Monday was a stressful day and it looked like I would make it 10 mins after Moz arrived on stage. (Thanks to BlueMoz from the London gig who tipped me off that he comes on stage at 8:50, which proved exactly correct).
Instead I cancelled everything and arrived an hour before the support. I will be picking up the pieces as a result for a long time, but it was worth every minute, and every euro I paid for the tickets.
Song Highlights:
Mountjoy: absolutely touching. Introduced as Dublin’s worst hotel, this ode to the Victorian prison was like a love song (in Morrissey’s inimitable way) to the whole city, and by extension, to the audience, which made it beautiful. That for me was the overall theme of the night.
He seemed genuinely delighted, proud, and grateful to be back in Dublin, one of his spiritual homes.
He introduced “Boz Boorer: From the Dodder”.
When Moz gestured to a giant Brendan Behan on the screen behind him, I felt his connection with the city and the people was complete, done in his own unique, indirect way.
Asleep: I nearly cried during this, the emotion reached a peak here, partly because I wondered is he dying. And what will happen when he does? Will he have alienated everyone in the world by then, in a deliberate grand gesture of artful self-destruction, slipping away in the night alone, adored by millions, never letting anyone in. I wondered was this the last time I would see this genius. This song was desperately sad, haunting, delicate and transported me to another world.
I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris / Istanbul: I’ve always loved the way Morrissey pays tribute to specific locations. On the night Dublin was the primary one. Istanbul / Paris were also beautiful portraits, with wonderfully built atmosphere throughout. A lovesong to Paris about the absence of love, wonderful.
Trouble Loves Me/ Yes, I am Blind: These two were exquisite slow numbers towards the end, where I was reminded of the lyrical prowess of this genius “In the half-light, so English, frowning” / “Yes, I am Blind, but I do see that Evil people prosper, over the likes of you, and me, always. God, come down, IF you really care, as you are the one who claims to care”
Staircase at the University / Speedway I loved the Gilbert O Sullivan song midway through Speedway as an interval, it was a really cleverly intertwined with the song.
Everyday Is Like Sunday: what a finale – I found myself punching the air going slightly insane.
Meat Is Murder: I made a point of looking around and there were many women in particular who had the head in their hands during the video for this. I made a point of watching the film in the background, which was inside hidden camera footage of abattoirs, chicken farms, and food factories around the world. It was as extreme and gruesome as it could possible have been.
I noticed that there were hotdog stands outside, which was a little ironic.
Stage invasions – 2 people came close and I felt sorry for them that they didn’t quite make it. Moz stretched his hand to them, appearing to want to help them up…. but withdrew it just at the last moment when it seemed they could give him a hug, a metaphor for his relationships in general.
However, he seemed to shake hands with many people in the crowd through the gig, and he was warmer and friendlier to the audience than I have ever seen him.
Delivery
What I was reminded of last night was this: You are able to hear every single word he sings. That is unique. And when those words are the most finely crafted lyrics every composed, that hits you right in the soul. Its clear that he considers each word so important that he delivers it sharply and clearly so that the message is complete. So many other bands mumble the songs, and you might pick out a few words of the chorus.
Ready-with Ready wit
“If you have a degree in anthropology, or have a spade, or in Dublin should I say shovel, you might be able to find our new album”
“Are you ever stopped in the street and asked by someone are you mad? Well imagine being me”
“You couldn’t improve upon the architecture of this city”
Support act: Anna Calvi:
Normally I’m cautious about any Morrissey support act. His insecurity rarely allows anyone decent fill this slot. That wasn’t the case in Dublin, where he chose the wonderful Anna Calvi – stunningly beautiful, playing mesmerising screaming guitar tunes. It reminded me of My Bloody Valentine in parts, that delicate feminine vocal singing over a slightly violent chainsaw guitar riff. I just wish she spoke to us a bit more and let us get to know her, as I’d say she’s lovely.
New generation of fans:
Over the years, I’ve watched my fellow fans get older and greyer. Last night I noticed something fantastic: there seems to be a hint of a new generation coming along, possibly the teenage sons and daughters of fans of the Smiths who are being introduced to the icon.
Video montage :
The pre-show video montage is getting better all of the time. It really sets the scene well before he enters the stage. I particularly loved the black and white video of Sandy Shaw singing by the docks of Manchester. It was romantic, nostalgic and beautiful and aligned with the theme of the show perfectly.
Overall, that was a life changing gig. I felt like I was witnessing a genius, a legend, possibly for the last time before he dies. And he seemed the happiest I had seen him in 20 years, to be home in the city of his parents and with which he seemed to have a genuine affection and connection.
Keano
