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Morrissey and Kristeen Young – at The Music Box – Los Angeles, CA

November 23, 2011

The pope of mope stopped by Hollywood Wednesday night for a special intimate performance at the Henry Fonda Theatre brought to you by the fine folks at Goldenvoice. Morrissey was originally scheduled to be making an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel show that night, but due to the episodes cancellation Moz and co. took the liberty of booking a last minute gig in the same vicinity of Jimmy Kimmel Live; a mere 300 feet away from where Robert Smith and The Cure were also playing that night at the Pantages Theatre.

Two of the biggest icons of 80’s alternative rock were a football field’s length away (this could only occur in LA!); though it clearly was Morrissey mania as his fans lined the block in sleeping bags queuing for prime spots. Morrissey fans had actually been occupying the blvd since Monday morning; could there be a more dedicated army outside Moz Angeles? I think not!

After her sets conclusion and a brief intermission film it was time for Morrissey and his band to reign supreme on stage, and that’s exactly what they did. Diving into his past, the band opened up with “I want the one I can’t have” to all of the crowds liking, it was a deafening sound wave of both guys and girls screaming their hearts out, something you know to expect at any Morrissey gathering. Soon after came more recent tracks like “When I last Spoke to Carol” and “Black Cloud” of 09’s Years of Refusal album which showcased the many talents of his band who all happened to be wearing matching shirts that read “Fuck Fur”. It was a night of surprises as the rarely played “Ouija Board” and “Maladjusted” were featured before new track “People Are the Same Everywhere” made its Los Angeles debut, the crowd loved it!

As for the concert itself, it was an amazing experience thru and thru. Kristeen Young warmed the Moz hungry crowd with her brand of piano driven pop tracks. Her unique look often gets her compared to Boy George or Lady Gaga, though musically she is in a class of her own doing something that deserves recognition.

Seeing as it was the night before Turkey day, old Mozzer made it a point to mention his distaste of the barbaric tradition of “Thankskilling” before diving into The Smiths classic “Meat is Murder”. The video screen shown behind the band featured scenes from the PETA film “Meet Your Meat” which sadly fit the lyrics to the song. It should be noted this version of Meat’ sounded more powerful than ever as a slowed down heavy progressive rock like number accompanied with the torturous visuals.

Paying homage to those who inspired ol Stephen, he and his band belted out a charming version of Lou Reed’s “Satellite of Love”. Amazingly enough a fan crowd surfed and handed over a copy of a Lou Reed record in which Morrissey gratefully accepted and danced with onstage, he then placed it on the drum riser as a prop for the remainder of the night. The last new track of the night to make its LA debut was “Scandinavia”, and judging by the crowds response it’s likely to be a successful single sometime next year or whenever Morrissey releases a new studio album (we‘re hoping more sooner than later). In a very sincere and True To You’ fashion the band closed their set with “Speedway” a track off his mid 90’s gem Vauxhall and I. He then proceeded to throw his shirt into the crowd where it was devoured by fans in an instan



The band made their way back onstage to bow as they began their encore. The classic Smiths track “Still Ill” sent the place into frenzy and made for a perfect closing tune. It seemed like hundreds on the general admission floor began to crowd surf and make their way towards Morrissey as he leaned down to shake hands and sing upfront with his proud die-hard fans. His charismatic performance Wednesday night appeared to be a display of love and adoration for the fanatics who hold him on the highest pedestal possible; it seems as this show was put on just for them.
 

As I walked out of the venue I couldn’t help but overhear conversations from many who have been traveling all over America to every stop on his US tour. The core of them agreed that Hollywood had stood out as the most festive show thus far. One at which I was glad to have witnessed with my very own eyes.

As a life long Morrissey fan it was a pleasure and privilege to see him perform in the smallest venue he’s played in the very city he’s most popular in. If you were there then you know what we mean when we say it was an intimate show no one will soon forget.
If you happen to be one of the fortunate fans who scored tickets to his upcoming sold-out shows at the Shrine Auditorium or Fox Theatre in Pomona this weekend, then you’re in for a great time!

**Big Wheel would like to send a sincere thank you to front of the line die-hard fans Holly and Paul for making this show possible for our staff reporter.**


Setlist:  I Want the One I Can’t Have (Smiths) - You Have Killed Me - When I Last Spoke to Carol - Black Cloud - Your the One for Me, Fatty - Ouija Board, Ouija Board - Maladjusted - One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell - Action Is My Middle ( Name (new song) - I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris - People Are the Same Everywhere (new song) - Meat Is Murder (Smiths)- Satellite of Love (Lou Reed) - All the Lazy Dykes - Scandinavia (new song) - Speedway

Encore:  Encore: Still Ill (Smiths)


-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 


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