die-cut stripey luxe-tracky-top that apparently some people abhor. He looks like he could be a member of the 1920s French Tour De France ladies team. In a good way. I'm slightly disappointed however that 'People Are The Same Everywhere' is the only unreleased song given to Edinburgh tonight. I'd had 'Action' gliding around in my head all day today and 'Scandinavia' is still an instant classic to these ears, but 'People..' is still given with love and vibrancy, so should I really complain?

'To Give' is the perfect song for this auditorium, and sounds far better than in the shed in Manchester. It is also one of those songs that could easily go horribly wrong, but tonight Bassey herself could not have formed it more powerfully. It's obvioulsy a bit of a choker in any situation, but the gentle dedication to Kevin Roberts (who the audience spontaneoulsy applauded when his mate told his story) meant that some of us were puddle-esque by the close.

No point drying off, as 'Please Please Please..' follows, to a rapturous welcome. The sound that greets it is a kind of loving and gentle...roar. I know it's hard to imagine a gentle roar, but that's really what it sounded like. I tried to think of another scenario that might produce such a unique sound. The best I could come up with was if a team of 12 Nelson Mandelas were playing 12 Nelson Mandelas in the World Cup. And Nelson Mandela scored the winner. That's the sound the crowd might make.

Another heightened memory occurs during 'PPP..' when I notice the crowd singing along. As they come to the line 'So, for once in my life...' there is the sublime sound of an elongated, feminine 'ssssss' at the start of 'So'. They are waiting to catch up with Morrissey, who is singing at a slightly slower pace and with slightly different phrasing. Only slightly. But they wait. And try to follow. They are singing their version, the version that they've known ever since they first heard it, the version in their head all these years, or maybe just months, that perhaps they've grown up with, or perhaps are just growing into. But the version that means the most to them, whenever they heard it, in Thatcher's reign or in Cameron's. Their version is dichotomised with Morrissey singing it 'His Way' - the particular way that he happens to be phrasing it here, tonight. The difference is so slight as to be almost negligible, but, for me, that feminine 'sss' crystallises a perfect pop moment of love between audience and artist, sung to and sung by, old and new, memory and present. Of course, in that gap, that moment, nobody in the room happened to hear another noise - that of my tired old heart breaking. The eternal reciprocity of tears, as the poet said. (Now, if only Owen could have carried a tune.)

But then ~ towards the end of the song the crowd is struck silent as Morrissey simply intones 'PLEASE' four or five times, eyes closed. Taking their song and, gently, claiming it back as his song. His words. His life. Boiling it down to the very essence of the song. Sung with such yearning you just wouldn't believe it. Ends. Cue that gentle fucking roar again. Twice as loud.

And, by the by, Jesse played the guitar lines on 'PPP..' to absolute perfection.

'I Will See You...' blasts away our tears, and features some particularly ferocious drumming from the new guy. Which comes into great effect again with 'Meat Is Murder' ("Don't think you're getting away that easily...") - a genuinely visceral offering which climaxes with Morrissey stood on the drum riser, back to crowd, hands clasping the nape of his neck as he gazes up at the horror-strewn screen whilst his band unleash a veritable abattoir of noise all around him.

By a process of elimination I'd already guessed what the encore would be (I would have liked it to be 'Scandinavia' but I can see the arguments against...) And so 'How Soon is Now' erupts into life and a bloody red bedlam ensues. A loving bedlam, but bedlam all the same. A few hardy souls make it on stage to be greeted with loving arms. Moz is going around collecting gifts like a kid at Christmas. And teasing and tickling straining outsretched fingertips. And standing at the drums with his perspiring-heart-back firmly turned away from the crowd, for large parts of the song, holding his fingers just like in the photograph of young Steve Morrissey of Stretford (that we can now wear on our chest), while the crowd behind writhe and bay and flail to get one inch nearer. And I'm thinking ~ 'He loves this'. What the hell is he gonna do when it's gone?

Then I'm thinking 'What the hell am I gonna do when it's gone?'

But we're here and it's now, so....

[Anonymous]

Oh, god... More of the list resentment. Actually, the list began in the US back during the 2004 Quarry tour, I believe in Los Angeles, in order to make it easier for those who queued overnight/all day long outside the venue to keep their place in the queue, as the majority of those on the list are the "Irregular regulars" that follow a lot of, or the majority of the tour. Often these are people that have travelled, so it is supposed to be used for people to leave the queue if they need to go check into their hotel, have a shower, get food, etc., all within a reasonable amount of time. Of course this can be subject to abuse from time to time, but generally it has worked out pretty well, minus a few exceptions like NYC in 2007. I have personally seen many people crossed off of it when they have gone away for too long, etc., so it hasn't all been "unfair." This list has also been known of by people in Morrissey's queue, who also often make sure that those who follow the tours get to the front before queue jumpers do. The same system was in place at the Manchester Arena gig as well, where a select amount of people were let in before the rest of the crowd (the barrier was completely full by the time all of the doors were open). Generally if you get there early and make it known that you are there to queue, I have never seen anyone refused to be added to the list, unless the number is already ridiculous and there is no point. Often I have seen people who are in the front of the queue ask the later arrivals if they would like to be added to the list. And to those complaining that Morrissey must get tired of seeing the same faces every night, you must have not been around for very long, because it's actually the opposite. Basically list or no list, there is always going to be a group of people that travel to many, many gigs, who will and do get special treatment, whether you agree with it or not, that's just the way it is and the way it's always been. Can't comment on the specifics of the list at the actually Edinburgh gig, but it's unfortunate some people feel hard done by at this gig in particular.

[Anonymous]

I am still on a high having seen Moz and the band in Edinburgh. Can't stop thinking about it, set list and delivery were breathless. My addiction for Moz is ever stronger, his performance was unbelievable. I brought some friends and they are under his spell. I believe in Moz, he is more than an artist, songwriter, performer but a total inspiration for living life. I sit here with my Moz gig T shirt, now and the one I bought from Manchester 2 days before wishing I was going to NY. The Quarry night was great, Hi to all the like minded friends I made there ...Love you Moz forever Barb

[Anonymous]

Wow! Thank you for taking the time to tell us all about the concert. I am looking forward to his concert in late October. I purchased the tickets in memory of my brother who just passed away from a painful struggle with bone cancer. Morrissey was one of brother's favorite artists since high school and the Smiths first came out. I can't wait to experience Morrissey for my brother who I know would of purchased tickets if he were still here. You have me really excited!
What would Edinburgh be without the rain?

Who knows...but it wouldn't be Edinburgh.

What would we be without Morrissey?

Happy, well adjusted, successful...normal?

Maybe...but I'm glad I've got Morrissey even if I lack those other things.

The crowd at the Usher Hall is the usual unusual.




Balding, middle-aged men desperately tugging the last few stray strands of hair to attention in an effort to make something that vaguely resembles a quiff.

Young turks with skinny jeans, fat egos and good shoes.

Pretty girls, pretty boys.

At least one skinhead in beautiful shoes.

People old enough to know better.

People young enough to know no different.

As the imperfect list blares from the sound system the atmosphere in the hall transforms us from this rag-tag bunch of misfits into one perfectly formed mass...we're all here because of the tie that binds.

Morrissey hits the stage looking fighting fit and able...trim, muscular, perky.

"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" is, in any setting and at any time, one of the most beautiful songs in the popular music songbook. It's a bold move to open a concert with a song like this...it's haunting, affecting and full of yearning. Every line is bawled back at the master and when the roof nearly comes off the venue at it's close it all makes sense.

He then roars through "Everyday is Like Sunday" and "Alma Matters" with the band sounding tight and his voice getting stronger with every verse one can't help but feel that this could be a night to remember. Who else could take a single like "Alma" which barely made a dent in the charts and that features on an album that is, at best, patchy by his standards and make it sound like the only song you every wanted to hear?

When he hands the mic to the front row a Northern lass pleads with him; "Coom to Wigan Morrissey...please, coom to Wigan." Taking the mic back he barks "No" and then we are headlong into a clutch of four singles in a row; "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris", "You Have Killed Me", "Shoplifters of the World Tonight" and "You're the One for me Fatty". Before he introduces his band of "love hungry bachelors" we are given "Speedway" which is given a re-working but doesn't suffer as a result...if anything it sounds better than ever.

Casual observers and supporters of Morrissey would now be looking for "First of the Gang to Die", "This Charming Man" and "Irish Blood English Heart"...Morrissey isn't one for giving people what they want so instead we are given a blistering rendition of "Maladjusted" which is played with such aggression, such power and such ferocity that I am left reeling. Then it's the glory of "Still Ill", the demanding "One Day Goodbye Will be Farewell" and the hysterical but moving "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" before being emotionally assaulted by "I Know It's Over".

I'm not sure that before tonight any of those songs would feature in my personal "Best of..." collection but after hearing them tonight they won't ever be off of that collection.

At the end of "Let Me Kiss You" Morrissey strips to the waist...not an unusual sight at a Morrissey concert but one which, in recent years (if we are being honest) has resulted in a few downward glances as we have tried to avoid the fact that our personal saviour has fallen victim of middle-age spread. Not tonight. He looks fabulous. I'm saying no more for fear of plunging myself into some sort of homo-erotic coma.

"Todays lesson is that we are all, all of us, minorities..." is the introduction to the only unreleased song we hear tonight. "People are the Same Everywhere" sounds like it is cut from the same cloth as "All You Need is Me" or "Something is Squeezing my Skull". It's power-pop...rocky and raucous. I like it...so there.

The cover version of "To Give" by Frankie Valli is dedicated to Kevin Roberts a Morrissey fan given a mention by a friend in the front row. He passed away earlier this year, was a huge Morrissey fan and his friend wanted to have him remembered so when the mic came to him he told us all about him and Morrissey preceded the song with a simply "For Kevin". A beautiful moment and a none too subtle reminder of how important Morrissey is to so many of us.

"We all know that the British judiciary killed Oscar Wilde and that something similar happened to Shelley, Byron, Keats and Yeats by the establishment. The British establishment rewards mediocrity and the mediocre. It also hates people who are not mediocre so..."

"Please, please, please..." is so moving tonight that, genuinely, I am in tears by the time it ends. I'm confident I'm not the only one.

"I Will See You in Far Off Places" is thumping, loud, aggressive, blistering and rage filled. It's a glorious reminder of why Morrissey matters. Without a record deal, and stubbornly refusing to do the DIY thing, it is easy to see him as old news, yesterdays man. But when he can write songs like this, that have more to say about the world we live in than any public proclamation by the vile David Cameron ever could, it is clear to see why we need him now more than ever.

Most artists like to end on a high note...a romp through a few of the "oldies", the fans favourites...Morrissey chooses to end the set with "Meat is Murder" complete with a gruesome set of images that may well serve to convert yet another generation of fans to the vegetarian cause. It's powerful and political.

An encore of "How Soon is Now" seems like the only possible way a concert like this could have ended. A trip down memory lane, the greatest single his old band never released, a clarion call to the lonely...it's everything you need to know about Morrissey.

8 singles.

A cover version.

7 Smiths songs.

Album tracks from "Maladjusted", "Vauxhall and I", "Ringleader of the Tormentors", "The Queen is Dead", "The Smiths", "Meat is Murder" and "Strangeways Here We Come" (I'm sure I've missed or mistaken some of the songs...forgive me, it's late).

1 unreleased song.

People will complain no matter what Morrissey plays...there is always something you want, something you are tired of...but the truth is that 20 songs over 90 minutes with all sorts of treats packed in isn't really a set you can complain about.

The last night of the tour...questions over whether or not he will tour again, will he ever release another album, will we see his autobiography? For now though I'm glad I was there...I sang my heart out, I laughed, I cried and I felt part of something.

What more could you want?

[Anonymous]

I wasn't going to post this but I just seen all the comments about the queue and felt like I had to contribute.

Right, I was on the queue, passing time playing on my smartphone and I saw this tweet. I had been tweeting about how cold it was on the queue and how I wanted my sister to bring me some soup, that silly sort ofthing that twitter is for. So I then saw this tweet.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> https://twitter.com/batterseabenn/status/229877230581477376


I twigged that the bloke in the picture was the bloke standing mere feet away giving it loads about what a brilliant fan he is, and how friendly he is to all of his other mozzy fans how it is like a family reunion at every gig. I was going to say something to him about the tweet like "whats this about mateee" but then I overheard him being a twat to someone on the queue, bragging that he had been to more gigs than them this year, that he was going to Las Angeles later on for more gigs, blah blah givin it loads he was.

Could not believe it later on when I showed it the tweet to my girlfriend who says she has been noticing his condescending comments directed at other fans on FB!!!!! Apparently Box just has to post a status update and "DAVID" will be on with replies, showing off, mostly.

Later on we overheard him and some other person having an "I hate morrissey solo" conversation, it was like listening to two blokes brag about who had the biggest house, they were tryin to outdo each other with their negative sentiments. Yes, we were that close to them and how nobody twigged us pissig ourselves at the antics of two middle-aged-men acting like tweenie twilight fans I will never know.

As for the screen capture/tweet -for all that had been said about Julia over the years I don't think she has ever done anything like this to any one. She hasn't threatened to wring their necks, has she!

David Lewin, if it is the same bloke, as other commenters were saying, well he was freaking out right before doors opened to the venue. He looked like he was facing a major life trauma!!!

[Giselle]

joe frady, many thanks for such a detailed, in-depth, yet heartfelt review! :flowers:


Part Two ...



Another heightened memory occurs during 'PPP..' when I notice the crowd singing along. As they come to the line 'So, for once in my life...' there is the sublime sound of an elongated, feminine 'ssssss' at the start of 'So'. They are waiting to catch up with Morrissey, who is singing at a slightly slower pace and with slightly different phrasing. Only slightly. But they wait. And try to follow. They are singing their version, the version that they've known ever since they first heard it, the version in their head all these years, or maybe just months, that perhaps they've grown up with, or perhaps are just growing into. But the version that means the most to them, whenever they heard it, in Thatcher's reign or in Cameron's. Their version is dichotomised with Morrissey singing it 'His Way' - the particular way that he happens to be phrasing it here, tonight. The difference is so slight as to be almost negligible, but, for me, that feminine 'sss' crystallises a perfect pop moment of love between audience and artist, sung to and sung by, old and new, memory and present. Of course, in that gap, that moment, nobody in the room happened to hear another noise - that of my tired old heart breaking. The eternal reciprocity of tears, as the poet said. (Now, if only Owen could have carried a tune.)

But then ~ towards the end of the song the crowd is struck silent as Morrissey simply intones 'PLEASE' four or five times, eyes closed. Taking their song and, gently, claiming it back as his song. His words. His life. Boiling it down to the very essence of the song. Sung with such yearning you just wouldn't believe it. Ends. Cue that gentle fucking roar again. Twice as loud.

And, by the by, Jesse played the guitar lines on 'PPP..' to absolute perfection.

'I Will See You...' blasts away our tears, and features some particularly ferocious drumming from the new guy. Which comes into great effect again with 'Meat Is Murder' ("Don't think you're getting away that easily...") - a genuinely visceral offering which climaxes with Morrissey stood on the drum riser, back to crowd, hands clasping the nape of his neck as he gazes up at the horror-strewn screen whilst his band unleash a veritable abattoir of noise all around him.

Then I'm thinking 'What the hell am I gonna do when it's gone?'

But we're here and it's now, so....

