Newcastle - Metro Radio Arena (Feb. 23, 2018) post-show

Post your info and reviews related to this concert in the comments section below. Other links (photos, external reviews, etc.) related to this concert will also be compiled in this section as they are sent in.

Setlist:

I Wish You Lonely / Suedehead / I Started Something I Couldn't Finish / Jacky's Only Happy When She's Up On The Stage / Home Is A Question Mark / Munich Air Disaster 1958 / My Love, I'd Do Anything For You / When You Open Your Legs / Who Will Protect Us From The Police? / World Peace Is None Of Your Business / If You Don't Like Me, Don't Look At Me / Back On The Chain Gang / I Bury The Living / The Bullfighter Dies / Jack The Ripper / How Soon Is Now? / Spent The Day In Bed / Hold On To Your Friends / Everyday Is Like Sunday / I'm Not Sorry // Irish Blood, English Heart

Setlist provided by an anonymous person.

---

• Morrissey's on scintillating form as he returns to Newcastle with a swagger by Mark Douglas (4 of 5 stars) - Chronicle Live. Link posted by Duggandog.

 

[AztecCamera]

I reckon all the foreigners are coming out of the woodwork now. I reckon Uncle Steve listened to the marketing team at TMMG, LTD-Los Angeles and dropped Speedway having Mango sing it in Mexican so he can get more racist uk euro trash to buy tickets. Reckon lil' Sammy will be at Weeds filming. The pool house is empty.

 

[marred]

What is wrong with you people that you all want to give money to a guy who thinks Marine Le Pen, Anne Marie Waters and Nigel Farage are the good guys? You must be all rabid right wingers. Is that the fan base now?

It's just that we're sick of your extreme sanctimonious fundamentalism. In other words Bullshit.

 

[Famous when dead]

1 minute of I'm Not Sorry:

Suedehead:

How Soon Is Now:

Sunday:

Last 2 vids are crisp footage,
Regards,
FWD.

 

[Fanny-Anne]

I reckon all the foreigners are coming out of the woodwork now. I reckon Uncle Steve listened to the marketing team at TMMG, LTD-Los Angeles and dropped Speedway having Mango sing it in Mexican so he can get more racist uk euro trash to buy tickets. Reckon lil' Sammy will be at Weeds filming. The pool house is empty.

I doubt a stool pill works on you and only makes your condition worse.

 

[countthree]

My first Moz gig since 2011, really enjoyed it. Most of the LIHS stuff was great, and I was made up to hear ‘I’m Not Sorry’.
‘Jack the Ripper’ and ‘Munich 1958’ were highlights too.

Saw big ‘Samwell Tarly’ from Game of Thrones a couple of times in the foyer, posing graciously for selfies with some fawning lasses.

Samwell Tarly plays wonderfully one of the best characthers in GOT.

 

[Bobbi-B]

My experience TWIMC,

Queue listers out in force, giving themselves and their friends some sort of priority, which didn’t serve them well anyway as there were three entrances and they were spilt up and lost order.
Made three friends in the queue though, very nice genuine people, enjoyed chatting with them

Waited a while, doors opened at 6,
Morrissey came on at 9, no support acts, which didn’t bother me as I enjoyed the pre show clips.

Morrissey came out and was excellent start to finish.
Was expecting him to open with You’ll be gone so was slightly gutted as I like it. But he made up for it with I’m Not Sorry later on. Rest of the set list was how do I say .... f”ckin mint
Band were excellent, my only niggle was Jesse’s guitar seemed a bit loud, unless its my ear still mint though.
Boz .... mint. When isn’t he ....

Morrissey was given a great reception and he seemed to enjoy himself,

The later the show went on the more squashed we got, mainly from the drunkards that couldn’t contain their excitement and strived to get to the front. People started pushing and shoving and security stepped in when they had to, they were good

So .... the encore came out of nowhere and ended the show abruptly with his shirt coming off and being thrown into the crowd. I’d decided beforehand if I had the chance, I’ll take it.

