REVIEW OF LAST NIGHT'S SHOW:
Getting there was an adventure. Good thing we were on time because traffic from the USC / UCLA game was hectic. The Shrine Auditorium is a beautiful place, reminds me of the Pantages in Hollywood in many ways. The atmosphere was very Moz-like from the moment you step foot inside. Drink lines were long but fast, not very many food stands expect one place at the very end of the hall. Morrissey shirts were abundant. The hair, the look, the lifestyle, they were all there. It was nice to see that. Lights went down for Kristeen Young. Very cool backdrop to her stage that sized about 5 feet from the back curtain to the ledge. Not much space. Her set was kinda acoustic, no live band, just back track but with live piano playing. I do like her video "Fantastic Failure" but her set was just wasn't catching on with the crowd. Seemed loud in noise and not very moving. Everyone seemed overly excited as soon as she said goodbye. The usual 30-40 minutes of intermission music videos played on the curtain, some new, some old. Lypsinka's bit from the last tour was the last video to be shown before the curtain dropped and the lights cut off. Morrissey and the boys came out to the sounds of bells, followed by a "Quando, Quando, Quando." His show began.
Reading some post about complaints regarding his setlist is nothing but annoying and off-putting for a fan. But I must say I have to agree. It seemed generally agreed that they wanted more 'hits' and less 'b-sides.' Taking it for what it is, the show was good. Not great. Not bad. Moz was in top form, energetic and lively. His attitude towards the crowd (or the night in general) seemed a bit off. Just like the Gibson show (2 years ago?). "Meat Is Murder" brought down the house in the most depressing way, with the help of his PETA-friendly Meat Your Meat video playing as the backdrop. My date turned her head for most of the song. I tried telling her otherwise but felt the images were disturbing. We've all seen them before. But for an excited LA crowd on a night to celebrate Morrissey's presence, it sure dampened the mood. The next few songs were hard to get into. But eventually the crowd was back. By then, the show was almost over.
At some point near the end of the show, Morrissey said something to Jesse Tobias which caused an immediate guitar change and switch up for the boys. Seems now that they cut a song from the set being that the night totaled only 17, not the usual 18. Maybe Moz was tired? Maybe he didn't feel the crowd strong enough? The show ended just seconds after an hour, with one encore "Still Ill" of course. Many stage hoppers this time around, which really makes the night memorable. You go LA! But to simply put it, the show was too short. Disappointingly short. But as for Moz, love you to death. Always been and always will be a fan. The setlist is a little heartbreaking. But again, who am I to say anthing? You are the artist. I'm just the fan, willing to roll with the punches. Thanks for a memorable night dear friend!
ATMOSPHERE OF THE NIGHT: It felt as if we were personally invited to a show in Morrissey's own living room, hanging out in his world for a little while. That's was makes his shows different from the rest. That's why I keep coming back for more.p.s. The tease that he was about to play "First Of The Gang To Die" and then went right into "Paris" was not nice. But we continued along and still had an amazing time!
Songs that stood out:
I Want The One I Can't Have
When Last I Spoke To Carol
Alma Matters
Ouija Board, Ouija Board
All The Lazy Dykes
I Know It's Over
Speedway
Still Ill