[Anonymous]

Oh, god... More of the list resentment. Actually, the list began in the US back during the 2004 Quarry tour, I believe in Los Angeles, in order to make it easier for those who queued overnight/all day long outside the venue to keep their place in the queue, as the majority of those on the list are the "Irregular regulars" that follow a lot of, or the majority of the tour. Often these are people that have travelled, so it is supposed to be used for people to leave the queue if they need to go check into their hotel, have a shower, get food, etc., all within a reasonable amount of time. Of course this can be subject to abuse from time to time, but generally it has worked out pretty well, minus a few exceptions like NYC in 2007. I have personally seen many people crossed off of it when they have gone away for too long, etc., so it hasn't all been "unfair." This list has also been known of by people in Morrissey's queue, who also often make sure that those who follow the tours get to the front before queue jumpers do. The same system was in place at the Manchester Arena gig as well, where a select amount of people were let in before the rest of the crowd (the barrier was completely full by the time all of the doors were open). Generally if you get there early and make it known that you are there to queue, I have never seen anyone refused to be added to the list, unless the number is already ridiculous and there is no point. Often I have seen people who are in the front of the queue ask the later arrivals if they would like to be added to the list. And to those complaining that Morrissey must get tired of seeing the same faces every night, you must have not been around for very long, because it's actually the opposite. Basically list or no list, there is always going to be a group of people that travel to many, many gigs, who will and do get special treatment, whether you agree with it or not, that's just the way it is and the way it's always been. Can't comment on the specifics of the list at the actually Edinburgh gig, but it's unfortunate some people feel hard done by at this gig in particular.

To me, part of the point in touring is to see different places and different people. Yes, it is nice that people make an effort to travel to go and see Morrissey, myself included, but I cannot help but feel that it would be only fair for different people who may not be part of his close-knit and cliquey network of fans to be able to get to the front too. I cannot travel to every Morrissey gig as an 'Irregular Regular' or whatever you have just called them as I have a job, rent to pay and a life to live outside of Morrissey gigs, as much as I passionately love Morrissey and try to see him on at least a few tour dates of each tour! A previous poster has stated that they were at the venue at 10 and were not approached to be put on the 'list' and as I don't usually use Morrissey-solo or any other forums, I was certainly not aware of it. I didn't know that I could drop my bags off at my hotel and then come back, as those who know each other and have arranged this set-up obviously do. So yes, I do think that it was unfair. Perhaps if it was more widely known, stated on the website of the venue that this was the case and properly organised by crew members then there wouldn't be such a problem. As it happens when the staff opened the doors of Usher Hall they allowed those not on the 'list' in first anyway as they would normally do at a gig (to shouts of abuse from the charming select few) so it does beg the question of whether they were even really aware of it. Obviously they were as confused as we all were.

I have never been to a gig where a list has been neccesary. Usually the procedure is that you arrive and queue and that's it, without some fans taking it upon themselves to conduct others about as if they held some kind of supreme authority, despite having been nowhere to be seen at the venue throughout the day. It was just a bizarre spectacle which was totally new and confusing to me. Perhaps it was mainly the attitude of the person in the 'We Hate Wills and Kate' t shirt which has rankled people. He was bossy, self-important and unpleasant when questioned and if this is the sort of person whom Morrissey has chosen to irrationally favour then I think this is very sad indeed. What would Shelagh say!

[Anonymous]

Outstanding review and presented in a format some many of us feel when watchng the man in action~


Part Two ~

'Ouija Board' offers a comprehensive masterclass in Morrissey stagecraft. The fact that, in the breadth of one darkened pause, he can veer from the muscular linearity of 'Goodbye' to this subtle and nuanced performance is all the testament one would require to his genius. He sings this one almost conversationally, as if to the ouija board, pleading and debating to deliver his lover. At one point he brings his right hand up to his head so that his fingers brace his jawline, and it rests there for a beat, as one might do in converstion with a person, before he pulls the hand away and looks at it with confusion and disgust and tries to throw it off. Like a Strangeways Stranglelove. The words he sings 'just can't find my place in this world', 'so horribly lonely', etc, are writ small and subtle on his very body. The performance is full of these twisted little joys. Just before each Jesse guitar break, in ghostly white light, he creases to his knees and lets out a haunted yawp to his love, from this sphere to the next. At one point he's circling backwards, almost trancelike. It's a breathtaking performance of such a 'funny little single'.

'I Know It's Over' suffers ever so slightly from comparison with the Manchester rendition, in that on Saturday night it was delivered with such volume and size into such a vast space that it became Lancashire Opera. Fittingly. Here, it's merely soul-wrenching.

The sweet and tender subtlety of 'Let Me Kiss You' suffers a little from the poor sound of the venue, and you cannot get the full warmth of Gustavo's keyed string line. Having changed his shirt at the end of 'I Know It's Over' he now rips off this fresh one and tosses it horde-wards. What if you liked them manky? Not your night then.

I'm slightly delighted that he returns in my favourite die-cut stripey luxe-tracky-top that apparently some people abhor. He looks like he could be a member of the 1920s French Tour De France ladies team. In a good way. I'm slightly disappointed however that 'People Are The Same Everywhere' is the only unreleased song given to Edinburgh tonight. I'd had 'Action' gliding around in my head all day today and 'Scandinavia' is still an instant classic to these ears, but 'People..' is still given with love and vibrancy, so should I really complain?

'To Give' is the perfect song for this auditorium, and sounds far better than in the shed in Manchester. It is also one of those songs that could easily go horribly wrong, but tonight Bassey herself could not have formed it more powerfully. It's obvioulsy a bit of a choker in any situation, but the gentle dedication to Kevin Roberts (who the audience spontaneoulsy applauded when his mate told his story) meant that some of us were puddle-esque by the close.

No point drying off, as 'Please Please Please..' follows, to a rapturous welcome. The sound that greets it is a kind of loving and gentle...roar. I know it's hard to imagine a gentle roar, but that's really what it sounded like. I tried to think of another scenario that might produce such a unique sound. The best I could come up with was if a team of 12 Nelson Mandelas were playing 12 Nelson Mandelas in the World Cup. And Nelson Mandela scored the winner. That's the sound the crowd might make.

Another heightened memory occurs during 'PPP..' when I notice the crowd singing along. As they come to the line 'So, for once in my life...' there is the sublime sound of an elongated, feminine 'ssssss' at the start of 'So'. They are waiting to catch up with Morrissey, who is singing at a slightly slower pace and with slightly different phrasing. Only slightly. But they wait. And try to follow. They are singing their version, the version that they've known ever since they first heard it, the version in their head all these years, or maybe just months, that perhaps they've grown up with, or perhaps are just growing into. But the version that means the most to them, whenever they heard it, in Thatcher's reign or in Cameron's. Their version is dichotomised with Morrissey singing it 'His Way' - the particular way that he happens to be phrasing it here, tonight. The difference is so slight as to be almost negligible, but, for me, that feminine 'sss' crystallises a perfect pop moment of love between audience and artist, sung to and sung by, old and new, memory and present. Of course, in that gap, that moment, nobody in the room happened to hear another noise - that of my tired old heart breaking. The eternal reciprocity of tears, as the poet said. (Now, if only Owen could have carried a tune.)

But then ~ towards the end of the song the crowd is struck silent as Morrissey simply intones 'PLEASE' four or five times, eyes closed. Taking their song and, gently, claiming it back as his song. His words. His life. Boiling it down to the very essence of the song. Sung with such yearning you just wouldn't believe it. Ends. Cue that gentle fucking roar again. Twice as loud.

And, by the by, Jesse played the guitar lines on 'PPP..' to absolute perfection.

'I Will See You...' blasts away our tears, and features some particularly ferocious drumming from the new guy. Which comes into great effect again with 'Meat Is Murder' ("Don't think you're getting away that easily...") - a genuinely visceral offering which climaxes with Morrissey stood on the drum riser, back to crowd, hands clasping the nape of his neck as he gazes up at the horror-strewn screen whilst his band unleash a veritable abattoir of noise all around him.

By a process of elimination I'd already guessed what the encore would be (I would have liked it to be 'Scandinavia' but I can see the arguments against...) And so 'How Soon is Now' erupts into life and a bloody red bedlam ensues. A loving bedlam, but bedlam all the same. A few hardy souls make it on stage to be greeted with loving arms. Moz is going around collecting gifts like a kid at Christmas. And teasing and tickling straining outsretched fingertips. And standing at the drums with his perspiring-heart-back firmly turned away from the crowd, for large parts of the song, holding his fingers just like in the photograph of young Steve Morrissey of Stretford (that we can now wear on our chest), while the crowd behind writhe and bay and flail to get one inch nearer. And I'm thinking ~ 'He loves this'. What the hell is he gonna do when it's gone?

Then I'm thinking 'What the hell am I gonna do when it's gone?'

But we're here and it's now, so....

[VivaGil]

Joefrady! Thanks for not a review but an interpretation!

[Anonymous]

Joefrady, your review is so full of heart and emotion!
Thank you for provide such beautiful read.

[johnnymunro]

You know, it really doesn't matter because Moz's people will always let in the regulars, ie. people that follow most of the tour, before anyone else anyways. It's been that way for a long time.

Unless you run this website maybe?!

[Anonymous]

so, in conclusion, "the list" is not authorized by anyone with any authority, therefore no one has to abide by anything. just as i suspected.

[goinghome]

Everything about this concert was simply quite transcendent. The hall was magnificent. Kristeen Young was a tour de force, superb. Morrissey's backdrop switched often during the show between Oscar Wilde, the Batman actors and page-like shadows tumbling over the screen. Indeed the appreciation of the audience was most intelligent and their performance too a great success...culminating in a prolonged standing ovation at the end from a full house. Morrissey had hand on heart a lot near the end. I think he and the band felt the pounding relentless waves of love. I doubt anyone there could have wished for more. To many such future assemblies... And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne!

The Independent's review of the concert - http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/morrissey-usher-hall-edinburgh-7993931.html

[geordie]

stick yer Q the mozza royal family were quite venomous when the other doors opened and let the poor paupers in that had been there since 10`oclock so the Q doesnt realy work still got up to the barrier must have annoyed them

[girl still ill]

I wasn't going to post this but I just seen all the comments about the queue and felt like I had to contribute.

Right, I was on the queue, passing time playing on my smartphone and I saw this tweet. I had been tweeting about how cold it was on the queue and how I wanted my sister to bring me some soup, that silly sort ofthing that twitter is for. So I then saw this tweet.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> https://twitter.com/batterseabenn/status/229877230581477376


I twigged that the bloke in the picture was the bloke standing mere feet away giving it loads about what a brilliant fan he is, and how friendly he is to all of his other mozzy fans how it is like a family reunion at every gig. I was going to say something to him about the tweet like "whats this about mateee" but then I overheard him being a twat to someone on the queue, bragging that he had been to more gigs than them this year, that he was going to Las Angeles later on for more gigs, blah blah givin it loads he was.

Could not believe it later on when I showed it the tweet to my girlfriend who says she has been noticing his condescending comments directed at other fans on FB!!!!! Apparently Box just has to post a status update and "DAVID" will be on with replies, showing off, mostly.

Later on we overheard him and some other person having an "I hate morrissey solo" conversation, it was like listening to two blokes brag about who had the biggest house, they were tryin to outdo each other with their negative sentiments. Yes, we were that close to them and how nobody twigged us pissig ourselves at the antics of two middle-aged-men acting like tweenie twilight fans I will never know.

As for the screen capture/tweet -for all that had been said about Julia over the years I don't think she has ever done anything like this to any one. She hasn't threatened to wring their necks, has she!

David Lewin, if it is the same bloke, as other commenters were saying, well he was freaking out right before doors opened to the venue. He looked like he was facing a major life trauma!!!



Firstly, the thread referenced in the tweet is from over two years ago and was part of a whole tongue and cheek thread. So why would someone save such a thing?? This post is lie after lie after lie posted 'anonymously'. Get a life.

[Anonymous]

Is there any reason why you just sat there silently, instead of going up to whoever was organising the list, asking what was going on and getting your name on it? Speaking about it AT THE TIME might have helped sort out whatever your problem was, and got you in at the right place. Doing nothing at the time and bitching about it online later isn't going to help anybody. It sounds like someone just fucked up, and amidst all the other fans milling about the place didn't realise that you hadn't added your names to the list. Try speaking to people at the concerts next time.

The poster already explained they were significantly younger than those organising the lists and didn't want to cause a scene. No person should feel intimidated about keeping a space they queued for and are entitled to.

This list business might have been started with the best intentions but it sounds like a farce now. Also the characters mentioned - although commendable in their support - only serve to fracture the fan base and create division. It certainly struck me how close knit and 'snobby' some of them were, I have no idea why and it was something I was surprised about. No ones experience should be blighted because they have been to less gigs or don't have a 'wrist-band' on. (Although mines wasn't and I had a great time it would appear several people, and I did witness one disgruntled fan dealing with a mentioned 'regular', had a bit of trouble. Shame. Fantastic gig, really was)

[Anonymous]

Then the list is a moot point, and I for one, certainly won't be taking directives from "Q" should his delusional ass show up at the fall tour.

What, you mean he follows The Fall as well as Morrissey?

[Anonymous]

This whole list bollocks is exactly that. Bollocks.
I was sharing an apartment with a load of fans (about 12 / 14 of us crashed on the floor) in New York in 2007 (5 nights in the Hammerstein Ballroom).
There were groups of three, working in shifts. The first 3 were outside as soon as the gig finished until around 2am when the second 3 replaced them. Around 5 or 6am the next 3 got up and replaced the second 3. And so on.
Me? I crashed for the whole night and in the morning explored New York!
But these 9 fans all thought that they all had the right to be at the front because they had all queued up. at some point, with a 6 hour absence!
Yes, by all means, go for a piss and something to eat... but a 6 hour sleep is taking the piss....
Should I ever be near the front (extremely unlikely when there is a bar near by!) I'd simply refuse to give any ''List Organizer' my name and tell them they can stick the list up their backside!

[Anonymous]

The list is actually the best thing I have ever experienced at a concert. It allows us to go away for one or two hours, to get something to eat or to check in our hotels without losing our space in the queue. At my very first gig last year, I came to the venue and was just hanging around, when someone approached me and asked me if I would like to put my name on the list. I think the thing in Edinburgh was that people were queueing ridiculously early, so at 10 a.m. there were already 40 people on the list, which is why they closed it then, because there's no point in making a longer list. You can't queue up 100 people in front of the venue, and the barrier allows approximately 40 people at max anyway. I have been to a couple of Moz gigs and I have always been treated very nicely and politely by regulars. They normally come to you and introduce you to the system, as they did with me. Of course it is handled with great sincerity, because it sucks if you have queued for 15 hours and then someone who came 1 hour before doors open just jumps in and takes your spot. The list is the fairest system I have ever seen, and - by the way - the guy who organised the list in Edinburgh (normally the one who is first at the venue and opens the list) is a top bloke, seriously.

[Anonymous]

Going up to your fellow fans and asking what's happenning with the list and the queuing situation really isn't causing a scene. Again - it doesn't matter how old you are, or how many gigs you've been to, the list is supposed to be in order of arrival for those who are queuing - nothing more complicated or cliquey than that. If it's your first ever Morrissey gig and you are ten years old you'll get on the list and go in in that order, provided you turn up early enough in the morning.

Yes - those who are running the list do their best to spot newcomers hanging around the venue and ask them if they are queuing - but obviously mistakes can and do happen, so its in your best interest to talk to the other people outside the venue and find out what's happenning, not just sit there quietly fuming. Of course, some people have never queued at a Morrissey gig before, so why should they know about this list in the first place. However, to my knowledge it has been in place at every single gig since 2004, so it's a bit odd that people suddenly get upset about it now. There are some total chancers around as well, unfortunately, who do turn up two hours before doors and try and push their way to the front, and then if you've been queuing all day you will be appreciateive of the list. My favourite was a group of chancers from Manchester, who protested that such a list would never be tolerated in manchester, despite the fact that exactly the same situation had occured two days previously.

No - it's not perfect. Mistakes happen. Sometimes people abusive it and need to get kicked off. But if you have a problem speak up about it at the time. Get involved. Because if you are turning up for any of the US dates I can promise you that those who are queing will be using a list to keep track of what order people arrived in.

