Sure, the mainstream music industry shuns Morrissey, and there are crappy politics and capitalism oppresses the working class, BUT MORRISSEY MADE MILLIONS FROM HIS AMERICAN FANS.

he's known for these kinds of reviews. every artist that plays chicago gets this kind of write-up.

I brought some beautiful, fresh (real) gladiolas, and I was told curtly by security to dump them in the trash or I would not be allowed in.

Jim D. thinks he knows everything-

House of Blues does not permit flowers or "gifts" to be taken inside during a concert.

I waited in line a very long time with those gladiolas, and I cried when I had to dump them in a trash can brought right to me by an ugly security guard.

Truly,

Ken Stavitzke

Re: "Later, he derided the politics of President Bush -- "He's brought so much shame to America, more than any other president in the history of this country," he said -- told the crowd how to vote, hailed "Fahrenheit 9/11" and seemed shocked when some people booed the mention of Michael Moore's film."

Hmm, I'd just used that word earlier to-day, saying how Bush has really *shamed* America...how odd that the people of Chicago would boo Moore's film; what can the people of Illinois be thinking - or, at any rate, Morrissey's fans?!? I'm sure he must have been very "shocked," but surely he must realise ours is a geographically very large country, which lends itself to soiled pockets of Bush supporters throughout the States...as unbelievable as that sounds, considering Bush is such an incompetent.

The funny thing is, the author himself is the drummer for a millitant leftist, horrible band called Vortis.
Look up Vortis on Google and you'll see where the name comes from.
I have seen Vortis, and besides being musically challenged, to say the old man prof/singer? has a soapbox to stand on and profess his political beliefs would be putting it lightly. Also, they are just plain bad.
Sorry Jim, but I'm not alone.
If you don't believe me check them out at Double Door this Wednesday in Chicago.
Derogatis is also morbidly obese, again, sorry to judge, or even bring it up Jim, but the other Chicago music critic from the Tribune did not bring up vegetarianism or hamburgers for that matter, or other food metaphors like you did. See a pattern?
If they made a western about your writing style, it would definately be named "The Fencerider".
We all liked Wire, Jim. But we didn't form a tribute band, we knew better.

Sure.

This guy has Moz figured out! He is a contradiction and I'm tired of lining his ungrateful pockets with my hard earned cash and getting nothing but an arrogant "america sucks" attitude in return. Move back to England Moz, because it's obvious that America doesn't give a crap about you, your music or your opinion.

Jim D. is actually a really great critic. Relative to other critics he tends to be very articulate and thoughtful.

Having said this, I'm a bit disappointed in him for taking the "character trait inconsistensies" route to this article. It's a horribly boring cliche. It's one thing to point out contradictions in someone's reasoning in a relevant situation (for example, a political debate or a philosophical essay), quite another to do so at a freaking rock concert!

First, everyone contains contradictions--it's part of being human. It's literally IMPOSSIBLE to be consistent in every facet of our lives. Thus it makes me a bit cross when people cling to this as their primary character assassination.

Second, what the hell does all of this have to do with the quality of the concert?! Umm.....

Third, can't I be allowed to make money and still be considered a liberal?

To Jim D.'s credit, he DOES in fact give the music a fairly positive review. But I'm a bit upset that the music was relegated to secondary status in his article.