1. How long have you been a Morrissey fan?
I was first attracted to the Smiths songs I heard on the John Peel BBC Radio show in 1983.
For me, the sound was very distinctive. I won’t say unique, as more informed fans would surely come along and cite some bands/songwriters pre-Smiths to repudiate that. Anyway, that initial attraction was compounded when I then saw the band on two TV shows, The Tube and Top of the Pops (Nov 83, according to Goddard’s book).
That image and style on TV just confirmed to me that this band were ‘something else’.
2. When did you first hear him?
Sorry – just answered this question with the above comment.
3. What attracted you to him?
I think I’ve answered this one too, but to add to it: the lyrics in those early Smiths songs (and since, of course) were of a very different style to what we (friends, peers, etc) had had put before us at that time.
Moz also had something interesting and relevant to say (and still does) in interviews, press statements, etc, as well as in his lyrics. It said to me that he could ‘back up’ and defend his lyrics and points of view with more than just rhetoric, which was what some of my previous punk/new wave heroes seemed to be uttering just a few years before (although I probably didn’t think it was just rhetoric at the time – but hindsight’s a wonderful thing; and I would probably exclude The Clash from that criticism).
The image also did a lot for me. If my memory serves me correct (a lot of drink + drugs have passed under the bridge since then), quiffs et al were probably a big-ish thing anyway in the early 80s in the UK before The Smiths came along; but Morrissey + Marr coming along was the ‘icing on the cake’.
The ‘controversy’ was appealing, certainly, but anyone with half-a-brain or more needs to be able to back up why they like him.
4. How many gigs have you been to?
Smiths – only 4 I think
Moz – maybe 20? (a feeble effort I know; personal circumstances + all that…)
5. Do you have any gig rituals?
Whenever possible (+ it nearly always is), meet a couple of hours or so before the gig in a pub with friends/Moz-ites to get in the mood, etc. Don’t normally bother with the support act, but try to get as near the front as possible shortly before Moz is due on – or during 1st song when I’ve been ‘delayed’ in the bar.
Not yet taken to crowd-surfing or trying to reach out to Moz in the gig, but was tempted during last month’s Doncaster gig.
6. What difference do you feel he's made in your life?
Friends and colleagues say I’m obsessed but they don’t know the extent some on this website go to – my fandom is very mild in comparison.
I enjoy listening to his music, obviously. I mostly agree with his views on the majority of things I’ve read about what he has said, or when I’ve seen him interviewed. He ‘makes a difference’ in the/my world, without following the conventional party political route (although I am a bit party political). He is still relevant, interesting and ruffles feathers more often than not.
In my life, it sometimes makes things awkward, difficult and testing. As the quote on the back of the Simpson book says, if you say that you like Morrissey, you often have to explain why. To me, though, it’s worth it.
7. Why do you think he evokes such strong feelings in his fans?
There is no-one else like him – thankfully. He touches hearts and minds like few others – at least, for those who ‘get him’. Perhaps, too, there is that need to defend one’s position (in relation to the Simpson reference above), which could be substituted for protection of him in the face of criticism (although I think I’m out of my depth with the psycho-babble).
8. What is a Morrissey gig like from your perspective?
Hot, sweaty, and a bit rough. Exciting, euphoric, entertaining. It brings about a feeling of camaraderie: like-minded souls all around, paying homage to the man we think so much of.
9 What lengths would you go to for Morrissey, whether it be to see a gig or to meet him, etc?
How long is a piece of string? He tests one’s character, he makes one think about issues that we may not otherwise have thought of, and makes you want to go the ‘extra mile’ to see him, certainly.
The possibility of meeting him would be very daunting, I think. It could either be the gold at the end of the rainbow, or possibly puncture a few bubbles.
There’s no doubt that he is placed on a (very high) pedestal by many fans, and I would be content to hear new music from him and read and see interviews with him for, oh, the next 20 years or so (ok then, 10 at least) before retirement.
Aside from gigs, etc, I’ll defend him to the end (whatever that means). You either get Moz or you don’t – there seems little manoeuvre for a middle-way. Gigs, downloads, interviews are the icing on the cake, of course, but, with the help of sites like Morrissey-solo, there is so much else happening in between that helps to feed the addiction. And, I think, for many fans, that’s what it is – an addiction.