[Anonymous]

The list is actually the best thing I have ever experienced at a concert. It allows us to go away for one or two hours, to get something to eat or to check in our hotels without losing our space in the queue. At my very first gig last year, I came to the venue and was just hanging around, when someone approached me and asked me if I would like to put my name on the list. I think the thing in Edinburgh was that people were queueing ridiculously early, so at 10 a.m. there were already 40 people on the list, which is why they closed it then, because there's no point in making a longer list. You can't queue up 100 people in front of the venue, and the barrier allows approximately 40 people at max anyway. I have been to a couple of Moz gigs and I have always been treated very nicely and politely by regulars. They normally come to you and introduce you to the system, as they did with me. Of course it is handled with great sincerity, because it sucks if you have queued for 15 hours and then someone who came 1 hour before doors open just jumps in and takes your spot. The list is the fairest system I have ever seen, and - by the way - the guy who organised the list in Edinburgh (normally the one who is first at the venue and opens the list) is a top bloke, seriously.

I'd like to add that the list is definitely supported by Morrissey's security, they normally instruct the venue's security how it works and how the fans organise themselves. To quote some guy of Moz security when talking to the venue security: "You have to respect the list. If you don't respect the list, you're in trouble". Morrissey obviously LIKES to see the same loyal faces at every gig, and if you witness the love waving between Morrissey and his regulars, you will understand.

Again - it is not a cliquey elite group. If you're at the venue early enough, just ask around who has the list, put your name on it and make sure to stay around for most of the day. If you need to go away for some time because you have stuff to do, then tell somebody and it's fine. Simple as that.

[Anonymous]

I think all these list people need to grow up and get a reality check. Usher hall didnt recognise your list. It is a system which has been proved by the experiences of people on here to be flawed at the least. It is divisive and caused an unnecessary bad atmosphere. It has not been organised by anyone official, certainly not 'by morrissey' or whatever bullshit this list bloke may have said, so i see no reason whatsoever why anyone should take any notice of it. When this becomes standard procedure at all gigs of all artists and is not ran by the morrissey mafia then people may accept it. I wonder how people manage to queue to see other bands? People are annoyed about it this time because of the bad attitude and blatant clique favouritism that was going on.

[Anonymous]

the list is fine if run properly. However for that to be the case then whoever is running the list should ensure that people who arrive in the queue are added.

People arriving in the queue should also realise that the list has to stop after a certain number of people, and if they arrive after a certain number of people then they aren't being snubbed because they aren't part of a clique.

However any abuse of the list system (people disappearing for half the day after putting their name down, people having their name down just because they are regulars) simply discredits a good system.

I understand Bruce Springsteen fans have a similar system, that is recognised and enforced by his security. When he gets fed up with seeing the same faces then a lottery is used, with the first x number of people put into a hat and they enter in the order in which they are drawn.

I'm no longer a tour follower but there is no question that Morrissey loves seeing the same faces night after night.

[Anonymous]

Yes, by all means, go for a piss and something to eat... but a 6 hour sleep is taking the piss....

Yes - the New York Hammerstein shows in 2007 were infamously fucked over by a certain group of Americans 'queuing for their mates' and holding spots for people who spent all day in their hotel rooms sleeping. Such acts of mean-spirited twattery do sometimes occur, but I can't say I saw any of this kind of goings on in Edinburgh.

[Anonymous]

This whole list bollocks is exactly that. Bollocks.
I was sharing an apartment with a load of fans (about 12 / 14 of us crashed on the floor) in New York in 2007 (5 nights in the Hammerstein Ballroom).
There were groups of three, working in shifts. The first 3 were outside as soon as the gig finished until around 2am when the second 3 replaced them. Around 5 or 6am the next 3 got up and replaced the second 3. And so on.
Me? I crashed for the whole night and in the morning explored New York!
But these 9 fans all thought that they all had the right to be at the front because they had all queued up. at some point, with a 6 hour absence!
Yes, by all means, go for a piss and something to eat... but a 6 hour sleep is taking the piss....
Should I ever be near the front (extremely unlikely when there is a bar near by!) I'd simply refuse to give any ''List Organizer' my name and tell them they can stick the list up their backside!

So you didn't queue, you don't queue but you feel you know enough to rant on about it?

The fact that you are willing to share a floor with 12-14 others means you are possibly insane anyway. You might put up with it when your're in your teens but i suspect you are much much older than that

[Anonymous]

I would rather there was no list and that if someone were to try to queue jump me I tell them where to go rather than waiting there all day only to essentially be queue jumped by 40 people who hadn't been present for the majority of the time I had waited. As it was my first Morrissey gig I had absolutely no idea about the list and as I said before, people who had clearly just arrived after us were being put on it. It was very, very clear we were there to see Moz (we were bedecked in Morrissey /Smiths merch) and as I said before 'We Hate Will And Kate' walked past us countless times, we were sitting five feet away from him! All in all it doesn't matter now as Morrissey's performance made up for it. It was just a real eyeopener for me to see some of the more self-important people that go to Mozza's gigs.

[Anonymous]

Get involved. Because if you are turning up for any of the US dates I can promise you that those who are queing will be using a list to keep track of what order people arrived in.

We are getting involved. We're not going to adhere to an unauthorized list.

[Anonymous]

I think all these list people need to grow up and get a reality check. Usher hall didnt recognise your list.

It always depends on the venue security, some accept it and others don't, or they simply don't care, despite Morrissey's security telling them how it is handled. However, the list people got wristbands before everyone else, and in Manchester they were even walked in before doors opened. The list system is clearly supported by Moz and his security, like it or not, because it IS a great way to ensure that people enter the venue in the order they arrived. What's so hard to understand about that? The alternative would be to literally stand in line for 15 hours for Christs sake.

And to the one complaining that they didn't get on the list although they had been at the venue - why the hell didn't you just approach somebody and asked???

[Anonymous]

when a statement is released on true to you that "the list" is authorized by morrissey, and a paid employee is in charge of organizing it, then we'll adhere. as for now, there is no way "Q" is telling us what to do. i smell a revolt.

[Anonymous]

I would rather never come into contact with the 'list' types. How very 'anal'.

Another good reason to stay in the pub until the very last moment and sort squeeze towards the stage.

[Anonymous]

So you didn't queue, you don't queue but you feel you know enough to rant on about it?

The fact that you are willing to share a floor with 12-14 others means you are possibly insane anyway. You might put up with it when your're in your teens but i suspect you are much much older than that

he or she witnessed it, so yes, they are entitled to comment.

[Anonymous]

Well I think it sincerely is a shame then for those of us who have not the money to spend on countless gigs, who save up and travel to go and see Morrissey, look forward to it and are not part of the usual crowd so are not aware of the list and then cannot get anywhere near the front. But Morrissey would obviously rather it was just the exact same people on the front row night after night. No one is saying he doesn't want people to follow him round, it just would be nice if you have had the privilege of being on the front row/getting on stage/shaking his hand night after night that you let other people have a chance too. It was clearly abused at Edinburgh anyhow as I was around the venue earlier on too and did not see any of those who got in first waiting there.

Anyway I'm bored by this now, obviously it's not going to achieve anything. Irritating to say the least, but you're obviously all convinced that your list is best and to hell with the other thousands of people who attend his gigs. Well done Usher Hall staff who let the others in first though, hilarious watching those who had been so rude on the list getting all riled up and showing their true colours by being abusive to the staff. Morrissey would have been so proud.

[Anonymous]

I don't know how you can say it's not cliquey???Outside the venue at around 6 there were big groups of fans, all typically bequiffed, who were obviously mates from all of the gigs that they attend. We arrived and none of these people spoke to us, in fact one physically banged into me and then walked off without even saying sorry. When someone questioned the authority of the list they all ganged up on him and were unpleasant. I did observe a woman shouting 'f**k you then!' at someone. Yes, it was an eyeopener. Didn't ruin the gig but it will certainly be something that i will remember. Created a bad atmosphere and seemed a bit unneccesary.

Gig itself fantastic though.

[Anonymous]

he or she witnessed it, so yes, they are entitled to comment.

no they didn't, he was exploring New York

[Tbevie]

Does anyone know what the Siouxsie and the banshees song was during the intermission music.

[Anonymous]

[QUOTE=Anonymous;1986729701]What's so hard to understand about that? QUOTE]

What's so hard to understand about it is that it's not well enough known that the list exists, therefore a lot of people do not arrive at the venue until after the list is already full, despite being in Edinburgh or wherever for a full day.

If information on this list is put on True to You, stated on the venue website etc then people will know about it and it will not appear to be just jumped up fans ordering others about.

Additionally, people who arrived after the person who was there from ten were put onto the list, so it is hardly fair. Not everyone feels comfortable approaching what appears to be a big group of friends and as the person has stated, they were not aware of the list themselves so were probably confused as to what was happening. If it is being ran properly then the person organising the list should have approached those waiting and explained.

Anyway, I think it is now becoming a matter of principle that we would not want to appear so anal and pedantic as to be on this list anyhow! What's wrong with old fashioned queueing?! If Bruce Springsteen fans do a similar thing then that is all you need to know! Ridiculous!

Sorry, I think we're just going to have to disagree on this one.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know what the Siouxsie and the banshees song was during the intermission music.

Can't you see we're talking about the List? Very important stuff.

[Anonymous]

I can't be the only one on the edge of my seat waiting for The Great Kewpie to weigh in on this list business.

[John Paul]

I remember vividly for years, people on the site abused Julia. A lady who is a personnal friend of Morrissey and his family. I was horrified when a middle aged man verbally abused her in front of Morrissey when she had the microphone handed to her, Poor woman.
Ironically we now have the self titled "superfans" They feel it their given right to be at the front at every gig whether it be Rome, Manchester, LA...they stalk the barrier, no one else can get a handshake, they repeatedly get the microphone, they repeatedly get on stage and now they demand that Morrissey's security lets them in before anyone else.
Loyal? No! They're just deluded, self centered obsessives who have either never held down a Job and are in debt to thousands or rob and con other people into lending them money.
I hope Morrissey see's new faces when he goes to America, or what is the point?
Jealous? No, I liked Julia as she is clever enough to not to act important and she doesn't scrounge off anyone.

It shouldn't be the administrator of this site getting removed from gigs, it should be some of those on the barrier.

[Anonymous]

when a statement is released on true to you that "the list" is authorized by morrissey, and a paid employee is in charge of organizing it, then we'll adhere. as for now, there is no way "Q" is telling us what to do. i smell a revolt.

Morrissey's countless words of thanks to the people who follow the tours, and the fact that his employees do in fact adhere to the list isn't good enough for you? Why do you think you deserve special treatment just b/c you don't like how things work? You want that special treatment, show up and get your name on the list like everybody else.

[Anonymous]

All of these people moaning about the list are hilarious because if the majority of them actually arrived at the venue early enough, they would be the same ones asking to go on the list. You cant just show up for a gig, especially the last one, just before doors and expect that you are going to get on the barrier. I have been to gigs were people that were there before 10am or so couldn't get to the front because there were already too many people there. If anyone was overlooked in Edinburgh, they clearly were not hanging around the front of the building with everyone else in the queue, so I fail to see how anyone did you any wrong intentionally.

[Anonymous]

We are getting involved. We're not going to adhere to an unauthorized list.
' This story is old, I know, but it goes on." Lets drop all this list stuff now and focus on what a great night it was.
Move on please - but why so few videos?

[Anonymous]

I think all these list people need to grow up and get a reality check. Usher hall didnt recognise your list.
Er...yes it was. Why else do you think everyone on the list got wristbands and let into the venue before everyone else? Magic? It was arranged beforehand with Morrissey's security.

Feel free to ignore the last and try and barge your way into the venue at the front of the queue, but those people who've tried that earlier this tour have either been pulled up by venue security or Morrissey's security.

But - fine - you have the idea of a list for people queuing. So - what is your alternative? A complete free for all of whoever pushes hardest gets to the front? Is that really going to be any fairer? Or do you want to literally find the correct entry door at the venue, and sit unmoving in front of it in a rigid line for fifteen hours. If so - fine, but you'd better be prepared to piss and shit where you are sitting, because without any list or system the second you move away any one will be perfectly justified in taking your spot.

[Anonymous]

why do people have the right to instruct others on list etiquette when the list means nothing at all, other than to self-important tosspots that have nothing better to do than sit outside a venue all day? nobody needs to learn how the list works because the list doesnt exist in the real world! and i was witness to the strange boy in the wills and kate t shirt being asked to leave the usher hall on quite a few occasions as he was pestering the merchandise guy and the box office, and i can assure you that from what the merchandise guy and security said, he isnt a well-loved and respected superfan but a nuisance and an odd-ball obsessive

[Anonymous]

Er...yes it was. Why else do you think everyone on the list got wristbands and let into the venue before everyone else? Magic? It was arranged beforehand with Morrissey's security.

Feel free to ignore the last and try and barge your way into the venue at the front of the queue, but those people who've tried that earlier this tour have either been pulled up by venue security or Morrissey's security.

But - fine - you have the idea of a list for people queuing. So - what is your alternative? A complete free for all of whoever pushes hardest gets to the front? Is that really going to be any fairer? Or do you want to literally find the correct entry door at the venue, and sit unmoving in front of it in a rigid line for fifteen hours. If so - fine, but you'd better be prepared to piss and shit where you are sitting, because without any list or system the second you move away any one will be perfectly justified in taking your spot.

Why are you competely ignoring the fact that the list was not comprised of those there first? More than one person has stated that they were there before those who arrived and were somehow miraculously added to the list. To be honest I'd just advocate a queue. You get there, get your space. If one of you needs to go to the toilet the other stays and keeps your place. It's quite simple really and it's been working for years. I'm embarrassed that we're arguing over this list now, it's nearly as embarrassing and pathetic as being on it.

[Anonymous]

why do people have the right to instruct others on list etiquette when the list means nothing at all, other than to self-important tosspots that have nothing better to do than sit outside a venue all day? nobody needs to learn how the list works because the list doesnt exist in the real world! and i was witness to the strange boy in the wills and kate t shirt being asked to leave the usher hall on quite a few occasions as he was pestering the merchandise guy and the box office, and i can assure you that from what the merchandise guy and security said, he isnt a well-loved and respected superfan but a nuisance and an odd-ball obsessive
How did he manage to get a william and kate shirt?
I have not seen them on sale.
Also Morrissey helped him onto the stage, perhaps he is a "superfan" either way he is a very lucky lad.

[Anonymous]

Just back. A brilliant gig! Moz was in top form. Hard to recall when I've seen him (or the band) perform any better....I must admit after scanning some of the manchester 'reviews' yesterday I wasn't sure if he'd deliver the goods in Edinburgh, but pleased to report Our Man absolutely did not disappoint! Truly excellent! I've seen him loads of times, but really could not fault tonights gig...the anonymous poster above has said everything better alrerady than I could anyway!

Ps. I was quite near the front / middle area for the latter half of the gig and almost fainted during Meat is Murder (2nd last song) due to the intense heat. I'd like to say thanks a million to the guy in the blue/green shirt on my left who helped me get back on my feet and steady myself...! Cheers mate, I owe you a one, you were a star!

Forget the Manc moaners, Morrissey.....come back to Scotland anytime!
Lotsa love.

E.

I'm happy that Mozzer played a blinding gig for you all and I have seem him play many brilliant gigs over the years but I have to say that us Mancs weren't just moaning for the sake of it...it just wasn't the greatest, not horrendous but it did just fall flat in the middle. Morrissey still means as much to me as he always has. Some gigs are perfect, some aren't.

[Anonymous]

To be honest I'd just advocate a queue. You get there, get your space. If one of you needs to go to the toilet the other stays and keeps your place. It's quite simple really and it's been working for years.

Isn't "the list" just the above but written down...?

