Morrissey-solo
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posted by
davidt
on Tuesday October 12 2004, @08:00PM
Post your info and reviews related to this concert in the comments section below. Informative and interesting posts will be moderated up and highlighted. Other links (photos, external reviews, etc.) related to this concert will also be compiled in this section as they are sent in.
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Toronto, ON - Hummingbird Theatre (Oct. 12, 2004) post-show
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bigmouth strikes again..... (Score:0)
he made some comments about tomorrows show not selling at all and invited us all down.
the security guard on the right hand side wasa hot...couldn't keep my eyes off of him!!!
Chloe Sevigny (Score:0, Flamebait)
Boz (Score:0)
'Brown Hummingbird' Anyone? (Score:2, Funny)
I charge about two bucks a minute!
Signed,
Chloe Sevigny
(User #720 Info | http://www.jimrome.com/)
Parent
the new stuff... (Score:0)
I want that shirt!!!! (Score:0)
Stage Invaders are wankers (Score:1)
(User #11703 Info)
juste got in... (Score:1)
(User #9259 Info)
Bigmouth strikes again... (Score:0)
I was surprised to see security allowing so many people to get to Morrissey and then allowing them back into the audience. Last time I saw him security didn't let anyone get within five feet before dragging them away and ejecting them from the show. Nice to see things back to they used to be.
I don't have anything against Julia but it would be nice if Moz talked to the audience and not just her during the set. Most of what he did say to the audience was just him bad-mouthing Canada.
Set List - Directly From (Score:0)
firstuv
nov
boars
sucha
shakes
lemme
jesus
how can?
more you ignore
how soon?
oirish
wubbah
h is f
sub-sun
y'know
---------
lite
"The Hummingbird Thing" (was that what he said?) (Score:1)
A great night!
(User #11835 Info)
He also mentioned... (Score:1)
(User #11835 Info)
Toronto is so full of energy (Score:2, Informative)
Morrissey didn't have a lot of energy when he first came on (as compared to other shows on this tour), but quickly realized that crowd was yearning for him. He really played off this.
Made some comments about the Canadian Government allowing seal hunting. Someone screamed "I love you", and he responded with his usual, "Well that's a predicament, isn't it?".
Others:
- "The Southbend Indiana show tomorrow isn't selling well. If your legs are dangling..." Fan Yells "You should stay here in Toronto" Morrissey responds: "Exactly"
- Fan asks, "Are you still depressed?" Morrissey answers "Was I ever really depressed?" and then added, "If you're a person with even a little bit of intelligence, then you're bound to be depressed. Look around you".
Lots of stage invaders (including me)- but all quite polite. No pouncing like in NYC. It seems like there was a serious chat with the security at the venue, so that they would treat the fans nicely. Almost everyone got to go up, and shake Morrissey's hand or kiss him on the cheek.
I was lucky enough to meet him yesterday, and he remembered by name. I rushed the stage during Every day is like Sunday, and he actually SANG my name after I shook his hand!!
I'm really surprised that he managed to finish the encore - there were a ton of people on stage. Security was very gentle, luckily.
This truly was one of the best shows on the tour -the crowd received him tremendously. I'm proud of Toronto!
Quarry songs hit the spot::) (Score:0)
~Alvin
im sorry but... (Score:1)
im just glad i got my dream fulfilled... meeting gary before the show TEEHEE!!!!!!!!!
great show chaps.
(User #12170 Info | http://lsds.com/)
Bad security makes for a great show! (Score:2, Informative)
Lots and lots of stage invaders, which Moz clearly loved. The venue security didn't appear to touch a single one of them, and Moz's personal security ("MOZZERS MEN" on the back of their shirts) allowed 99% of them to touch Morrissey before being returned to their spot. There was this one ADORABLE woman who they didn't even bother with; she walked calmly onto the stage, walked slowly over to Moz, gave him a nice peck on the cheek, and walked back.
I thought it was really great how the people in the first couple of rows near the stage sort of kept 'rotating' so that just about everyone in the first few got a change to be at the front for at least a little while.