Shirt came down just over my head, long story short I got part of Morrissey’s shirt, was like a tug of war.
Everybody in the area fell back like dominoes. Dangerous really.

All in all an excellent show, all but for a few d”ckheads

10/10 .... Bravo

 

[marred]

My experience TWIMC,

Queue listers out in force, giving themselves and their friends some sort of priority, which didn’t serve them well anyway as there were three entrances and they were spilt up and lost order.
Made three friends in the queue though, very nice genuine people, enjoyed chatting with them

Waited a while, doors opened at 6,
Morrissey came on at 9, no support acts, which didn’t bother me as I enjoyed the pre show clips.

Morrissey came out and was excellent start to finish.
Was expecting him to open with You’ll be gone so was slightly gutted as I like it. But he made up for it with I’m Not Sorry later on. Rest of the set list was how do I say .... f”ckin mint
Band were excellent, my only niggle was Jesse’s guitar seemed a bit loud, unless its my ear still mint though.
Boz .... mint. When isn’t he ....

Morrissey was given a great reception and he seemed to enjoy himself,

The later the show went on the more squashed we got, mainly from the drunkards that couldn’t contain their excitement and strived to get to the front. People started pushing and shoving and security stepped in when they had to, they were good

So .... the encore came out of nowhere and ended the show abruptly with his shirt coming off and being thrown into the crowd. I’d decided beforehand if I had the chance, I’ll take it.

Shirt came down just over my head, long story short I got part of Morrissey’s shirt, was like a tug of war.
Everybody in the area fell back like dominoes. Dangerous really.

All in all an excellent show, all but for a few d”ckheads

10/10 .... Bravo

Thanks for words. Well done!

 

[Anonymous]

So says the guardian. It’s like the press and some commenters can’t believe that a vague difference of opinion doesn’t cause his fanbase to go crazy with forced outrage. He didn’t even endorse le pen so much as he thought he public would vote for her and that she won the debate. he was proven severely wrong. I for one would much rather hear about the concert instead of seeing it bombed with judgement about fans and forum members. Start an anti morrissey site instead of judging people right and left for going to a concert

Oh enough of this whinging nonsense. People can disagree with how you level your views, and take issue with that. It's not simply a matter of disliking Morrissey because he has different views. Morrissey has routinely had different views than his fans, and they've ignored those views because most didn't matter.

Not everyone wants to go on adoring someone who constantly reminds them of the gulf between their values. It's like any relationship. It's okay to disagree, but that's best accomplished by not constantly bringing up matters that divide you, so that you can argue. Morrissey is to blame for that. He's injected this into his stage persona, and no one' asked for it. He won't let us forget.

Personality matters. Shared values matter. It's never going to change, and it shouldn't.

Finally, Morrissey doesn't seem to take kindly to people who don't share his values, so maybe you should focus your indignation on him.

 

[Anonymous]

Afraid so!
For some reason I believe he is the kind of man that turns away from those that love him and to be honest the lefties occupied his arse for ages and in the end he had enough of it.

I agree. Morrissey is the type to push away admirers. He's the type of person who can't respect you if you show obvious affection to him. You have to keep it coy, and maybe a little cruel.

Many people simply become more bigoted, and isolated as they age out of the culture, and those are the people who make up most of Morrissey's fanbase now.

If it wasn't for the nostalgia trip, then he would already be retired, or appearing at casinos.

It reminds me of what happened to Gallagher. You know, the comedian who was only known for smashing watermelons on stage? Last I heard, he was performing corny, sad uncle racial jokes to retirees on the road because that's what sells tickets to his remaining demographic. He's actually a really great interview, and it's hard to tell how much of it is a windup, but it does seem like a conscious effort to satisfy a particular type of audience.

Morrissey has expressed many of his current beliefs before, but not as directly, and not with such open resentment. He definitely believes what he believes, but he's probably ringing alarms for effect as well. He knows he doesn't have the ear of the youth, so now he can freely do what aged people often like to do: Flaunt their resentment toward an ever-changing world.