The list is a far more fair system than a free-for-all where people steal your place if you go for a piss or to get a bite to eat. You say, "If one of you needs to go to the toilet, the other stays..." but how does that help people queueing alone, fuckwit?

[johnnymunro]

How did he manage to get a william and kate shirt?
I have not seen them on sale.

It's not like they're made by Gucci - You could knock one of these up in 5 minutes - Not too tricky.

[johnnymunro]

The alternative would be to literally stand in line for 15 hours for Christs sake.

The alternative would be to enjoy your day and turn up when doors open. Morrissey 'enjoys' seeing the same face because there's no alternative because of THE LIST. As I can't remember hearing Morrissey saying "I like seeing the same faces night after night because of THE LIST" I can assume that he might want to see new faces. I would rather see new fans each night then I would know there's not just a few hundred fanatics/obsessives who love me!

It IS clearly a pile of cliquey wank, open to abuse and what's the end result? Getting one or two feet closer to Morrissey! Each to their own.

[Anonymous]

It's not like they're made by Gucci - You could knock one of these up in 5 minutes - Not too tricky.


Morrissey gave them to 4 fans in Manchester before the gig started.

[Anonymous]

I would just like to say that Morrissey himself was absolutely fabulous last night. Personal highlights would have to have been the older Smiths type songs such as Still Ill, How Soon Is Now and Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want, although his solo work, too, was brilliant. I thought the order of songs was well done and spread really well. Meat Is Murder played along with the footage on show had me in tears and the staff at the Usher Hall were very helpful when I had to sit out as the heat had got a bit too much.
However, one thing that (for me, anyway) put a bit of a lousy spin on last night was the fans outside that have established some sort of superior Morrissey fan base and devised a 'list' which determines who gets to the front of the queue. If I had known about said list, I wouldn't have bothered travelling from Glasgow first thing in the morning to ensure that I would have a good position in the crowd. Sitting outside Usher Hall for around twelve hours amounted to nothing due to the fact that when the person in charge of the list decided it was time to form the 'proper' queue, people were lined up into some kind of order of hierarchy, of which the rest of us could do nothing about. When asked, the person in charge of the list could give no substantial answer as to why they were allowed to ensure their place at the front of the queue other than for the fact that they were "regulars."
I do understand that some of these people are very dedicated fans and had travelled far to get to Edinburgh, however that is the first time I had ever come across something like that. What happened to the days where to be at the front, you got a place in the queue early and waited until the doors opened? I personally think that this list concept is unfair and completely creates a divide in the fan base.
Despite this, I did get to meet some very friendly and charming people last night and, as mentioned at the start, Morrissey's performance was absolutely top-notch. I will definitely be going back to see Moz if he plays another Scottish date in the future (at least the next time I will know that there is absolutely no point in arriving early)!


Oh, the list. Thats so funny. Awesome concert then but
the list of the regular irregular regulars. So funny its made me
laugh so loud from England and maybe you heard me.
2013: so much to look forward to.
Hazard.
x

[Anonymous]

Isn't "the list" just the above but written down...?

The list is a far more fair system than a free-for-all where people steal your place if you go for a piss or to get a bite to eat. You say, "If one of you needs to go to the toilet, the other stays..." but how does that help people queueing alone, fuckwit?

Well, in my experiences of queuing you just explain where you're going to the people beside you, who are in a similar situation and it's not usually a problem. There's obviously a previously undiscovered flaw with queues.

Please engage your brain before you speak. Anyone who uses terms like 'fuckwit' automatically loses any respect I may have had for them or their argument, it makes you sound ignorant. Embarrassing, you've just confirmed to me that there's no reason to pay attention to you and your measly list. If you spoke to anyone about this in the real world (i.e not one of your morrissey mates) as i have then you would see the look of disbelief on their faces as they ask you why on earth a simple queue isnt good enough. I first saw The Smiths in '83 and a list was not deemed necessary then.

Yet again you have ignored the fact that the list has been abused in this instance. It is the same concept as a group friends who come and push in in front of you because they know someone ahead of you. THAT IS THE PROBLEM. Why can you not understand this, it is simple enough?

[Anonymous]

Morrissey's countless words of thanks to the people who follow the tours, and the fact that his employees do in fact adhere to the list isn't good enough for you? Why do you think you deserve special treatment just b/c you don't like how things work? You want that special treatment, show up and get your name on the list like everybody else.

Ok, im sure Morrissey has no desire to see anyone else at his gigs ever again, just a row of your shining superior faces gazing up at him from the front row for the ten thousandth time. The rest of us plebs may as well not bother going. I've actually been to quite a few of his gigs myself but as I'm not part of your gang of "Irregular Regulars" (hilarious) that counts for nothing.

[Anonymous]

Why are you competely ignoring the fact that the list was not comprised of those there first? More than one person has stated that they were there before those who arrived and were somehow miraculously added to the list. To be honest I'd just advocate a queue. You get there, get your space. If one of you needs to go to the toilet the other stays and keeps your place. It's quite simple really and it's been working for years. I'm embarrassed that we're arguing over this list now, it's nearly as embarrassing and pathetic as being on it.

agreed!

[Anonymous]

All of these people moaning about the list are hilarious because if the majority of them actually arrived at the venue early enough, they would be the same ones asking to go on the list. You cant just show up for a gig, especially the last one, just before doors and expect that you are going to get on the barrier. I have been to gigs were people that were there before 10am or so couldn't get to the front because there were already too many people there. If anyone was overlooked in Edinburgh, they clearly were not hanging around the front of the building with everyone else in the queue, so I fail to see how anyone did you any wrong intentionally.

based on all your suppositions above, you have no idea what you're talking about. clearly.

[Anonymous]

Morrissey's countless words of thanks to the people who follow the tours, and the fact that his employees do in fact adhere to the list isn't good enough for you? Why do you think you deserve special treatment just b/c you don't like how things work? You want that special treatment, show up and get your name on the list like everybody else.

do you even begin to get the irony of this moronic statement?

[Anonymous]

I agree that the list stuff is becoming boring now. We've had possibly the two best reviews of a gig posted here in years yet it's still all about bitching. Forget all that crap, re-read those two reviews and remember that's what Morrissey means, it's not about the fans, it's about the man who has given us so much.

[George Richards]

The same people are handed the microphone, they are the only ones close enough for a handshake. Their mob mentality is clearly intimating younger fans who at that age desire to be at the front front and rightly so.
The ridiculous 50 somethings need to realise that you are not thought of any higher because you go to gig after gig, just the opposite infact . As I work full time and could not afford to travel to America last year or this year I'm curious to know how they can. Clearly too old to be students yet are rich to go to every gig. Are some of them claiming benefits? considering that they look down their noses at the the normal fans that's taking the pissed out of tax payers.
Quite frankly they are not enviable at all but quite pathetic. If you have the money to travel, soak up the culture, go out for a meal, meet the locals instead your selfish motivates give you memories of the concert but none of the places you visit and more importantly of it's people.
Maybe its time to face facts, you're not important. Morrissey needs new fans, younger fans, go and seat down or let different people at the front. People Are The Same Everywhere.

[Anonymous]

I'd rather be in the pub chatting and drinking with real fans before a gig instead of in line with the 'not right in the head' psychopaths any day, thank you very much.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure even Morrissey ahs enough of the same faces at the front. I too wouold lvoe to know where they get thier money from to follow him here there and everywhere. Fortunately most of the audience nowadays have jobs, relationships, kids etc and although still huge acolytes realise the world has moved on.

why queue all day and miss visiting the pubs/ bars and the sights and the people instead of the queue outside a concert venue? Travel is great for education, it makes you a more rounded individual

[Anonymous]

The same people are handed the microphone, they are the only ones close enough for a handshake. Their mob mentality is clearly intimating younger fans who at that age desire to be at the front front and rightly so.
The ridiculous 50 somethings need to realise that you are not thought of any higher because you go to gig after gig, just the opposite infact . As I work full time and could not afford to travel to America last year or this year I'm curious to know how they can. Clearly too old to be students yet are rich to go to every gig. Are some of them claiming benefits? considering that they look down their noses at the the normal fans that's taking the pissed out of tax payers.
Quite frankly they are not enviable at all but quite pathetic. If you have the money to travel, soak up the culture, go out for a meal, meet the locals instead your selfish motivates give you memories of the concert but none of the places you visit and more importantly of it's people.
Maybe its time to face facts, you're not important. Morrissey needs new fans, younger fans, go and seat down or let different people at the front. People Are The Same Everywhere.
A substantial number of odd assumptions! The mic was thrown towards me at a gig last year - and I can in no way afford to follow Moz around the country, never mind the world. As for the assumption that younger people should be at the front and older ones at the back??? In my experience there is always a mix (which is great) and I and others have looked after teeny 5 foot nothing 16 year olds near the front before to ensure they aren't squashed. And its crazy to assume that everyone at the front is on benefits - I quite often am at the front and I pay my taxes like many others. If you don't have the guts or passion to be there, don't criticise others for their compulsion to get up close.

[Anonymous]

Are some of them claiming benefits? considering that they look down their noses at the the normal fans that's taking the pissed out of tax payers.
.

some of the younger ladies are claiming benefits, yes.

These are not people that live on a strict budget and worry about every penny! I don't know how they get away with it.


They hate William and Kate because they are benefit scoungers, *oh the irony*

Perhaps they would like to chime in now and say HOW and WHY they put their benefits towards going to Las Vegas, Italy, New York?????????? *hides*

[Anonymous]

Hi.
My first ever time seeing Morrissey and I was not disappointed. I couldn't wait to see him as the excitement was reaching a creschendo by yesterday morning, and come just after 9pm, I was absolutely amazed. All the songs sounded great, and despite some of the negative comments on here, the band delivered the music perfectly.
I never realised the catchement of fans that would be at the gig, but there was a man in the queue called David, who at a guess was 50 years of age, he spent the whole day pretty much bad mouthing everyone, even people he had just been speaking to in the queue. He then spent the whole evening in the hall, from start to finish, bawling his eyes out like a baby.

The only downside was the people who just think they can push in and do as they like. A few people made it on to the stage, and one girl, who looked like frankenstein, got the microphone and asked Morrissey to come to wigan. Never heard of wigan, although he (Morrissey) was probably terrified by her.


Diane.

Wow! I'd ask you to stay on my arm you little charmer but I might catch your venom! Frankenstein? The girl you refer to is very beautiful indeed - inside and out. I think Moz would be much more disturbed by your bitter wickedness - you can rest assured he isn't disturbed by the lady you refer to. You should be ashamed of yourself for being so cruel to someone you know nothing about.

[Anonymous]

Morrissey's new song to be called 'Lucky List' ???

The fact that you can go to every gig doesn't make you any more of a fan than the 16 and 17 year old couple that I met whilst queuing from 2 pm in Manchester. This was their first timing seeing Moz and the excitement in their eyes was a joy to behold. It was very much an us and them situation as the list people did what they pleased and ignored everyone else. I'm 40 and I feel ashamed by the way the list crew dictated to everyone else. Age and the number of times you've seen Moz does not make you superior in any way, except in their own heads. No one came up to us and asked to put us on the list. The young fans have every right to que and expect to be at the front and not pushed aside because of a list of all the deranged fans who clearly have no life apart from following Moz around like stalkers.
I love Moz, but also my wife and kids. A bit of mutual respect and a friendly introduction to each other at future gigs would go a long way.
Viva Moz

[Anonymous]

The same people are handed the microphone, they are the only ones close enough for a handshake. Their mob mentality is clearly intimating younger fans who at that age desire to be at the front front and rightly so.
The ridiculous 50 somethings need to realise that you are not thought of any higher because you go to gig after gig, just the opposite infact . As I work full time and could not afford to travel to America last year or this year I'm curious to know how they can. Clearly too old to be students yet are rich to go to every gig. Are some of them claiming benefits? considering that they look down their noses at the the normal fans that's taking the pissed out of tax payers.
Quite frankly they are not enviable at all but quite pathetic. If you have the money to travel, soak up the culture, go out for a meal, meet the locals instead your selfish motivates give you memories of the concert but none of the places you visit and more importantly of it's people.
Maybe its time to face facts, you're not important. Morrissey needs new fans, younger fans, go and seat down or let different people at the front. People Are The Same Everywhere.

You don't seriously believe that people bother to queue all day simply in order to be "thought of highly" by other members of the audience? Or that benefits can fund the travel, hotels and tickets for multiple gigs on a tour?? Hahahahahahaha. Get real.

[Anonymous]

Morrissey's new song to be called 'Lucky List' ???

The fact that you can go to every gig doesn't make you any more of a fan than the 16 and 17 year old couple that I met whilst queuing from 2 pm in Manchester.

At 2 pm? When Morrissey plays the MEN??? The list was most certainly closed by that time. Which makes your complaint somehow invalid.

[Anonymous]

I was at the venue before doors, and saw the whole queue of list people, but as someone which has been going to gigs for a fair while, I didn't really recognise anybody. Therefore, these people that always go to every gig, where did they come from? Who runs this list currently? Of the people I saw go inside the doors first, I only recognised those French guys, a couple of English girls who I see quite a lot, the American guy with the shaved head and tattoos, and a couple of people I think were from LA? I had never seen the ginger list guy until last year. So if it is the same people in front every single night, I have never seen half of these people before. I think there is a little bit of exaggeration going on.

[Gerry M]

Superfans=Superficial fools

[BrummieBoy]

Wow! I'd ask you to stay on my arm you little charmer but I might catch your venom! Frankenstein? The girl you refer to is very beautiful indeed - inside and out. I think Moz would be much more disturbed by your bitter wickedness - you can rest assured he isn't disturbed by the lady you refer to. You should be ashamed of yourself for being so cruel to someone you know nothing about.

Moz disturbed by bitter wickedness? Very droll. Have you forgotten him trolling Madonna over her adopted son, David?

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she made that African boy into a coat and wore him … for 15 minutes, and then threw it away.”

I don't remember seeing his apology. Who's disturbed?

The comment was clearly a reference to her inner ugliness in pushing her way to the front. 'The only downside was the people who just think they can push in and do as they like. A few people made it on to the stage, and one girl,.....'Not unusual with the freak-zone 'fans' and their co-dependent troll Idol. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Or not.

When Morrissey recants of his 'bitter wickedness' towards a defenceless adopted orphan, I'll maybe stop laughing. Next time you're up front and personal with the Troll-in-Chief of your cult, hand him a note with a picture of David Ritchie. The note should say "You should be ashamed of yourself for being so cruel to someone you know nothing about."

Anyone over 17 who clambers on stage to paw a middle-aged man who tells 19,000 paying customers that he 'loves' them, even though he's too mean to provide screens for those in the cheap seats, deserves all the scorn in the world.

The initial volley of comments after this show suggested a success, the the truth came out: temper tantrum early start to punish those who dared to miss Ms Kristeen Young, dangerous crowd management, nonsense bullshit about the Olympics....car-crash. The lucky people were in Edinburgh.

This site is the best free entertainment on the WWW.

regards

[BrummieBoy]

Morrissey's new song to be called 'Lucky List' ???

The fact that you can go to every gig doesn't make you any more of a fan than the 16 and 17 year old couple that I met whilst queuing from 2 pm in Manchester. This was their first timing seeing Moz and the excitement in their eyes was a joy to behold. It was very much an us and them situation as the list people did what they pleased and ignored everyone else. I'm 40 and I feel ashamed by the way the list crew dictated to everyone else. Age and the number of times you've seen Moz does not make you superior in any way, except in their own heads. No one came up to us and asked to put us on the list. The young fans have every right to que and expect to be at the front and not pushed aside because of a list of all the deranged fans who clearly have no life apart from following Moz around like stalkers.
I love Moz, but also my wife and kids. A bit of mutual respect and a friendly introduction to each other at future gigs would go a long way.
Viva Moz

The 'deranged fans' are cult members. Hopefully the young folk who attended will wake up and smell the coffee about Morrissey.

regards

[Anonymous]

Your missing the point! I was pissing about Manchester killing time from 9 am at my hotel next to the arena, when I could have went to the arena, put my name on the magic list, stayed for an hour and then fucked off for the day until 4 or 5 pm.
Now do you understand!!!