Julia was there, as always. Hope she didn't get crushed in the throng, it was pretty rowdy.
All in all, a super show! Only four or so venue security guards, none of them weighing over 180... the band was great, and Boz kept coming over to us at the left side and playing for us.
And at the end, Deano gave me a drumstick!
http://sheneedstherapy.el3vator.com/ohbaby.jpg
The stick and I.
AND I saw some major Moz buttcrack while he was writhing around on the floor. Perfect!
(User #12483 Info)
Ah, and I meant to add... (Score:1)
- Morrissey appeared to be under the impression that the Canadian government would not allow the cover of You Are The Quarry to be sold because it contained a gun... which is news to me. Every cover I've seen has included the gun...
- Morrissey asked us what we thought of "the Canadian government allowing baby seals to be clubbed.." which, of course, I know *I* voted for the seal-clubbing party. Just Morrissey being conscientous about animal rights I suppose...
- Morrissey only threw out one shirt, after the encore, right before leaving the stage, but changed shirts three or four times...
- There was a whole lot of writhing. He was really down with the floor during this show.
- There was NIPPLE RUBBING involved. Oh yes. Popped open the shirt and clapped his hands right over the breasts. I'm surprised we could hear the music at that very moment, over the sound of thousands of panties being ruined at once.
- The band wasn't wearing their kilts. A couple of them were sporting some pretty fancy ascots.
- Morrissey is not-so-subtle about wiping his hands off on his pants after shaking hands with the fans... my we are a clammy bunch aren't we!
- He appears to have recently got a haircut, the quiff was much diminished in size. At one point, he appeared to grow frustrated with it, and tugged it into a mini-mohawk.
- During 'Everyday is Like Sunday', he sang, "...on the promenade, scratch on a postcard, OH MOTHER, how I dearly wish I was not here..."
(User #12483 Info)
Morrissey virgin no more (Score:0)
Worth the wait! (Score:1)
(User #12690 Info)
Damien (Score:0)
Is he playing 'Dublin Town' ?
Toronto Sun Review (Score:1, Informative)
Toronto Sun
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORRISSEY
Hummingbird Centre, Toronto
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TORONTO -- Morrissey is clearly an equal opportunity heartthrob.
What else could explain the number of women and men who went up to give Moz (as he's been dubbed in the British press) -- a handshake, hug or kiss on stage last night during a show at the Hummingbird Centre?
I lost count after the number of overly enthusiastic fans went into the double digits.
Perhaps the explanation for all that adoration is that the 45-year-old pop-rock veteran and former frontman for hugely influential '80s rockers The Smiths is currently touring in support of You Are The Quarry, his first studio album in seven years.
Just maybe all that screaming, swooning and reaching out and touching Morrissey was simply because his fans missed the miserable old sod.
And I use that description with the deepest of affection.
An artist who has built a career on depressing and melancholy songs full of eloquent lyrics and sung in an emotional and expressive voice, even Morrissey made fun of his sad sack reputation last night.
"Am I still depressed?" he asked out loud during his 90-minute set. "Look around you. CNN. Bush. How could anyone possibly be happy?"
Well, at the very least, his fans were.
"I feel you," he said towards the end. "My little wooden heart is full. But for how long? That is the question."
The show began dramatically enough with the stage bathed in darkness while a British woman's voice listed off bad things like "drunken abusers, racists, bullies, the Sun newspaper (The London Sun, fyi), hunger, greed," etc.
At that point, audience members were already on their feet and screaming and crowding the aisles where they remained for the rest of the night.
Then Morrissey and his five piece band -- guitarists Boz Boorer and Jesse Tobias, bassist Gary Day, keyboardist Mike Farrell and drummer Dean Butterworth -- came on stage and took a bow together before a single note was even played. Morrissey's name spelled out in huge red lights behind them added to the larger-than-life vibe of the evening.
