I'm still on cloud 9 after last night! I flew from UAE just for this gig, and was not disappointed. I last saw Mozz in Melbourne in 2002, and as far as I'm concerned, he's still in top form. I did think he got low in energy about half the way through, and the set list was far from my favourite, but I was still overjoyed with his performance. I think it was during 'Last Night I Dreamt' this voice quality struck me as being as strong and melodic as ever. A gorgeous performance.
A few things to say:
* Getting up front - People got up the front (pit) by frankly walking through past security. I got 2nd row tickets and watched, and when I realised, I made my way through. The guy said something to me in Turkish, and I just carried on. Coming so far to Turkey for this, I had to go for broke - I bought the best tickets money could buy online (at the time), so i don't feel bad. My husband hovered around the front in our seated area, and after a few songs one of teh propoter guys (not security) said "Do you want to go in?" And he did. Moral of the story is that you get where you need to be...if you get the best tickets you can, and keep your eyes open, there will be a way. Case in point - I helped the nice girl up on stage b/c she really wanted it, obviously enough to try and do it - I was happy already.
* I thought the crowd loved him. I scanned the crowd from the stage with my camera in video mode, and people were drunk with joy.
* I tried to pass up some flowers (gladioli) during HSIN when I was touching point to the stage, but he didn't take them. So I threw them and they landed, embarrassingly, on his jeans and just kind of stuck there until he swatted them, right off stage. I thought he seemed frankly annoyed. Did I do something wrong?! How many old Smiths videos show gladioli being thrown both ways b/w him and the crowd.
* I got a great photo of the guy who caught the shirt (standing next to me), with it tucked up his Smiths t-shirt. Very deserving catch!
* Most of my stills were out of focus b/c I was mad with excitement, and unfortunately my vids have shocking audio (mostly of me screaming) although taken from his feet.
* Did anyone else think it odd that he spoke less about Syria than normal, despite playing at a bordering country? His intro to People are the Same Everywhere was very light on compared to other concerts of this tour. I wonder if it was a calculated decision?
* Very sweet that fans told some of us to stop talking (it was during a flat patch which was loud, and we were discussing a very important matter of a stage jump for a girl so didn't seem rude). It was like being in church - being told to keep it down out of respect.
* Towards the end there were a few freaky patches when the crowd was absolutely slient b/w songs. I could have heard a pin drop for a second or 2. Never seen that b/f at a gig.
Love to all of us Morrissey devotees (espec the pilgrims travelling just for tour)
x
o