 

[Duggandog]

Absolutely knackered getting up for Leeds.

Review from our local rag:
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/wha...scintillating-form-returns-newcastle-14331482

(Doesn’t matter who the artist is they always seem half arsed)

Deffo the highest attendance at the arena in years.

Also forgot to mention that there was no shirt change last night. Seemed to be off stage for ages so not sure if there were some shirt related difficulties.

 

[Fawdy]

It was ok. Certainly wasnt the highest attendance - it often sells out. Having seen him from the Smiths to places like Dunoon I have to say it was a pretty drab affair. The set was uninspiring and his 'political songs' are tiresome - Morrissey isnt good at politics. When he went off there was what can only be described as a muted response to get him back on for the encore. Morrissey gigs used to be euphoric and now they are pretty run of the mill. When he played How Soon is Now and Everyday it got going but then slipped back to polite interest. Last time at the Arena people in the seats were on their feet for the whole show this time they barely got to their feet.

Also to the Gent above Darlington isnt a shithole at all - more fake news.

Sorry to be negative but after seeing Moz/the Smiths 14 times that was just ok. Has it gone forever?

 

[andynewcastle]

What is wrong with you people that you all want to give money to a guy who thinks Marine Le Pen, Anne Marie Waters and Nigel Farage are the good guys? You must be all rabid right wingers. Is that the fan base now?

That you've chosen this thread to post this displays a level of narcism you clearly have no self awareness of. As to the content of your breathless hyperbole you display all the intellect of a no platform head of the student union, have you ever considered a career at the Guardian?

I could point out where real evil and fascism lives these days, i.e. everywhere and that the terms "right" and "left" have become meaningless in politics, but if it wasn't this it would just be some other reason to hate Morrissey who you clearly have a problem with.

Thankfully we have people like Morrissey who isn't bound with fitting in or conforming to the prevailing lefist dogma and can state truths that people find unsettling.

 

[andynewcastle]

Brilliant show, last saw Morrissey back in 2015 at the 2nd Hamersmith Apollo gig where he seemed a bit tired but he was in fine form in Newcastle.

We got there maybe an hour before the doors opened and due to the Arena's admissions system somehow conspired to end up in the first 30 into the standing area so ended up in the spot we wanted.

There were one or two folks a little, shall we say merry, and sadly a few others who were a bit aggressive and up for a scrap, it 's a Morrissey gig FFS!

Apart from that, fantastic, the new songs worked really well, everyone seemed to be having a great time, although the encore at the end seemed a little abrupt.

As others have pointed out things really kicked off when he chucked his shirt into crowd, was about three people back from that and it was bedlam, could have turned into something quite serious as it appeared to be about 20 lads scrapping on the floor for his shirt.

I look forward to the Youtube video of the incident!

 

[Anonymous]

Morrissey and the band were great. However the crowd were dreadful. As dull as dishwater. Most couldn’t even be arsed to clap/cheer for an encore.

 

[Anonymous]

Great show, packed house, fans held a Union Jack which moz acknowledged, 100% certain he sang Brexit (perhaps a little too obvious as he then covered his mouth), crowd loved Sunday. ‘I’m going to a club in Darlington...’

He didn’t, he sang “wrecks it”

 

[No More]

Last night was my first ever Morrissey gig and I was blown away. I thought he was on amazing form, with a great setlist and some amusing comments to the crowd. I really liked the video presentation before the man himself came on too.

Crowd were great on the whole. Couple of people trying to barge through as soon as Suedehead started. One young lass who was absolutely trollied clinging onto her boyfriend for most of the night right next to me, before he eventually took her away half a dozen songs before the end.

I was stood just one behind the big crowd that gathered when Morrissey threw his shirt into the crowd. Absolute bedlam watching all these blokes ripping a piece of the shirt and I felt sorry for the small lass who got caught in the middle of it all, as the shirt landed practically on top of her!

Unbelievable night that I won’t forget in a hurry.