Somewhat surprisingly, Morrissey, who would eventually sweat his way through three dress shirts before leaving the stage shirtless at the end, opened the set with The Smiths' 1986 tune Bigmouth Strikes Again, before trotting out the first Quarry song of the night, The First Of The Gang To Die.
"This is an evening of loud music and poetry," he proclaimed. "More specifically, it's the dying art of live music."
Working his microphone cord like a bullfighter with a red cape, Morrissey's performing style was definitely memorable.
And not even his chastising of the Canadian government for allowing baby seals to be clubbed to death and the public allowing it to continue -- "You're spineless," his scolded -- could end the love affair between performer and crowd.
Other set highlights included such Quarry songs as I Like You, The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores, Let Me Kiss You, How Can Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel? and Irish Blood, English Heart, and such Smiths' classics as How Soon Is Now? and There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.
Opening last night was Montreal buzz band The Dears, who just got a huge mention in Rolling Stone as one of "10 artists to watch."
Judging from their uneven half-hour set, the occasion caused some nervousness within the group, who have been compared to The Smiths in the past, as frontman Murray Lightburn announced: "I can't express what Morrissey has meant to me in my life. I just wanted to take this chance to say thank-you Morrissey and I love you."
Obviously, it was a sentiment shared by many.
http://www.canoe.ca/JamConcertsL2Q/morrissey_101304-sun.html
Rude harassing fans.... (Score:0)
Oh Huh Huh Huh Hooo !!! (Score:1)
(User #10753 Info)
november lyric change (Score:0)
"... and people discussing me
yes, i am a queen
what can be made of all the bad
that's been done."
i was front row and he was right in front of me as he was singing it. it is hardly a case of projection...
Aragon Ballroom Oct. 15 (Score:0)
I am a new Morrissey fan and on Friday I am going to see him for only the second time. I went to the House of Blues and the show was amazing, but I did it all wrong, I got there late, was too far back etc.
Can any of you more seasoned vets tell me how to get the most out of a Morrissey show? Like, when should I get in line, where should I place myself, what to expect, etc.
I am going alone and am timid by nature, so the temptation is to tuck away in the balcony and observe, but the people on the floor always look like they are having a better time and are way more into it. And I would never forgive myself if I didn't get into it, it's a MORRISSEY show after all! Maybe if I had tips on what to do that would give me more confidence.
Thanks!
I will be in line very early (Score:2, Insightful)
I am the biggest Morrissey/Smiths fan in two states: Indiana/Illinois.
I look forward to seeing all you cool kids in line. Don't be a stranger. I will be alone. I think there is a burrito stand nearby that sells vegetarian burritos. Honest.
With love,
Ken Stavitzke
(User #3940 Info)
Parent
Awesome Show - Much better than 2000 (Score:1)
Much better than his show in Hamilton a few years back, which featured a lacklustre crowd, a listless Moz, and little energy.
only wish i could follow the rest of the tour....sigh.
(User #12695 Info)
my unabashed adoration (Score:0)
Toronto Star Review (Score:2, Informative)
*********************************************
Company loves Morrissey misery
BEN RAYNER
POP MUSIC CRITIC
Morrissey's legendary, lovelorn misery has to be one of the greatest running jokes in show business.
For while Stephen Patrick Morrissey's songbook has, for 20 years, situated him as an eternal victim — of romance, of British culture, of human nature — doomed to a life (and death) of self-lacerating loneliness, the fact of the matter is that the Manchester-born melodramatist is loved. And by a great number of people.
The endlessly erudite singer is, of course, in on the gag. And indeed, one of the most charming things about the former Smiths frontman's effortlessly entertaining gig at the Hummingbird Centre last night was the absurdity of watching him sing song after song of alienation and existential discontent while hilariously oversized security guards beat back a steady stream of wallflowers and nancy boys clamouring for a peck on the cheek or the chance to throw themselves at his feet.