But I don't like lording it over others. Maybe you do, or, maybe your part of the inner rectum, sorry circle.

[Anonymous]

I thought the gig was immense, regardless of any drama involving some so-called "List." He walked on stage to a rapturous standing ovation, something I haven't witnessed at a Moz gig in the UK for quite some time. It was perfect. He should come to Edinburgh much more often, clearly. Also, did anyone else go to the Quarry Night after party across the road? It was an amazing time as well, and not a bad vibe in the entire place (seems the pre gig drama was forgotten or didn't carry into the club). I took a few mates who said they would come along for a drink or two, but didn't end up leaving until after chucking out time at 3. If only everyday was like Monday.

[Anonymous]

Moz disturbed by bitter wickedness? Very droll. Have you forgotten him trolling Madonna over her adopted son, David?

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she made that African boy into a coat and wore him … for 15 minutes, and then threw it away.”

I don't remember seeing his apology. Who's disturbed?

The comment was clearly a reference to her inner ugliness in pushing her way to the front. 'The only downside was the people who just think they can push in and do as they like. A few people made it on to the stage, and one girl,.....'Not unusual with the freak-zone 'fans' and their co-dependent troll Idol. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Or not.

When Morrissey recants of his 'bitter wickedness' towards a defenceless adopted orphan, I'll maybe stop laughing. Next time you're up front and personal with the Troll-in-Chief of your cult, hand him a note with a picture of David Ritchie. The note should say "You should be ashamed of yourself for being so cruel to someone you know nothing about."

Anyone over 17 who clambers on stage to paw a middle-aged man who tells 19,000 paying customers that he 'loves' them, even though he's too mean to provide screens for those in the cheap seats, deserves all the scorn in the world.

The initial volley of comments after this show suggested a success, the the truth came out: temper tantrum early start to punish those who dared to miss Ms Kristeen Young, dangerous crowd management, nonsense bullshit about the Olympics....car-crash. The lucky people were in Edinburgh.

This site is the best free entertainment on the WWW.

regards

If you're going to argue then at least think it through. Moz was making a statement about something that was controversial and widely covered in the press. The lovely Diane made a vile comment about someone she just set eyes on. As for trolls in chief - if the cap fits and all - and me thinks it fits you rather well :) Back under your bridge, you vile little man. Oh and if you think this is the best entertainment on the web, don't be looking at Scrabble Online - it'll blow your gnarled toe nails off!

[Anonymous]

I'm 40 and I feel ashamed by the way the list crew dictated to everyone else. Age and the number of times you've seen Moz does not make you superior in any way, except in their own heads. No one came up to us and asked to put us on the list.
For the umpteenth time, it is nothing to do with age or number of times you've seen Moz - it is what time you get there in the morning. Get there early enough (ie: before 9am) and you'll be on it. By your own admission you didn't get there till 2pm. If the list had still been going as late in the day as that you would probably have been about #100 in the queue - forming up that many people before doors is impossible, and seeing as you can only fit about 40 on the barrier it's completely pointless anyway - you still would have been a couple of rows back, which is presumably where you ended up anyway.

I know 2pm may SEEM early to some people when the doors open at 7:30 - but places on the barrier are so small, and the desire to get up front so strong, that you really either have to get out of bed super early in the morning, or stay there all night to be guaranteed a spot. I'd love to turn up at 2pm and get on the barrier as well...but then I'm not willing to push in front of people who arrived before I did.

[Dead Girl]

Anyone over 17 who clambers on stage to paw a middle-aged man who tells 19,000 paying customers that he 'loves' them, even though he's too mean to provide screens for those in the cheap seats, deserves all the scorn in the world.

I guess I deserve scorn then, because I am definitely over 17 and would love a shot at crawling onstage to paw at the middle-aged man named Morrissey. I intend to try my best at doing just that this fall.

[Anonymous]

I think the lesson to be learned from this list business is that it is divisive and has created arguments and a bad atmosphere. Therefore it needs to be stopped, in my opinion. Is it really necessary??

There's more to life than lists you know.

[Anonymous]

The same people are handed the microphone, they are the only ones close enough for a handshake. Their mob mentality is clearly intimating younger fans who at that age desire to be at the front front and rightly so.
The ridiculous 50 somethings need to realise that you are not thought of any higher because you go to gig after gig, just the opposite infact . As I work full time and could not afford to travel to America last year or this year I'm curious to know how they can. Clearly too old to be students yet are rich to go to every gig. Are some of them claiming benefits? considering that they look down their noses at the the normal fans that's taking the pissed out of tax payers.
Quite frankly they are not enviable at all but quite pathetic. If you have the money to travel, soak up the culture, go out for a meal, meet the locals instead your selfish motivates give you memories of the concert but none of the places you visit and more importantly of it's people.
Maybe its time to face facts, you're not important. Morrissey needs new fans, younger fans, go and seat down or let different people at the front. People Are The Same Everywhere.


Very well said.

[BrummieBoy]

I guess I deserve scorn then, because I am definitely over 17 and would love a shot at crawling onstage to paw at the middle-aged man named Morrissey. I intend to try my best at doing just that this fall.

I hope you don't resemble your avatar/pic.
What is that bloody mouth about? Sue your dentist, FFS!

Moz is really gonna let you on stage to begin the zombie apocalypse......

regards

[Uncleskinny]

I hope you don't resemble your avatar/pic.
What is that bloody mouth about? Sue your dentist, FFS!

Moz is really gonna let you on stage to begin the zombie apocalypse......

regards

You started off OK, but the insults are creeping in. Why feel the need to insult people you've never met?

P.

[BrummieBoy]

If you're going to argue then at least think it through. Moz was making a statement about something that was controversial and widely covered in the press. The lovely Diane made a vile comment about someone she just set eyes on. As for trolls in chief - if the cap fits and all - and me thinks it fits you rather well :) Back under your bridge, you vile little man. Oh and if you think this is the best entertainment on the web, don't be looking at Scrabble Online - it'll blow your gnarled toe nails off!

Your twisted cult guru has never set eyes on David Ritchie yet suggested he was deserving of being turned into a disposable handbag. That is just such so.....evolved. Orphan babies can be skinned for handbags but factory farming is BAAAAD! Unless it's for leather shoes, belts or dairy produce. Absolute nonsense. It's not as if veganism would stetch his (leather) wallet. He probably thought he was echoing Swift. That one will probably go over your head.....

If you're saying Moz follows the tabloid herd, i'd have to agree with you. He picks his 'controversies' very carefully. Just like Jeremy Clarkson. Me, a troll? Get real, mofo! You don't even have the confidence to dignify your cult propaganda with a screen-name. I guess you must be a moderator, or on the Moz propaganda payroll.:rolleyes: Moz is the the Troll King of the Pygmy Fans. The Audience looks on laughing.....

regards

[Anonymous]

You started off OK, but the insults are creeping in. Why feel the need to insult people you've never met?

P.



This newbie is out of his depth here, a warning may be the kindest course of action.
You should have sympathy for him for a while,
but he may regret not being able to delete all of his posts when things turn sour and his anonymity drops.
We've seen this before many times. The novelty wears off when reality bites.

[Anonymous]

Your twisted cult guru has never set eyes on David Ritchie yet suggested he was deserving of being turned into a disposable handbag. That is just such so.....evolved. Orphan babies can be skinned for handbags but factory farming is BAAAAD! Unless it's for leather shoes, belts or dairy produce. Absolute nonsense. It's not as if veganism would stetch his (leather) wallet. He probably thought he was echoing Swift. That one will probably go over your head.....

If you're saying Moz follows the tabloid herd, i'd have to agree with you. He picks his 'controversies' very carefully. Just like Jeremy Clarkson. Me, a troll? Get real, mofo! You don't even have the confidence to dignify your cult propaganda with a screen-name. I guess you must be a moderator, or on the Moz propaganda payroll.:rolleyes: Moz is the the Troll King of the Pygmy Fans. The Audience looks on laughing.....

regards

You're misspellings are not wanted here.

Troll off to where you came and correct your grammar.

You know not what you are getting into.

My advise is to leave, before you trip up.

The consequences can be the most grave.

[Anonymous]

reading about "the list" with interest didnt know such a thing existed, i went in usher hall while kristeen young was performing (good she was too) and still managed to get to the front. also i saw the guy with the we hate william and kate t shirt on, think he got on stage in manchester to, who the fucks he think he is? thing that annoys me most though is the spectacle/quiff/blazer committee, seen one stuck up S/Q/B guy outside the pub facing the venue before the gig, tosser he was too. so simple, if you want to get to the front, turn up when you want an barge your way to the front, works for me every time.
overall good night, moz on form, top venue, great city, set list could of been better but had a fab couple of nights in edinburgh.

[Anonymous]

I don't get all this; what "cult"? Since when Morrissey was "a cult"? Who are all these super-fans mentioned here?

[Anonymous]

You're misspellings are not wanted here.

Troll off to where you came and correct your grammar.

You know not what you are getting into.

My advise is to leave, before you trip up.

The consequences can be the most grave.

It's ADVICE not ADVISE.

Just saying.

[Anonymous]

I don't get all this; what "cult"? Since when Morrissey was "a cult"? Who are all these super-fans mentioned here?

Not sure many of them would like the description "super-fans".

Some of them have been going to see Morrissey for a very long time, some of them are recent arrivals.
Some of them are among the loveliest people you could meet, some of them are idiots.
Some of them are happily married with kids, some of them are gay, some of them are single.
Some of them are in their teens, some of them are in their 40's.
Some have good jobs, most if not all have jobs of some description

In my experience none of them would themselves as being in any way superior to any other fan, though i don't know many of the new arrivals.

Most people on this site wondering how they can afford to do multiple gigs would happily fork out significant sums of money to go on holiday. Not sure how that differs from people devoting a couple of weeks of the year travelling round seeing Morrissey.

None of them deserve abuse simply because they like to go to multiple gigs and like to be in the front row. Many people have done it over the years, including the owner of this very site.

[BrummieBoy]

You're misspellings are not wanted here.

Troll off to where you came and correct your grammar.

You know not what you are getting into.

My advise is to leave, before you trip up.

The consequences can be the most grave.

#Troll.Fail!

13846

Sharon McCormick - Secretary to 'BrummieBoy'

http://www.secretarythemovie.co.uk/html/synopsis.html

13847

[BrummieBoy]

This newbie is out of his depth here, a warning may be the kindest course of action.
You should have sympathy for him for a while,
but he may regret not being able to delete all of his posts when things turn sour and his anonymity drops.
We've seen this before many times. The novelty wears off when reality bites.

Final response to the 'Troll-Hive-Mind' at 'Morrissey-Solo.com'

Good luck with that one! My 'online persona' has been deliberated crafted to be entirely incomprehensible in relation to me 'in real life': if I do, indeed, exist 'IRL'. Do you seriously think anyone is going to care about a raving sociopathic troll on some obscure 'fan' website.?The sociopathic troll is you, by the way. And your 'friends'. Not me.

There are many, many 'BrummieBoys' online, some of them are me, some of them are not. Some of them are me pretending to be someone else. Some of them are other people pretending to be me. It's all part of the post-modern magical-realist art installation entitled 'BrummieBoy'. Some of them are collective 'Banksy-esque' installations. 'We are Legion for we are Anonymous'..... etc.


The only way to ensure online privacy today is, paradoxically, to flood the WWW with incomprehensible, inter-related yet irreconcilable 'public images'. That's why I'm a cultural genius and you are not.

Let me help you out on this, save you some braincells.

I've variously 'appeared on the WWW' as male/famale/gay/straight/bi/white/black/young/old/liberal/conservative/mentally ill/sexual psychopath/sociopath/pillar-of-the-community/'19th nervous breakdown'/prisoner/ex-con/ex-pat/victim of crime/criminal/naieve newbie/internet savvy/Morrissey's best 'fan'/Morrissey's worst NME/uber-troll/troll-slayer/lyrical-satirical-surrealist-art-terrorist-arch-memeticist-'psychotic prophet'/'mad Messiah' and so on and so forth. It's all been scripted including each and every faux-'revelatory communication' to and from this site which, I assume, you regard as your 'secret weapons'? Would you like links to my Gaydar/Swinging Heaven/Informed Consent profiles?:eek: For starters? I may have them, I may have merely added them to make myself completely incomprehensible other than to those I know and trust 'IRL' As Morrissey famously said "you can be a hoot on the internet, and the world still wouldn’t know about it."


Nonetheless, you may find yourself subject to arrest and imprisonment if you get 'confused' about the legal restrictions on what you think you find about 'BrummieBoy' during your inept 'data-mining' of this site and others. All attempt to expose a fictional'me' who has never acutally existed other than as a post-modern prank will, of course, fail. Nonetheless, I'd have a good 'google' on the topic of 'Super-Injunctions'. Don't say you haven't all been warned.

Also, google 'The Streisand Effect' and its' reverse:

Anita Sarkeesian and the Misogynistic Corner of the Gaming Industry

Schiller pointed directly to what happened to Anita Sarkeesian when she attempted to conduct a Kickstarter project for $6,000 to produce a video on five common stereotypes of female characters in video games. The backlash to this project was unbelievably viscous, but the backlash to the backlash… made me think that there is some hope for us after all. It also reminded me of another story where good triumphs over evil, and in the end makes me feel a little bit better about humanity in the age of the Internet.

You can read more about Sarkeesian's story at her website, but the breakdown of the situation was that there were some members of the gaming community that did not like even the idea of someone questioning how female characters are stereotyped in video games, and they left thousands of demeaning and misogynistic messages, and let loose with a horrific barrage of images, denial of service hacks and messages across the Internet against Sarkeesian and her project. It exposed the worst aspects of one part of our society, and the whole situation was a black-eye on the gaming industry, in my opinion. Especially since some idiot in the gaming world created a game that allowed the player to give Sarkeesian a black eye.

The backlash to the backlash, however, was something that we could be proud of. The bloggers and online media picked up on what was happening to Sarkeesian, and exposed what was happening as a pure hate crime toward someone that hadn't even created anything yet. They placed a spotlight on the gaming industry and its dark little corner of men that "just don't get it" that someone might think that the way they display and treat women in their games may be offensive to others. Most impressive, however, was that Sarkeesian's previously subtle $6,000 project became a huge $159,000 project supported by nearly 7,000 individuals across the globe. Kind of a reverse Streisand Effect for Sarkeesian, and a win of good over evil against those attacking her.



http://www.geeklawblog.com/2012_07_01_archive.html

Whatever it is you imagine you are 'warning' me about doesn't exist. Other than in your troll-hive mind. Take your 'warning' and stick it where the sun don't shine. You can have a complete personality disintegration over this, it will only amuse me. That's if I'm even bothering to monitor/respond to your 'warnings'. And I'm entirely relaxed with any Streisand/reverse Streisand effect 'going forward'. Do you seriously think I didn't consider this 'back in the day'? LOL!:cool:

I think you'll also find that a certain 'Uncleskinny' will be extremely interested in examining your continuing role as a moderator/contributor to this site...I very much doubt you'll be able to do this without tripping yourself up and exposing yourself: and then I may pounce. Or I may just kick back with the popcorn and a soda......and observe the continuing exponential rise of 'BrummieBoy' as 'fantasy is reality' Web 2.0 art installation / interface.