 

[Anonymous]

It was ok. Certainly wasnt the highest attendance - it often sells out. Having seen him from the Smiths to places like Dunoon I have to say it was a pretty drab affair. The set was uninspiring and his 'political songs' are tiresome - Morrissey isnt good at politics. When he went off there was what can only be described as a muted response to get him back on for the encore. Morrissey gigs used to be euphoric and now they are pretty run of the mill. When he played How Soon is Now and Everyday it got going but then slipped back to polite interest. Last time at the Arena people in the seats were on their feet for the whole show this time they barely got to their feet.

Sorry to be negative but after seeing Moz/the Smiths 14 times that was just ok. Has it gone forever?

I am pretty convinced the 'magic times' have indeed gone forever, though, as you say, the gig was still 'OK'. The issue is a simple one - Morrissey is now at a fairly advanced age. Every year, he gets a little slower, has a little less energy, a little less bounce, and is more static. The pace of the songs comes down similarly, whilst the band (particularly Boz) often appear to be going through the motions. Also, crucially, the audience is aging as well. There are still a few new young 'uns, but a lot of middle-aged and older folk in the crowd. The days of the entire audience being a seething pit of adrenalin charged, screaming, moving flesh has gone - now its mostly middle-aged folk standing still, nodding appreciatvely, or sitting down in the balcony. The rabid exciting atmosphere of the old shows has gone.

Possibly a Smiths reunion might reverse things - at least for a little while - as the crowds would be hysterical, at least until the novelty wore off. The only other things that might add a bit more energy would be for Morrissey to replace his current 'comfort blanket' session musicians, for an entirely new, young band - who looked genuinly excited to be on stage, and don't have to follow choreographed movements every gig (watch how Jese has to stand at the back throughout the gig, only coming forward on stage at the same set points night after night, before returning to the back - it's like watching a clockwork automaton doing the same thing every show).

Again - the shows are still OK though - they just aren't brilliant events anymore.

 

[NealCassidy]

He didn’t, he sang “wrecks it”

Nop

 

[Fawdy]

I am pretty convinced the 'magic times' have indeed gone forever, though, as you say, the gig was still 'OK'. The issue is a simple one - Morrissey is now at a fairly advanced age. Every year, he gets a little slower, has a little less energy, a little less bounce, and is more static. The pace of the songs comes down similarly, whilst the band (particularly Boz) often appear to be going through the motions. Also, crucially, the audience is aging as well. There are still a few new young 'uns, but a lot of middle-aged and older folk in the crowd. The days of the entire audience being a seething pit of adrenalin charged, screaming, moving flesh has gone - now its mostly middle-aged folk standing still, nodding appreciatvely, or sitting down in the balcony. The rabid exciting atmosphere of the old shows has gone.

Possibly a Smiths reunion might reverse things - at least for a little while - as the crowds would be hysterical, at least until the novelty wore off. The only other things that might add a bit more energy would be for Morrissey to replace his current 'comfort blanket' session musicians, for an entirely new, young band - who looked genuinly excited to be on stage, and don't have to follow choreographed movements every gig (watch how Jese has to stand at the back throughout the gig, only coming forward on stage at the same set points night after night, before returning to the back - it's like watching a clockwork automaton doing the same thing every show).

Again - the shows are still OK though - they just aren't brilliant events anymore.

You've hit the nail on the head. I thought his voice was really good and the band was fine but the whole thing lacks energy and spirit. I am now a lot older than when I saw the Smiths in 84 and 85 but I can still get excited and inspired at gigs but with Morrissey it is a shadow of the 'brilliant events' of the past. Its a shame but I can't see it coming back. I'm not sure if he has another decent album in him of the standard of Your Arsenal or Vauxhall and I. Anyway he's a good run.

 

[Lozzy]

What a shame some people are so intolerant of others that have a different opinion. As a massive Smith Fan and a lover of Morrissey's early work, I find myself cringing more and more evertime, Mozzer opens his mouth. Love can sometimes be blind. Best wishes.