To his credit, Morrissey — these days with a distinguished grey at the temples and burlier than his long-cultivated persona might suggest — has the type of magnetic, wholly magnanimous stage demeanour that invites such behaviour. He's blessed with that singular, quavering tenor and the wit to come off as both wounded and ever capable of wounding in his songwriting, but these attributes stand on equal footing with his ability to stare out at several thousand strangers and carry on casually with them, as though he were merely holding court amongst friends at a dinner party. A 45-year-old gay man who can make 15-year-olds shriek and swoon as though present at the second coming of Bobby Sherman deserves our utmost respect.
Personality was also, fortunately, the key to rescuing some of the softer material from this year's likeable, but somewhat over-zealously celebrated comeback bid, You Are The Quarry.
Morrissey's first solo album in eight years is as lyrically pointed as one might expect, but its impact is dulled somewhat by music that rests in the same jangly, mid-tempo rut he's been ploughing since his days with the Smiths.
Nevertheless, backed by a long-standing band that included duelling guitarists Boz Boorer and Alain Whyte, the Mozzer made a decent case for the adoption of numerous new numbers — the sprightly bandito fantasy "First Of The Gang To Die," the swooningly catty "The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores" and the muscular, guitar-charged rants "Irish Blood, English Heart," the epic, critic-baiting finale "You Know I Couldn't Last" — as permanent concert fixtures.
"I Have Forgiven Jesus" was ridiculously overwrought, even by Morrissey's theatrical standards, while some of the less memorable You Are The Quarry material remained, well ... less memorable. Extended patches of sogginess were staved off easily, however, by judicious probing of the Smiths canon (opener "Bigmouth Strikes Again," a boffo "How Soon Is Now") and the respectable early years of his solo career ("Every Day Is Like Sunday," "November Spawned A Monster"). And, of course, by generous, hilarious deployment of the character known as Morrissey, who dryly offered up this parting thought at the encore: "Fifty years from now, we'll all be dead. So what does any of this matter, really?"
(User #460 Info)
Another Review (Score:0)
They say he is well toned! He looks chubby to me!
who was that guy? (Score:0)
B r a z i l (Score:0)
Do not forget Brazilian fans and South America, please.
Can you come to sing? We love you!!!!!
How Soon Is Now (Score:0)
Toronto kicks ass! (Score:1)
(User #12406 Info)
Another Toronto Review (from Chartattack) (Score:1)
Wednesday October 13, 2004 @ 05:00 PM
By: ChartAttack.com Staff
October 12, 2004
Toronto, Ontario
Hummingbird Centre
By Sofi Papamarko
Legions of hipsters descended upon the Hummingbird Centre last night to witness Morrissey's only Canadian date in support of his latest record, You Are The Quarry.
Opening act The Dears were a suitably broody appetizer. Their all-too-brief set was remarkably well received. Both "Lost In The Plot" and "22: The Death Of All Romance" (during which a dressed-to-the-nines Murray Lightburn slung an acoustic guitar) were met with cheers. Unfortunately, Murray's vocals were often drowned out by rhythm guitar and drum bravado. Technical problems aside, the Dears proved their stage presence translates just as well in large concert halls as it does in small, dank bars.
The unveiling of an illimunated Morrissey billboard preceded the headliners entrance. The fixture was cheeky and over-the-top, like the man himself.
Mozzer, every inch the silver fox, cut a dashing figure in a dark jacket, slacks, and dress shirt. The first notes of "Bigmouth Strikes Again" whipped the already riled-up crowd into a frenzy.
Selections from You Are The Quarry were punctuated by some older solo material as well as several Smiths classics, including "Shakespeare's Sister," "How Soon Is Now" and "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out."
Morose though his music might be, Morrissey is one hell of a showman. His exaggerated facial expressions, waggling eyebrows and prancing about were reminiscent of an indulgent uncle entertaining his nieces and nephews at a boring family function. It helped that most of the audience members were about half his age.
If Morrissey's dashing good looks and crushed velvet croon were not enough to ignite the collective loins of his fans, Our Hero showed a little skin on more than one occasion. For a man of his years (all 45 of them), Mozzer has a fairly decent body (vegetarianism does a body good, apparently). When, during the tender "Let Me Kiss You" — a song about being physically repulsive to the object of one's affections — he seductively unbuttoned his shirt and moony-eyed girls and boys alike bit down on their bottom lips in lust-induced anguish.