Do you think Kristeen Young and Morrissey obsessively monitor this site? Do you think I do/will, other than to conclude my brief return which, almost miraculously, aligned the Olympic 'controversy' with the death of Gore Vidal to conclusively validate my complex Morrissey thesis? Perhaps 'you' imagine 'your' 'cult leader' will turn on the ficticious 'me' to rescue fictitious 'you all' from the nonexistent 'me. Did you follow all that? I don't think that will ever happen, but if it does, then it will just be free publicity. Not that I'd ever need it if I decided to publish anything of value 'prior to posthumous'. The WWW has proved to be the biggest single hoax and FAIL! in human culture. I realise most of this will go 'over the heads' of most of the trolls who infest this site, but their dismal existential fate is not my concern.

Ran Prieur correctly nailed the issue when he said 'No one who understands fame wants to be famous.' And 'fame is a mental illness in the followers of the famous person.' I would add a third observation that 'Any Artist who propagates The Fame may also be suffering from co-dependent mental illness with the followers.'

You are a sociopathic pseudo-anonymous troll. You are mentally ill. There is nothing shameful about your illness, but you need to commence a treatment plan. Then 'get a life'. A 'real life', that is. I.R.L

'Chaos, Panic, Disorder... My Work Here Is (almost) Done....'lol!

regards
The Artist Collective known as 'BrummieBoy'

ps: Troll.Fail!

13848

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2158120/Freedom-speech-mean-freedom-abuse-As-victim-I-welcome-plans-unmask-cowardly-internet-trolls.html

.cc 4Chan

pps: 13849

[Iona Mink]

Final response to the 'Troll-Hive-Mind' at 'Morrissey-Solo.com'

Good luck with that one! My 'online persona' has been deliberated crafted to be entirely incomprehensible in relation to me 'in real life': if I do, indeed, exist 'IRL'. Do you seriously think anyone is going to care about a raving sociopathic troll on some obscure 'fan' website.?The sociopathic troll is you, by the way. And your 'friends'. Not me.

There are many, many 'BrummieBoys' online, some of them are me, some of them are not. Some of them are me pretending to be someone else. Some of them are other people pretending to be me. It's all part of the post-modern magical-realist art installation entitled 'BrummieBoy'. Some of them are collective 'Banksy-esque' installations. 'We are Legion for we are Anonymous'..... etc.


The only way to ensure online privacy today is, paradoxically, to flood the WWW with incomprehensible, inter-related yet irreconcilable 'public images'. That's why I'm a cultural genius and you are not.

Let me help you out on this, save you some braincells.

I've variously 'appeared on the WWW' as male/famale/gay/straight/bi/white/black/young/old/liberal/conservative/mentally ill/sexual psychopath/sociopath/pillar-of-the-community/'19th nervous breakdown'/prisoner/ex-con/ex-pat/victim of crime/criminal/naieve newbie/internet savvy/Morrissey's best 'fan'/Morrissey's worst NME/uber-troll/troll-slayer/lyrical-satirical-surrealist-art-terrorist-arch-memeticist-'psychotic prophet'/'mad Messiah' and so on and so forth. It's all been scripted including each and every faux-'revelatory communication' to and from this site which, I assume, you regard as your 'secret weapons'? Would you like links to my Gaydar/Swinging Heaven/Informed Consent profiles?:eek: For starters? I may have them, I may have merely added them to make myself completely incomprehensible other than to those I know and trust 'IRL' As Morrissey famously said "you can be a hoot on the internet, and the world still wouldn’t know about it."


Nonetheless, you may find yourself subject to arrest and imprisonment if you get 'confused' about the legal restrictions on what you think you find about 'BrummieBoy' during your inept 'data-mining' of this site and others. All attempt to expose a fictional'me' who has never acutally existed other than as a post-modern prank will, of course, fail. Nonetheless, I'd have a good 'google' on the topic of 'Super-Injunctions'. Don't say you haven't all been warned.

Also, google 'The Streisand Effect' and its' reverse:

Anita Sarkeesian and the Misogynistic Corner of the Gaming Industry

Schiller pointed directly to what happened to Anita Sarkeesian when she attempted to conduct a Kickstarter project for $6,000 to produce a video on five common stereotypes of female characters in video games. The backlash to this project was unbelievably viscous, but the backlash to the backlash… made me think that there is some hope for us after all. It also reminded me of another story where good triumphs over evil, and in the end makes me feel a little bit better about humanity in the age of the Internet.

You can read more about Sarkeesian's story at her website, but the breakdown of the situation was that there were some members of the gaming community that did not like even the idea of someone questioning how female characters are stereotyped in video games, and they left thousands of demeaning and misogynistic messages, and let loose with a horrific barrage of images, denial of service hacks and messages across the Internet against Sarkeesian and her project. It exposed the worst aspects of one part of our society, and the whole situation was a black-eye on the gaming industry, in my opinion. Especially since some idiot in the gaming world created a game that allowed the player to give Sarkeesian a black eye.

The backlash to the backlash, however, was something that we could be proud of. The bloggers and online media picked up on what was happening to Sarkeesian, and exposed what was happening as a pure hate crime toward someone that hadn't even created anything yet. They placed a spotlight on the gaming industry and its dark little corner of men that "just don't get it" that someone might think that the way they display and treat women in their games may be offensive to others. Most impressive, however, was that Sarkeesian's previously subtle $6,000 project became a huge $159,000 project supported by nearly 7,000 individuals across the globe. Kind of a reverse Streisand Effect for Sarkeesian, and a win of good over evil against those attacking her.



http://www.geeklawblog.com/2012_07_01_archive.html

Whatever it is you imagine you are 'warning' me about doesn't exist. Other than in your troll-hive mind. Take your 'warning' and stick it where the sun don't shine. You can have a complete personality disintegration over this, it will only amuse me. That's if I'm even bothering to monitor/respond to your 'warnings'. And I'm entirely relaxed with any Streisand/reverse Streisand effect 'going forward'. Do you seriously think I didn't consider this 'back in the day'? LOL!:cool:

I think you'll also find that a certain 'Uncleskinny' will be extremely interested in examining your continuing role as a moderator/contributor to this site...I very much doubt you'll be able to do this without tripping yourself up and exposing yourself: and then I may pounce. Or I may just kick back with the popcorn and a soda......and observe the continuing exponential rise of 'BrummieBoy' as 'fantasy is reality' Web 2.0 art installation / interface.

Do you think Kristeen Young and Morrissey obsessively monitor this site? Do you think I do/will, other than to conclude my brief return which, almost miraculously, aligned the Olympic 'controversy' with the death of Gore Vidal to conclusively validate my complex Morrissey thesis? Perhaps 'you' imagine 'your' 'cult leader' will turn on the ficticious 'me' to rescue fictitious 'you all' from the nonexistent 'me. Did you follow all that? I don't think that will ever happen, but if it does, then it will just be free publicity. Not that I'd ever need it if I decided to publish anything of value 'prior to posthumous'. The WWW has proved to be the biggest single hoax and FAIL! in human culture. I realise most of this will go 'over the heads' of most of the trolls who infest this site, but their dismal existential fate is not my concern.

Ran Prieur correctly nailed the issue when he said 'No one who understands fame wants to be famous.' And 'fame is a mental illness in the followers of the famous person.' I would add a third observation that 'Any Artist who propagates The Fame may also be suffering from co-dependent mental illness with the followers.'

You are a sociopathic pseudo-anonymous troll. You are mentally ill. There is nothing shameful about your illness, but you need to commence a treatment plan. Then 'get a life'. A 'real life', that is. I.R.L

'Chaos, Panic, Disorder... My Work Here Is (almost) Done....'lol!

regards
The Artist Collective known as 'BrummieBoy'

ps: Troll.Fail!

13848

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2158120/Freedom-speech-mean-freedom-abuse-As-victim-I-welcome-plans-unmask-cowardly-internet-trolls.html

.cc 4Chan

pps: 13849

You are boring.

[Anonymous]

I don't get all this; what "cult"? Since when Morrissey was "a cult"? Who are all these super-fans mentioned here?

Morrissey has had a cult following (look it up) for quite some time now, and these 'super fans' as you call them are through ones that follow him around from show to show, all over the world. Some come and go, but I think there are about roughly 10 or so, that still do it, who were around from the very beginning. A lot of the ones that are now trying to achieve some sort of super fan status have only appeared on the scene during the last few tours.

[BrummieBoy]

You are boring.

Sorry, you're on BrummieBoy's 'Ignore List'.
I'll add your comment to the generic '#Troll.Fail!' list but I doubt you'll get a reply.:straightface:

Sharon McCormick - Secretary to 'BrummieBoy'

http://www.secretarythemovie.co.uk/html/synopsis.html

[Anonymous]

Did anyone notice the record/picture which moz had stuffed down his jeans at the start of the gig? Curious as to what it was.

[BrummieBoy]

A final observation on 'the list'. Morrissey could easily go the 'monetise the V.I.P ticket / 'meet & greet' route but chooses not to.

There isn't really a solution to this other than all seated venues, which would remove 'the terrace' element but change the dynamic of many shows. I've seen great shows at seated venues so I'll stick to them if Morrissey's new music interests me enough to rejoin the audience.

regards

[cornelius blaze]

Final response to the 'Troll-Hive-Mind' at 'Morrissey-Solo.com'

Good luck with that one! My 'online persona' has been deliberated crafted to be entirely incomprehensible in relation to me 'in real life': if I do, indeed, exist 'IRL'. Do you seriously think anyone is going to care about a raving sociopathic troll on some obscure 'fan' website.?The sociopathic troll is you, by the way. And your 'friends'. Not me.

There are many, many 'BrummieBoys' online, some of them are me, some of them are not. Some of them are me pretending to be someone else. Some of them are other people pretending to be me. It's all part of the post-modern magical-realist art installation entitled 'BrummieBoy'. Some of them are collective 'Banksy-esque' installations. 'We are Legion for we are Anonymous'..... etc.


The only way to ensure online privacy today is, paradoxically, to flood the WWW with incomprehensible, inter-related yet irreconcilable 'public images'. That's why I'm a cultural genius and you are not.

Let me help you out on this, save you some braincells.

I've variously 'appeared on the WWW' as male/famale/gay/straight/bi/white/black/young/old/liberal/conservative/mentally ill/sexual psychopath/sociopath/pillar-of-the-community/'19th nervous breakdown'/prisoner/ex-con/ex-pat/victim of crime/criminal/naieve newbie/internet savvy/Morrissey's best 'fan'/Morrissey's worst NME/uber-troll/troll-slayer/lyrical-satirical-surrealist-art-terrorist-arch-memeticist-'psychotic prophet'/'mad Messiah' and so on and so forth. It's all been scripted including each and every faux-'revelatory communication' to and from this site which, I assume, you regard as your 'secret weapons'? Would you like links to my Gaydar/Swinging Heaven/Informed Consent profiles?:eek: For starters? I may have them, I may have merely added them to make myself completely incomprehensible other than to those I know and trust 'IRL' As Morrissey famously said "you can be a hoot on the internet, and the world still wouldn’t know about it."


Nonetheless, you may find yourself subject to arrest and imprisonment if you get 'confused' about the legal restrictions on what you think you find about 'BrummieBoy' during your inept 'data-mining' of this site and others. All attempt to expose a fictional'me' who has never acutally existed other than as a post-modern prank will, of course, fail. Nonetheless, I'd have a good 'google' on the topic of 'Super-Injunctions'. Don't say you haven't all been warned.

Also, google 'The Streisand Effect' and its' reverse:

Anita Sarkeesian and the Misogynistic Corner of the Gaming Industry

Schiller pointed directly to what happened to Anita Sarkeesian when she attempted to conduct a Kickstarter project for $6,000 to produce a video on five common stereotypes of female characters in video games. The backlash to this project was unbelievably viscous, but the backlash to the backlash… made me think that there is some hope for us after all. It also reminded me of another story where good triumphs over evil, and in the end makes me feel a little bit better about humanity in the age of the Internet.

You can read more about Sarkeesian's story at her website, but the breakdown of the situation was that there were some members of the gaming community that did not like even the idea of someone questioning how female characters are stereotyped in video games, and they left thousands of demeaning and misogynistic messages, and let loose with a horrific barrage of images, denial of service hacks and messages across the Internet against Sarkeesian and her project. It exposed the worst aspects of one part of our society, and the whole situation was a black-eye on the gaming industry, in my opinion. Especially since some idiot in the gaming world created a game that allowed the player to give Sarkeesian a black eye.

The backlash to the backlash, however, was something that we could be proud of. The bloggers and online media picked up on what was happening to Sarkeesian, and exposed what was happening as a pure hate crime toward someone that hadn't even created anything yet. They placed a spotlight on the gaming industry and its dark little corner of men that "just don't get it" that someone might think that the way they display and treat women in their games may be offensive to others. Most impressive, however, was that Sarkeesian's previously subtle $6,000 project became a huge $159,000 project supported by nearly 7,000 individuals across the globe. Kind of a reverse Streisand Effect for Sarkeesian, and a win of good over evil against those attacking her.



http://www.geeklawblog.com/2012_07_01_archive.html

Whatever it is you imagine you are 'warning' me about doesn't exist. Other than in your troll-hive mind. Take your 'warning' and stick it where the sun don't shine. You can have a complete personality disintegration over this, it will only amuse me. That's if I'm even bothering to monitor/respond to your 'warnings'. And I'm entirely relaxed with any Streisand/reverse Streisand effect 'going forward'. Do you seriously think I didn't consider this 'back in the day'? LOL!:cool:

I think you'll also find that a certain 'Uncleskinny' will be extremely interested in examining your continuing role as a moderator/contributor to this site...I very much doubt you'll be able to do this without tripping yourself up and exposing yourself: and then I may pounce. Or I may just kick back with the popcorn and a soda......and observe the continuing exponential rise of 'BrummieBoy' as 'fantasy is reality' Web 2.0 art installation / interface.

Do you think Kristeen Young and Morrissey obsessively monitor this site? Do you think I do/will, other than to conclude my brief return which, almost miraculously, aligned the Olympic 'controversy' with the death of Gore Vidal to conclusively validate my complex Morrissey thesis? Perhaps 'you' imagine 'your' 'cult leader' will turn on the ficticious 'me' to rescue fictitious 'you all' from the nonexistent 'me. Did you follow all that? I don't think that will ever happen, but if it does, then it will just be free publicity. Not that I'd ever need it if I decided to publish anything of value 'prior to posthumous'. The WWW has proved to be the biggest single hoax and FAIL! in human culture. I realise most of this will go 'over the heads' of most of the trolls who infest this site, but their dismal existential fate is not my concern.

Ran Prieur correctly nailed the issue when he said 'No one who understands fame wants to be famous.' And 'fame is a mental illness in the followers of the famous person.' I would add a third observation that 'Any Artist who propagates The Fame may also be suffering from co-dependent mental illness with the followers.'

You are a sociopathic pseudo-anonymous troll. You are mentally ill. There is nothing shameful about your illness, but you need to commence a treatment plan. Then 'get a life'. A 'real life', that is. I.R.L

'Chaos, Panic, Disorder... My Work Here Is (almost) Done....'lol!

regards
The Artist Collective known as 'BrummieBoy'

ps: Troll.Fail!

13848

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2158120/Freedom-speech-mean-freedom-abuse-As-victim-I-welcome-plans-unmask-cowardly-internet-trolls.html

.cc 4Chan

pps: 13849

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/morrisseysolo/tumblr_m2y3c753Hv1qaoie1.gif

Does anyone have the time to read this nonsense let alone type it!

[Iona Mink]

Sorry, you're on BrummieBoy's 'Ignore List'.
I'll add your comment to the generic '#Troll.Fail!' list but I doubt you'll get a reply.:straightface:

Sharon McCormick - Secretary to 'BrummieBoy'

http://www.secretarythemovie.co.uk/html/synopsis.html

Yep. Still boring.

[Anonymous]

Not sure many of them would like the description "super-fans".

