My Encounter With Morrissey

The Date: October 17, 2007
The Venue: Genessee Theatre, Waukegan, IL
The Attraction: Morrissey

My fanaticism with Morrissey and his former group, The Smiths, has lasted over 20 years. I had seen Morrissey in concert nine times prior. October 17th was to be my 10th show(the first was way back in 1992 at UCLA Pauley Pavilion).

Usually, when I attend a Morrissey show I have to drag my wife or pay for an extra ticket and bring my brother-in-law. This concert, I was going solo. There would be nothing to slow me down in my pursuit to make it on the stage and give the Mozzer a hug.

Driving up from the near Chicago suburbs, I was trying to get myself in the mood for the show. Unfortunately, I took my wife's car that she drives Jake around town in. Instead of hearing the Your Arsenal or Vauxhall and I album, I was left with the Putamayo Children's songs, Phil Collins, and Dixie Chicks.

As the show started, there was an instant rush. The band hit the stage and an instant feeling of exhilaration overtook me. Song after beautiful song poured through the speakers. The encore began and some stage invaders made their way up during "First of the Gang To Die". Nothing was holding me back this time around. I excused myself past the people in my row, darted to the left side of the stage and used the speaker for leverage to make my way up. Within an instant I was on the stage and made my way towards Morrissey. Almost instantly a security guard gave me a semi headlock. The momentum was too strong though as I kept advancing. The security guard pulled be back but not before I grabbed Morrissey's forearm. After countless hours listening to his music, spending close to $5,000 on music, concerts, attire, etc., and years of admiration, I was able to touch the person who so well defined my adolescence. Thank you Steven Patrick Morrissey for an unforgetable night!

Morrissey, You Clever Bastard

After my countless weeks of blogging (11 total), I cannot believe that have not written about my cultural icon, Steven Patrick Morrissey aka Morrissey aka lead singer of The Smiths. He is the funniest, clever, charming, and true telling lyricists/musician that has come about in the past 25 years.

If you have even seen him in an interview, he comes across as an articulate, informed, and witty intellectual - much different than say David Lee Roth. He is more like Bob Dylan without the marbles in his mouth. His stage presence is second to none (see Youtube Clip -fun begins around 1:00 minute in) . Such drama on stage that one can see why he says that the only time he feels comfortable in life is when he is performing.

I have been a hardcore fan of him and the Smiths for almost 20 years. I have seen Morrissey in concert 9 times. His music has spoken to me with its truthfulness and vulnerability. During adolescence, hearing his dark lyrics help me know that to feel morose was okay.

What prompted me to dwell on the Mozzer recently was hearing the song Rubber Ring. We in the US would call this an inner tube. Rubber Ring has some prophetic lyrics to remind me not forget the music that consoled me in my youth:

But don't forget the songs that made you cry
And the songs that saved your life
Yes, you're older now
And you're a clever swine
But they were the only ones who ever stood by you

Thanks Morrissey for all of the dark, funny, and poignant music and insight throughout the years.