The sheer volume of fans that jumped onstage to steal a kiss from Morrissey before being tackled by burly security guards with "Mozzer's Men" emblazoned across their chests marred what could have been a near-perfect show. At first it was cute and sort of charming, but after the 10th or 12th time, it started interfering with his performance. Thankfully, Moz was gracious about being mauled, unlike many who would have gotten angry with the crowd or simply would have stopped the performance.
So Moz played on, to the delight of everyone, with the only disappointment coming when the bright Morrissey sign finally went out.
http://www.chartattack.com/damn/2004/10/1313.cfm
(User #11835 Info)
So... (Score:0)
my dreams came true in toronto (Score:1)
long live the over-emotional fan!
(User #12615 Info)
Another Review... (Score:0)
By BRUCE SCOTT -- For JAM! Music
-------------------------------------------------MORRISSEY
Hummingbird Centre, Toronto
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
-------------------------------------------------
TORONTO -- If there's a single word that could summarize the concert put on last night by legendary '80s alt-rock icon Morrissey, it would have to be "generous."
If there were two, it would be "hugs" and "kisses." The show was more than the usual one-hour, often one-sided, worship-fest his fans have come to expect and accept.
"This is an evening of loud music and poetry. More specifically, it's the dying art of live music," he stated early on in the show, and indeed it was.
In fact, from the moment Morrissey took the stage at Toronto's Hummingbird Centre shortly after 9 p.m., he lavished nothing but kindness and affection upon his capacity audience. He chatted to (sometimes with) the crowd between songs; the set lasted for almost 90 minutes, and he even introduced his band, which is something of a rarity to those who have been following this man through the last 15 odd years of his solo career since the break-up of The Smiths.
Montreal band The Dears opened the show, as they were apparently hand-picked by Morrissey to be his opening act for this Canadian gig, and in his capacity for goodwill last night he thanked them for "being dears." But the back drop left no one wondering who was the undisputed star of the evening.
Behind the musicians, on a raised platform, the word "MORRISSEY" was spelled out in 15-foot-high capital letters illuminated by Vegas-style light bulbs. It was strangely reminiscent of Elvis's comeback tour, or a Tom Jones album cover, but worked perfectly with the tone of the evening.
Musically, the evening was an eclectic array of new and old, with several heart-stopping renditions of classic Smith's songs thrown into the mix.
Morrissey kicked off with a blistering version of "Bigmouth Strikes Again" from The Smiths' 1986 "The Queen Is Dead" album, and even updated the lyrics to include: "as the flames rose, to her Roman nose, and her iPod started to melt...".
In total, there were five much-loved Smiths songs that were doled out, but it was the surprise inclusion of the seminal 80s club hit "How Soon Is Now" that probably capped the night for members of the crowd old enough to remember living through that decade.
For his ever growing legion of young new fans, Morrissey provided an excellent sampling of his best solo work to date, including no less than eight tunes from his latest album, "You Are The Quarry."
His 5-piece touring band -- guitarists Boz Boorer and Jesse Tobias, keyboardist Mike Farrell, bassist Gary Day, and drummer Dean Butterworth -- provided crack support for the new bombastic show-stoppers like "I Have Forgiven You Jesus" and "Irish Blood, English Heart", as well as for the more sophisticated moments, such as a clarinet solo added into "November Spawned A Monster", which mimicked perfectly the operatic warblings of Toronto native Mary Margaret O'Hara who sang backup on the original 1990 recording.
Moz capped the night with a single encore number, and gave the audience another Smiths favourite, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out."
By this time, the number of frenzied fans who were clambering up onto the stage to shake hands with, kiss, wrap their arms around, or lay their head on Morrissey's shoulder (a touchy-feely Morrissey concert tradition) was increasing moment by moment. The estimated 51 stage stormers over the course of the evening were each treated with kid gloves. Security often led them over (sometimes in awkward bear hugs) to their idol, then gently removed them from the stage.