Some of them have been going to see Morrissey for a very long time, some of them are recent arrivals.
Some of them are among the loveliest people you could meet, some of them are idiots.
Some of them are happily married with kids, some of them are gay, some of them are single.
Some of them are in their teens, some of them are in their 40's.
Some have good jobs, most if not all have jobs of some description

In my experience none of them would themselves as being in any way superior to any other fan, though i don't know many of the new arrivals.

Most people on this site wondering how they can afford to do multiple gigs would happily fork out significant sums of money to go on holiday. Not sure how that differs from people devoting a couple of weeks of the year travelling round seeing Morrissey.

None of them deserve abuse simply because they like to go to multiple gigs and like to be in the front row. Many people have done it over the years, including the owner of this very site.

Lovely post. I think the term 'super fan' is a bit OTT myself. I think it's great that a lot of the newer/younger fans are following the tours. There doesn't seem to be too many of the old time fans around that still attend significant numbers of shows on every tour anymore. A lot of them may have lost interest, moved on in life, etc., but I still know of a fair share that still do it regularly (or "irregularly"), and I think Morrissey does appreciate it, because it obviously requires dedication; as well as large sums of money and holiday time from work, etc. Many of the regulars are lovely people, and I don't know of many of them that would claim to be superior over anyone else either; that's just nonsense. A lot of people would love to do what they are doing when Morrissey tours, so more power to them. There are a couple of them I wouldn't necessarily mind sharing a hotel room with too, either! ;)

[craig charles]

Superfans hated Julia and now we hate the Superfans. Julia didn't deserve the hatred they gave her, she runs the official website.
I have unfortunately met these Superfans. I hate their smug arrogance, demanding the right to handshakes, attention seeking "I love you" The concert is more about them than Morrissey .
They called Julia a "c**t" in front of Morrissey at Cambridge Exchange.
http://www.contactmusic.com/news/morrissey-halts-gig-to-reprimand-fan_1103595/
and how they lord it over people.Well not anymore.
Get a life or maybe what you did to Julia will happen to you.

[MIDNITE]

.....

[Anonymous]

Superfans hated Julia and now we hate the Superfans. Julia didn't deserve the hatred they gave her, she runs the official website.
I have unfortunately met these Superfans. I hate their smug arrogance, demanding the right to handshakes, attention seeking "I love you" The concert is more about them than Morrissey .
They called Julia a "c**t" in front of Morrissey at Cambridge Exchange.
http://www.contactmusic.com/news/morrissey-halts-gig-to-reprimand-fan_1103595/
and how they lord it over people.Well not anymore.
Get a life or maybe what you did to Julia will happen to you.

Not true.

You are talking about an incident involving one person. The person concerned did go to a lot of gigs but wasn't one of the people who queue up all day, as mentioned here.

The vast majority of people who attend multiple gigs get on perfectly well with Julia.

I witnessed the Cambridge incident and it was horrific, and the fan concerned was rightly asked to leave. As far as i am aware he has never returned.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't concern one's self with the self-titled *superfan* brigade, just do you own thing.
Enjoy the gigs and leave these persons to get on with their misguided nonsense.
Besides, as someone pointed out, the likes of that strange boy in the William & Kate jersey, and Lewin, they've been around for a year, so don't really matter.
Just don't fall for their F**k Morrissey Solo/I don't go there lies; course they do, as this is the place to be.


Viva Solo, and long may it reign.

[BrummieBoy]

Yep. Still boring.

Yep, you're still on ignore. Still a bore-face-time-attention-whore.

Every time you link to his name, I have to print it off, tippex out your name and pass it to The Boss.
He insists on seeing all replies 'without prejudice' of names.
Don't delude yourself he'll pay you any notice unless you write something interesting.
That seems increasingly unlikely!:rolleyes:

I know you'll just get the #Troll.Fail! stamp but it's the way we have to do things on this project.

Sharon McCormick - Secretary to 'BrummieBoy'

http://www.secretarythemovie.co.uk/html/synopsis.html

just as I thought, here's his response:

#Troll.Fail!
#Ignore List

13864

[BrummieBoy]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/morrisseysolo/tumblr_m2y3c753Hv1qaoie1.gif

Does anyone have the time to read this nonsense let alone type it!

stick to jpegs'n'gifs, bitch!
words...fail....you....
each... and..... every..... single..... time......:lbf:

#Troll.Fail
#Ignore List

Sharon, please collect some of these 'gifs' for Project use. It saves us time :cool:

regards.

[cornelius blaze]

stick to jpegs'n'gifs, bitch!
words...fail....you....
each... and..... every..... single..... time......:lbf:

#Troll.Fail
#Ignore List

Sharon, please collect some of these 'gifs' for Project use. It saves us time :cool:

regards.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/morrisseysolo/tumblr_m89qziK8eS1qkgczu.gif

[BrummieBoy]

You are boring.

Don't quote entire responses if you have nothing meaningful to add to them.
You will make the thread unwieldy for other readers.
Please attend remedial 'troll forum skills' session in 'The Pigsty'
They are run on a weekly basis.

#Troll.Fail

13865

Sharon: Action: book this amateur troll onto 'Basic Troll Skills on Moz.Solo.com'.

regards

[Iona Mink]

Don't quote entire responses if you have nothing meaningful to add to them.
You will make the thread unwieldy for other readers.
Please attend remedial 'troll forum skills' session in 'The Pigsty'
They are run on a weekly basis.

#Troll.Fail

13865

Sharon: Action: book this amateur troll onto 'Basic Troll Skills on Moz.Solo.com'.

regards

Sigh. Do people fall asleep while you are talking to them?

[BrummieBoy]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/morrisseysolo/tumblr_m89qziK8eS1qkgczu.gif

that's much better. stick to your strengths.

regards

http://bit.ly/Nu5DNu

[cornelius blaze]

that's much better. stick to your strengths.



http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m89yp9FsVa1qijqdk.gif



regards

http://bit.ly/Nu5DNu

I prefer Damon Albarn's version but thank you for sharing as i haven't heard that before.

[BrummieBoy]

Sigh. Do people fall asleep while you are talking to them?

Well done! You're learning how to use the edit function. :thumb:
Now work on 'effective troll strategies for 'Morrissey-Solo cult members':rolleyes:
Return to induction level in 'The Pigsty':straightface:

#Troll.Fail!

13866

Troll Skill Level: 1/10

regards

[Iona Mink]

Well done! You're learning how to use the edit function. :thumb:
Now work on 'effective troll strategies for 'Morrissey-Solo cult members':rolleyes:
Return to induction level in 'The Pigsty':straightface:

#Troll.Fail!

13866

Troll Skill Level: 1/10

regards

I imagine this is quite a common sight for you.

http://central.languagepod101.com/stockphoto/media/403&v=fit512.jpg

Go on then, reply by regurgitating the same old nonsense.

[BrummieBoy]

You started off OK, but the insults are creeping in. Why feel the need to insult people you've never met?

P.

Dear 'Uncleskinny'

In order to respond appropriately, perhaps you could indicate which comment(s) by me on this thread have exercised you. I do not 'feel the need to insult people' I've never met although I note Morrissey felt the need to insult Madonna's adopted African child, David Banda. I'm not aware of him apologising or retracting that statement. Regardless of any valid infraction of etiquette you may alert me to, your communication merits a wider and deeper response. I note with you appear to be monitoring my presence and I am pleased to see that there is some attempt at 'moderation' taking place on at least some threads. However, there are serious issues with moderation, some of which I will now bring to your attention so that you may reflect 'going forward'.

I am curious as to why you have chosen to intervene on this thread rather than focus on truly hateful comments which remain without sanction elsewhere on this website.No doubt you have been completely unaware of the offending 'thread' and will be deeply shocked, shocked!, concerned and alarmed as you become aware of it. I haven't read all of the comments as they are so ugly:

http://www.morrissey-solo.com/content/818-Kristeen-Young-comments-on-Facebook-But-never-go-to-Morrissey-Solo?p=1986729430#comment_1986729430


Earlier today I noted a response on the above thread from someone called 'Thesmithsmorrissey' [sic].

'Hey Tseng/Skinny/Kiwipie [sic]

before you put the emminent banish on Bummie[sic] Troll, can you let him hang around for a few days until Skylarker sorts himself out and makes his way back to So-low again? '

It will not surprise me in the least if I am 'banned' on spurious pretexts despite the affectations to 'free speech' this site currently defends itself with.David Tseng closed a thread as 'off-topic'on Friday as it had become yet another irrelevant location for 'group troll psychotherapy, yet the thread hosting the appaling abuse of Ms Kristeen Young remains open as of 13:50pm GMT Saturday 4 August 2012. My advice would be that this thread about Ms Young is now urgently 'locked' as also seriously 'off-topic'.

http://www.morrissey-solo.com/threads/122319-Gaslight-Anthem-Singer-Brian-Fallon-s-Advice-To-Morrissey-quot-You-Need-To-Get-Over-It-quot?p=1986730057&viewfull=1#post1986730057

I realise DavidT,yourself and other moderators cannot effectively control these forums with current resources and I look forward to the changes which are now inevitable. If Morrissey is able to secure another recording and performing contract with a major international corporation, a key feature of that 'deal' will surely be to rescue his 'web presence' both for his current and future endeavours and for his legacy / posterity issues. I've briefly noted the abuse of the ability to post 'anonymously' on this thread by various trolls who are now reduced to openly 'threatening' me , no matter how delusional those 'threats' actually are. I find it amusing that such entitities have not grapsed 'who' I really am, and also that 'BrummieBoy' is not a singular person, but a collective transpersonal intelligence, who I channel so that they may speak through me....lol!

It seems we are all on a 'journey' as the era of Web 2.0 comes to a close and the legal and social norms of 'real life' are increasingly being applied to pseudo-anonymous forums such as this. The 'intellectual copyright' issues of sites such as this are no different to those of P2P, 'lyric sites' and the appropriation of artistic personas by other parasitic 'social networks'.

I have not yet concluded which my research into moderators on this site who have 'real life' reputations which they would wish to defend.'My' response to any online stalking and abuse which emerges from the troll depths of this site will be dealt with 'appropriately'. This response will most likely be a period of enigmatic silence whilst I sit back and laugh with a bag of popcorn and a soda but it may be something more 'formal' if my mood so dictates.
Online 'troll-culture' has been fasinating to observe and I have sometimes sucuumbed to it. However, I am now a 'reformed character', having repaid my debts to society, etc. The legal demise of 'troll-culture' is proving equally absorbing. The presence of'anonymous' trolls is both entertaining and pernicious as such trolls can cause great harm to vulnerable people, of which there are many on this site as guests and registered users.

I started a thread entitled 'R.I.P Gore Vidal' which was fatuously deemed 'off-topic' even as the hate-fest against Kristeen Young continued apace without being branded 'off-topic' . Another thread on Kristeen Young which I started in opposition to the troll-fest against her was also deemed 'off-topic'.

http://www.morrissey-solo.com/threads/124286-Kristeen-Young-For-All-Permanent-Residents-and-Day-Patients?p=1986729455&viewfull=1#post1986729455

You have the data audit trail which will show you which 'moderator' acted thus. I couldn't care less. My work here is almost done. I've changed my picture/avatar to honour Gore Vidal, the real unacknowledged well-spring of Morrissey's art in my not-so-humble opinion. I enjoyed the discussion about the 'Olympic' controversy but unless and until Boyle, Marr and Morrissey make futher comments, that topic is exhausted.There is, indeed, a 'cult of Morrissey' and it is profoundly intellectually lazy. From Morley to Armitage to Goddard: there is now a deference, an uncomfortable pussyfooting around the issues of Morrissey's artistic and political authenticity and integrity. My pointing out that I feel the issue of Morrissey's cribbing of Vidal has been erased from the record is hardly 'off-topic', although its' removal from 'general discussion' is certainly noteworthy.

I will, of course, consider any issues you raise carefully. If I have violated my own principles of mutual respect online I have no problem reflecting and apologising to those affected. Unlike 'certain people I know'...

This site will not be remembered principally for being about Morrissey. It will be a priceless artifact/example exhibiting the collapse of both the 'fan/star' pathology and the destruction of valid artistic control of online presence by a pathological sub-cult of 'fan-trolls'. It is emblematic of the entire debate about the music industry's implosion during Web 2.0. My presence here is not just about Morrissey but about a wider debate that Billy Corgan best articulates with is views on 'the Pitchfork effect'.

http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/smashing-pumpkins-billy-corgan-unloads-again-1006456552.story

I realise most of this will go 'over the heads' of the trolls who infest this site, but their dismal existential fate is not my concern.

Ran Prieur correctly nailed the issue when he said 'No one who understands fame wants to be famous.' And 'fame is a mental illness in the followers of the famous person.' I would add a third observation that 'Any Artist who propagates The Fame may also be suffering from co-dependent mental illness with the followers.'

Morrissey is an interesting public figure to explore, but the idea that he somehow represents a pinnacle of radical artistic and intellectual endeavour can no longer be taken seriously. In 100 years time, Morrissey may well be no more than a footnote to the history of C20th/21st culture. It may well be the case, as so often in history, that the real artistic innovators of this era consciously shunned the redundant and discredited matrix of The Fame and either operated free of its' constraints or only published posthumously. There are members of the Audience who have no intention of kow-towing to a delusional sociopathic 'fan' cult. Online or in Concert.

I've been laid up with a severe ankle sprain which, although painful, has afforded me the luxury of time to enjoy the Olympics and to ruminate on Morrissey's return to these 'Isle Of Wonder'. My secretary, Sharon, has done her best, but her 'issues' and her decision to get 'high' last Thursday night and post her own views under my name that night mean her employment will terminate as soon as she has rectified and edited her excesses. And after she has been sanctioned 'appropriately. I'm looking forward to returning to 'real-life' after an amusing visit to the inmates here. And,thankfully, I do have a very real, rewarding and rich world 'I.R.L', as I'm sure you do.

Other viewers to this reply, please note: It is not my intention to enter into detailed correspondence in relation to this comment. I will instruct Sharon to bring any relevant remarks to my attention, stripped of their originators 'screen-handle' and I will instruct her to issue generic 'troll.FAIL!''S on a random, periodic basis every few weeks, months until this site is no more. Having concluded with the synchronicity of Danny Boyle, Gore's passing, and Morrissey's 'Dear Leader' national unity concert in Mancester has dovetailed perfectly into 'BrummieBoy's 'Project Art Hound''. Any ban may be irrelevant as we may soon move on to another art-installation on a slightly more challenging and interesting site on the World Wide Web. Morrissey-Solo.com' may not even make 'the final cut'.

I note you think I'm doing 'OK'. Given the issues involved, I'd say the moderation is 'O.K' with the occasional egregious failure such as the continuing failure to lock the abusive hate thread against Ms Kristeen Young.

[from dictation tape]

regards

'BrummieBoy'

[Uncleskinny]

tl;dr

Time wasted.

On Ignore.

Goodbye!!

P.

[cornelius blaze]

Dear 'Uncleskinny'

In order to respond appropriately, perhaps you could indicate which comment(s) by me on this thread have exercised you. I do not 'feel the need to insult people' I've never met although I note Morrissey felt the need to insult Madonna's adopted African child, David Banda. I'm not aware of him apologising or retracting that statement. Regardless of any valid infraction of etiquette you may alert me to, your communication merits a wider and deeper response. I note with you appear to be monitoring my presence and I am pleased to see that there is some attempt at 'moderation' taking place on at least some threads. However, there are serious issues with moderation, some of which I will now bring to your attention so that you may reflect 'going forward'.