In a final farewell gesture of generosity, Morrissey stripped off his shirt, revealing a surprisingly well-toned physique, and threw it into the audience. The shirt off his back, his engaging personality, his attentiveness, and his music -- that's why Moz commands the same respect and adulation that he has since the '80s.
Vote Kerry (Score:1)
Off-topic, but what's really important in this world?
(User #3487 Info | http://profiles.myspace.com/users/5347553)
Shirt (Score:0)
Thanks again to the nice guy and also to the security guy who pulled out his little scissors!
npg
Did anybody get any good pics? (Score:0)
Just wondering
Best Birthday EVER! (Score:0)
I also got on stage during "There is a Light.." and kissed him on the cheek.
I came from New York City (13 hour train ride) just to be there.
Thank you Toronto, for one of the best nights of my life!
Julia Riley (Score:0)
first, a bit of background - the stage was set up so that there was some space between the front row and the stage. Some people who wanted to stand were going from the 1st, 2nd or 3rd row and standing in front of the stage, but strategically so as not to obstruct the view of those who wanted to stay seated in their front row seats.
julia comes and asks me if i can move over, because she wanted to stand in my spot. i tell her, "no, i can't move because if i move, i'll be obstructing that gir's view" (i point out girl in front row aisle seat to her) she says "well, why doesn't she stand up" (or something to that effect) and i'm like "i don't know, but moving means i'll be standing in front of her and blocking her view, and i don't want to do that". she keeps trying to weasel her way, but i wasn't having it.
anyway, a few seconds later, the mad stage rush happend and everyone rushed the stage anyway, but my point is that she wanted me to move and obstruct the view of a girl who had paid good money to get a front row seat, without a single moment's thought or hesitation. i mean, why did she want ME to move? why didn't she just go and stand in front of the girl? why? because she probably thought the girl would tell whoever stood in front of her to move, and it would be better to have someone else do it (ie.ME) rather than for her to take the risk of having to move. it's just so selfish and...thoughtless. and plain mean.
i feel totally stupid for having ever stuck up for her in the past when, becuase now i have firsthand experience, and i totally understand and sympathize.
it's very unsettling that she thinks she has the god given right and that everyone should cater to her. being friends with moz does NOT give her the excuse to act like that or justify it at all. she really put a damper on the gig for me. thanks julia.
please post photos! (Score:1)
(User #9259 Info)
Toronto Bootleg (Score:0)
Please, I have to know !!!
Tour Books (Score:0)
I didn't see any yesterday, Just wondering.
GlobeandMail.com (Score:0)
By ROBERT EVERETT-GREEN
Thursday, October 14, 2004 - Page R4
Morrissey
At the Hummingbird Centre
In Toronto on Monday
The lights dropped, the crowd rose, and a recorded voice intoned a long list of irritants: acid rain, the Royal Family, women in furs, "tasteless A&R wankers." Only Morrissey would begin a concert with a public-service announcement of things to despise.
Only he could follow that introduction with songs that fuse his loathing with the need to be wrapped in someone's arms. His songs are mordant homilies about the hell that's always with us and the heaven we're cursed to desire, though in the end there's no promise given but that we will go on like this a while and then die.
If you're wondering how this attitude could be so fiercely attractive to so many, you weren't at Monday's concert. A long break from active service -- You Are the Quarry is his first new album in seven years -- hasn't diminished Morrissey's powers of seduction. He still has that lovely voice, that elegant physicality, that strangely inclusive ability to accept even the most unacceptable reality, if only the gesture can be done beautifully.
Like a good novel, he made you want to be one of his characters, which is to say he made you want to be Morrissey. He takes all the good parts in his dramas: prophet, lover, accuser, victim.
He began and ended with songs from his long-ago days with the Smiths, but most of his material was new. The lulls apparent on the new album were far less noticeable in the presence of his grand impersonations, which were backed by a tight, self-effacing quintet.
Of all the new songs, none captured the essence better than The World Is Full of Crashing Bores, a big, entertaining anthem by a man whose professed loneliness lands him under indictment with everyone else. Sung by a man of 45, it also proved that the gap between adolescence and middle age can be frighteningly tiny, if it exists at all.
I Have Forgiven Jesus found our hero accepting the sin of a God who could make us into such a tangled mess of desires. Hate the sin, forgive the sinner -- Morrissey isn't always willing to follow the confessors' code, however much he may stand in the shadow of priests he can no longer respect.
As a singer, he remains in a class by himself. No one else could front such a powerful ensemble and make virtually every word clear. Nobody in rock reaches back more confidently to the sounds of vintage pop, showing in his timbre and turns of phrase the influence of doo-wop soloists, and crooners such as the Ink Spots' Bill Kenny. In a genre that mistrusts polish and greets strain as a sign of genuine feeling, Morrissey claims authenticity with an unforced natural sound.
His concert was a generous affair, in its flood of arresting song, and in Morrissey's tolerance of people clambering on stage to embrace him. A team of anxious-looking security types merely managed the rush, preventing anyone from actually bowling over the star. It was bizarre to witness him sing The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get while a series of people threw their arms around him. It might have been funny, if it hadn't seemed so indicative of the public isolation of rock stars like Morrissey, beloved by strangers who will always remain strangers.
Wonderful night (Score:0)
in 2002), but first time I saw him on this side of the atlantic ocean...
Would I dare to say it was the best of the four ???
I'm not quite sure, as every time was memorable...
But what's sure is that this gig was great..
(it was even greater for me, coming from the city of Quebec, 800 km away,
after I visited Ottawa, Niagara Falls and the city of Toronto during the 4
preceding days ;-))
At the beginning, I was totally disapointed to discover it was a seated
venue, but, thanks to some, it quicly turned into a stand-up one, which is
definitely the good way to see Morrissey, and dance along...
I would never invade the stage myself (and I never did in four gigs) but I
am thankful to those who do.. it's part of the show to me, and it's no
secret that Morrissey really likes it.
And, for the first time, I saw "nice" bouncers, as it has been written
earlier... and nice bouncers do stimulate nice stage invaders... all of them
very respectfuf of the artist, and, as should be noted, very respectful of
the continuity of the show and of the audience to...
It doesnt really matter if one misses one line or two in the process...
Just as a complement to what has been related until then :
- just before "I like you", Morrissey said to the audience"please friends,
say it now..."
- during "Such a little thing...", after "most people keep their brains
between their legs", he added "and I do", and, at the end of the song, "and
that is probably better..."
Did anybody take any picture of the show... please let me know ????
A little Hello to the nice guy living in Toronto, sitting next to me at the
beginning of the show (before everybody stood up and rushed toward the
stage).... I'm the french guy, living in Quebec, and working for the
government....
Sébastien
I have a piece of Morrissey's Shirt from the T.O.. (Score:1)
And are his shirts custom made or particular designer? Really nice fabric too. Not sure if pink is my colour though.
Best show I've seen him in, my opinion really.
(User #12696 Info)
Julia Riley (Score:0)
just curious
At last, my lengthy diary of the Toronto show (Score:1)
Tuesday, October 12th 2004
The Hummingbird Centre
One of the most amazing nights of my life!
After my incredible experiences in D.C. and Philly at the beginning of the tour, the anticipation was mounting for me to see my beloved Morrissey again in Toronto…especially given his many cryptic remarks as of late alluding to this possibly being "farewell".
So the plan was to meet up with a crew of friends at the lovely Mary-Kate’s abode at 4 pm Tuesday afternoon. We hit the road to Toronto in her magnificent Jeep Grand Cherokee. Aside from an annoying, almost hour delay trying to get across the border to Canada, the trip up was smooth otherwise and we arrived in the city plenty early enough.