I am curious as to why you have chosen to intervene on this thread rather than focus on truly hateful comments which remain without sanction elsewhere on this website.No doubt you have been completely unaware of the offending 'thread' and will be deeply shocked, shocked!, concerned and alarmed as you become aware of it. I haven't read all of the comments as they are so ugly:

http://www.morrissey-solo.com/content/818-Kristeen-Young-comments-on-Facebook-But-never-go-to-Morrissey-Solo?p=1986729430#comment_1986729430


Earlier today I noted a response on the above thread from someone called 'Thesmithsmorrissey' [sic].

'Hey Tseng/Skinny/Kiwipie [sic]

before you put the emminent banish on Bummie[sic] Troll, can you let him hang around for a few days until Skylarker sorts himself out and makes his way back to So-low again? '

It will not surprise me in the least if I am 'banned' on spurious pretexts despite the affectations to 'free speech' this site currently defends itself with.David Tseng closed a thread as 'off-topic'on Friday as it had become yet another irrelevant location for 'group troll psychotherapy, yet the thread hosting the appaling abuse of Ms Kristeen Young remains open as of 13:50pm GMT Saturday 4 August 2012. My advice would be that this thread about Ms Young is now urgently 'locked' as also seriously 'off-topic'.

http://www.morrissey-solo.com/threads/122319-Gaslight-Anthem-Singer-Brian-Fallon-s-Advice-To-Morrissey-quot-You-Need-To-Get-Over-It-quot?p=1986730057&viewfull=1#post1986730057

I realise DavidT,yourself and other moderators cannot effectively control these forums with current resources and I look forward to the changes which are now inevitable. If Morrissey is able to secure another recording and performing contract with a major international corporation, a key feature of that 'deal' will surely be to rescue his 'web presence' both for his current and future endeavours and for his legacy / posterity issues. I've briefly noted the abuse of the ability to post 'anonymously' on this thread by various trolls who are now reduced to openly 'threatening' me , no matter how delusional those 'threats' actually are. I find it amusing that such entitities have not grapsed 'who' I really am, and also that 'BrummieBoy' is not a singular person, but a collective transpersonal intelligence, who I channel so that they may speak through me....lol!

It seems we are all on a 'journey' as the era of Web 2.0 comes to a close and the legal and social norms of 'real life' are increasingly being applied to pseudo-anonymous forums such as this. The 'intellectual copyright' issues of sites such as this are no different to those of P2P, 'lyric sites' and the appropriation of artistic personas by other parasitic 'social networks'.

I have not yet concluded which my research into moderators on this site who have 'real life' reputations which they would wish to defend.'My' response to any online stalking and abuse which emerges from the troll depths of this site will be dealt with 'appropriately'. This response will most likely be a period of enigmatic silence whilst I sit back and laugh with a bag of popcorn and a soda but it may be something more 'formal' if my mood so dictates.
Online 'troll-culture' has been fasinating to observe and I have sometimes sucuumbed to it. However, I am now a 'reformed character', having repaid my debts to society, etc. The legal demise of 'troll-culture' is proving equally absorbing. The presence of'anonymous' trolls is both entertaining and pernicious as such trolls can cause great harm to vulnerable people, of which there are many on this site as guests and registered users.

I started a thread entitled 'R.I.P Gore Vidal' which was fatuously deemed 'off-topic' even as the hate-fest against Kristeen Young continued apace without being branded 'off-topic' . Another thread on Kristeen Young which I started in opposition to the troll-fest against her was also deemed 'off-topic'.

http://www.morrissey-solo.com/threads/124286-Kristeen-Young-For-All-Permanent-Residents-and-Day-Patients?p=1986729455&viewfull=1#post1986729455

You have the data audit trail which will show you which 'moderator' acted thus. I couldn't care less. My work here is almost done. I've changed my picture/avatar to honour Gore Vidal, the real unacknowledged well-spring of Morrissey's art in my not-so-humble opinion. I enjoyed the discussion about the 'Olympic' controversy but unless and until Boyle, Marr and Morrissey make futher comments, that topic is exhausted.There is, indeed, a 'cult of Morrissey' and it is profoundly intellectually lazy. From Morley to Armitage to Goddard: there is now a deference, an uncomfortable pussyfooting around the issues of Morrissey's artistic and political authenticity and integrity. My pointing out that I feel the issue of Morrissey's cribbing of Vidal has been erased from the record is hardly 'off-topic', although its' removal from 'general discussion' is certainly noteworthy.

I will, of course, consider any issues you raise carefully. If I have violated my own principles of mutual respect online I have no problem reflecting and apologising to those affected. Unlike 'certain people I know'...

This site will not be remembered principally for being about Morrissey. It will be a priceless artifact/example exhibiting the collapse of both the 'fan/star' pathology and the destruction of valid artistic control of online presence by a pathological sub-cult of 'fan-trolls'. It is emblematic of the entire debate about the music industry's implosion during Web 2.0. My presence here is not just about Morrissey but about a wider debate that Billy Corgan best articulates with is views on 'the Pitchfork effect'.

http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/smashing-pumpkins-billy-corgan-unloads-again-1006456552.story

I realise most of this will go 'over the heads' of the trolls who infest this site, but their dismal existential fate is not my concern.

Ran Prieur correctly nailed the issue when he said 'No one who understands fame wants to be famous.' And 'fame is a mental illness in the followers of the famous person.' I would add a third observation that 'Any Artist who propagates The Fame may also be suffering from co-dependent mental illness with the followers.'

Morrissey is an interesting public figure to explore, but the idea that he somehow represents a pinnacle of radical artistic and intellectual endeavour can no longer be taken seriously. In 100 years time, Morrissey may well be no more than a footnote to the history of C20th/21st culture. It may well be the case, as so often in history, that the real artistic innovators of this era consciously shunned the redundant and discredited matrix of The Fame and either operated free of its' constraints or only published posthumously. There are members of the Audience who have no intention of kow-towing to a delusional sociopathic 'fan' cult. Online or in Concert.

I've been laid up with a severe ankle sprain which, although painful, has afforded me the luxury of time to enjoy the Olympics and to ruminate on Morrissey's return to these 'Isle Of Wonder'. My secretary, Sharon, has done her best, but her 'issues' and her decision to get 'high' last Thursday night and post her own views under my name that night mean her employment will terminate as soon as she has rectified and edited her excesses. And after she has been sanctioned 'appropriately. I'm looking forward to returning to 'real-life' after an amusing visit to the inmates here. And,thankfully, I do have a very real, rewarding and rich world 'I.R.L', as I'm sure you do.

Other viewers to this reply, please note: It is not my intention to enter into detailed correspondence in relation to this comment. I will instruct Sharon to bring any relevant remarks to my attention, stripped of their originators 'screen-handle' and I will instruct her to issue generic 'troll.FAIL!''S on a random, periodic basis every few weeks, months until this site is no more. Having concluded with the synchronicity of Danny Boyle, Gore's passing, and Morrissey's 'Dear Leader' national unity concert in Mancester has dovetailed perfectly into 'BrummieBoy's 'Project Art Hound''. Any ban may be irrelevant as we may soon move on to another art-installation on a slightly more challenging and interesting site on the World Wide Web. Morrissey-Solo.com' may not even make 'the final cut'.

I note you think I'm doing 'OK'. Given the issues involved, I'd say the moderation is 'O.K' with the occasional egregious failure such as the continuing failure to lock the abusive hate thread against Ms Kristeen Young.

[from dictation tape]

regards

'BrummieBoy'


http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8a6r8uhkK1rcyzgao1_400.gif

[BrummieBoy]

I imagine this is quite a common sight for you.

http://central.languagepod101.com/stockphoto/media/403&v=fit512.jpg

Go on then, reply by regurgitating the same old nonsense.

Whilst there is a pedagogic element in my teachings on 'The Morrissey Hoaxes', class attendance is entirely voluntary. I advise my young 'disciples' to both 'follow their bliss' and that 'truth is a pathless land'. They must develop their own critical thinking skills which can be very hard for young people, hence their vulnerability to cults such as this. Your picture shows a disinterested or tired student, but I do not recognise this person as a 'disciple' of BrummieBoy.

Sharon will continue to monitor your trolling as you are providing great amusement to other Project Team members with your hilarious skit entitled 'it's Patsy, not patsy. :mad:TAKE ME SERIOUSLY!!!!! :tears:I AM THE BITCH TROLL FROM HELL!!!! :mad:DO NOT MOCK ME OR THERE WILL BE BLOOD ON THE CARPET!!!!!!!!!!!':tears:. Our team members are working very hard on this project so there has to be a little relief for them. Speaking of relief, it's time for me to 'relax' with my Secretary for a while...are you good with your wrist? There's always room for another good fricatrice around here.:horny:

regards:p

[Anonymous]

tl;dr

Time wasted.

On Ignore.

Goodbye!!

P.

Haha. We all agree. tl;dr. He keeps typing stuff for some reason, God love him.

[BrummieBoy]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8a6r8uhkK1rcyzgao1_400.gif

I told you not to quote my entire essays unless you have something worth saying. You will clutter the thread and make it unwieldy. Quote the first line only then add your 'witty' pictures. As I said to you earlier: 'Stick with the gifs, bitch'.

regards

#Troll.FAIL!

13874

[Iona Mink]

Whilst there is a pedagogic element in my teachings on 'The Morrissey Hoaxes', class attendance is entirely voluntary. I advise my young 'disciples' to both 'follow their bliss' and that 'truth is a pathless land'. They must develop their own critical thinking skills which can be very hard for young people, hence their vulnerability to cults such as this. Your picture shows a disinterested or tired student, but I do not recognise this person as a 'disciple' of BrummieBoy.

Sharon will continue to monitor your trolling as you are providing great amusement to other Project Team members with your hilarious skit entitled 'it's Patsy, not patsy. :mad:TAKE ME SERIOUSLY!!!!! :tears:I AM THE BITCH TROLL FROM HELL!!!! :mad:DO NOT MOCK ME OR THERE WILL BE BLOOD ON THE CARPET!!!!!!!!!!!':tears:. Our team members are working very hard on this project so there has to be a little relief for them. Speaking of relief, it's time for me to 'relax' with my Secretary for a while...are you good with your wrist? There's always room for another good fricatrice around here.:horny:

regards:p

Oh dear. You've become boringly predictable whilst still being predictably boring.

[Anonymous]

Too bad a thread that for once started & remained nice for at least 4 pages has now sunk in complete nonsense (anyone remember in this page 11 that some very eloquent contributors provided 2 of the most detailed reviews I have seen here in a long time?). Maybe it is time to close this thread, not sure how this has anything to do with the lovely concert some of us had the joy to experience in Edinburgh.

[Anonymous]

I imagine this is quite a common sight for you.

http://central.languagepod101.com/stockphoto/media/403&v=fit512.jpg

Go on then, reply by regurgitating the same old nonsense.

Yep, that's why he's here, because in real life nobody would stay in the same room.
Good luck with that ignore list, BoringBoy.

[cornelius blaze]

Whilst there is a pedagogic element in my teachings on 'The Morrissey Hoaxes', class attendance is entirely voluntary. I advise my young 'disciples' to both 'follow their bliss' and that 'truth is a pathless land'. They must develop their own critical thinking skills which can be very hard for young people, hence their vulnerability to cults such as this. Your picture shows a disinterested or tired student, but I do not recognise this person as a 'disciple' of BrummieBoy.

Sharon will continue to monitor your trolling as you are providing great amusement to other Project Team members with your hilarious skit entitled 'it's Patsy, not patsy. :mad:TAKE ME SERIOUSLY!!!!! :tears:I AM THE BITCH TROLL FROM HELL!!!! :mad:DO NOT MOCK ME OR THERE WILL BE BLOOD ON THE CARPET!!!!!!!!!!!':tears:. Our team members are working very hard on this project so there has to be a little relief for them. Speaking of relief, it's time for me to 'relax' with my Secretary for a while...are you good with your wrist? There's always room for another good fricatrice around here.:horny:

regards:p


I told you not to quote my entire essays unless you have something worth saying. You will clutter the thread and make it unwieldy. Quote the first line only then add your 'witty' pictures. As I said to you earlier: 'Stick with the gifs, bitch'.

regards

#Troll.FAIL!

13874

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/morrisseysolo/tumblr_lak3aqAmuN1qd07gio1_500.gif

[davidt]

Thread has been locked temporarily as it's gone off topic.

[davidt]

Thread re-opened for post-show commentary.

[BrummieBoy]

tl;dr

Time wasted.

On Ignore.

Goodbye!!

P.

mods wiv bods on 'Ignore'?
howzat work?
lol!

time well spent......

laters!

Shazza.

[Anonymous]

I personally think the list is a great idea. It ensures that the people who get there first get in first.

I don't get to go to many of Moz's gigs as it's often difficult to get time off work. When I do go I try and get there early and have gotten on the list a couple of times. I'm glad I did because BOTH TIMES bolshie people have turned up at 5/6pm and tried to push in in front of me.

They were the sort of people who think they can just show up whenever and bully their way into whatever they want. They also "didn't recognise the validity of the list". Of course they didn't! They also went on and on and on and on about "elitism", but there was no elitism - just people who had got there before them! I always go to gigs on my own and it's not very nice having a drunk man pushing you out of the way. It's people like him that are the problem - not the people looking after the list. It's nice to know that I can go for a toilet/lunch break for 20 mins and get back in my place without worrying I might be told by some bully who turned up in the afternoon that I can't because I left the queue or whatever rubbish they'd come up with to get one space closer to Moz.

The only people I've ever heard complaining are people who try and push in and people who didn't turn up early enough and are jealous. And then they spend the rest of their time bitching.

The lad who was sorting the Edinburgh list was perfectly nice. To those who thought he was bolshie - it's because of the way you talked to him and they way you behaved in the queue. I know because I was sat there quietly queuing and listening to you behaving like peevish children.

Despite the fact that I only got to Edinburgh at 4pm I managed to get fairly near the front and I have to say it was the best Morrissey show I have seen for a long while. I wish I had been able to go to the Manchester show, the setlist looked great. He is currently in great form and I hope he will tour the UK again soon. Please no more Kristeen Young though. She's okay but I have seen her the last 4 times I have seen Morrissey (in the UK and US - over the space of several YEARS). Enough! Enough! Enough!

[Baztech]

Looking at some of the performances on youtube. I'm biased because it is up there with my fave moz choons, but how biting and immense is his performance of "Maladjusted". Sheer delight. Sod that evening news comment about it not being a good song.

ALSO, I want that top he was wearing at this gig, anyone know where I can purchase?

[MIDNITE]

Please no more Kristeen Young though. She's okay but I have seen her the last 4 times I have seen Morrissey (in the UK and US - over the space of several YEARS). Enough! Enough! Enough!

Unfortunalty for you, aslong as you remain this way inclined, she will ALLWAYS be the support act, morrissey will NEVER let her go !!!!!!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!!:)
And I for one of many can see why! :)

Kristeen young is absolouty fantastic!!!!!!!!!! In fact as great as the great man himself! :)

Wud of been so disapointed if we never seen her live in concert when we went to see morrissey!
It cost me an absolute fortune to go and see morrissey in manchester, (sorry I know this topic was about the scotland GIG) but as kristeen young was there to, we were in fact getting 2 for the price of one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
The cost was irrelevant tho, I was totally humbled and for ever gratefull for being there!

But I feel quite positivley that kristeen young will remain morrisseys suport act untill such time that she decides to wander of of her own accord! :)

[Anonymous]

Please can someone tell me where I can find a top like the one mozzer is wearing in this link... I NEED ONE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USw-tbFf5t8

[joe frady]

They come from the Dries Van Noten S/S 2012 collection.

And they come in various pretty colours.

http://images.vogue.it/imgs/sfilate/p-e-12/dries-van-noten/collezione/Base/00350h.jpghttp://images.vogue.it/imgs/sfilate/p-e-12/dries-van-noten/collezione/Base/00120h.jpg

And they don't accept organ donations as payment :(

[Anonymous]

Cheers m8, depressingly expensive....