My first task, to meet up with the lovely Sara (miss Bored At Unemployment of Moz-Solo.com fame) to sell some extra 6th Row tickets I had. We met in front of the Hockey Hall of Fame (across the street from The Hummingbird Centre)…made our little transaction..and had a nice, brief chat with her and her boyfriend. I was tugged away by the rest of my entourage who were eager to go hunt for food before the show. Mary-Kate and I parted ways with Jay, Nick, and Alex. We quickly hit up the local Timmy Ho’s to grab a bagel and coffee…and made our way back to the venue.
Personally speaking, I prefer to get inside the venue a decent bit prior to the show starting to really soak up the atmosphere and get myself mentally prepared for what is to come. The initial security pat-down was really very mild…probably could have smuggled in just about anything. We decided to go and check out our exact seat locations and the general layout and setup of the venue. We strolled down the aisle in search of Row DD seats 50 and 51. Now of course, we knew this was 4th row and would be terribly close to the stage…but when we got up there we realized it was even better than could be expected. We saw a site we were not prepared for…
NO STAGE BARRIER to speak of!!! I have never before witnessed a Moz show with NO barricade between the audience and the stage. This in essence means that there is no little empty pit separating Morrissey from the audience. No area in which a row of burly security thugs can stand in your way. This looked simply too good to be true. It was almost more than my “little wooden heart” could bear. I literally began to have a mild panic attack with the knowledge of the possibilities this sort of arrangement could bring. My heart was thumping along at rapid pace. Mary-Kate wisely suggested that we make our way back to the hallway/lobby area for a pint to calm my nerves.
I did my best to try and relax, breathe slowly, and partake in a little people watching. I do somewhat regret not beign inside to catch the opening act, The Dears. But this simply could not be helped. I had heard a couple of their songs previously which I do believe are quite fabulously haunting…but I needed this valuable time to regroup my soul back into a slightly less-rattled state.
I ran into the rest of our crew again and continued my wait in the lobby…as The Dears ended their set…and the time began to approach 8:45, I decided it was time to literally go in and face the music. I sauntered down the aisle once again back to our seats. Mary-Kate was there conversing with the Toronto native Rob, who would end up standing to my right for the show itself. We were just sort of standing around there by our seats, when a couple (Mona and her bf/husband?) approached me and asked me if I had been at the Philly shows as they believed they recognized me from there. I replied that indeed I had attended the Philly gigs, and we proceeded with some Moz banter. I believe they commented that their seats were a couple rows back of ours perhaps, but their plan as was ours, was to hopefully move up when the lights dimmed prior to Morrissey’s appearance. The minimal security staff that stood in the aisles was hardly the usual intim
(User #11673 Info)
1st Morrissey Show !! Highs & Lows (Score:1)
I know I am responding a couple days after the show but I needed sometime to clear the mind of the fantastic event. I tried keep the excitement to a minimum for the 2mths I had my ticket sitting on top of my fridge. When the day / the hours / minutes / seconds to morrissey walking onto the stage to say 'hello toronto' I lost it.
It meant alot that I could be there with my girlfriend who is not nearly as big a moz as I am. The fellow fans who I stood beside pressed against the stage congrats on giving your letters to the man and getting on stage to shake his hand!!
The hype of this tour, previous reviews(positive/negative) and live concert footage I have seen meant nothing until I saw the man less than 2 feet in front of me. By far the best concert I have ever seen.
My dreams came true that night oct12. Not only did I get too see and hear my favorite singer I was able to shake his hand / touch his knee and grab a setlist !!!
Now time for breakdown of the highs and lows.
Highs:
Morrissey > his energy / the singing / the facial expressions/ the whipping of the mic / the changing of shirts / the banter with the crowd > all were amazing and better than I expected
The Band > much tighter than I ever imagined. kudos to Jesse we can only imagine how tough it must be to come in and help for A.Whyte
The Setlist > Amazing! I was waiting of course for FOTGTD or HSIN to open the show and when I heard the opening chords and "sweetness I was only joking" I was in heaven ! Shakespear's Sister was a nice treat. Such a little thing was no disappointment either. who am i kidding all the songs rocked!!
The Lighting > this is not a huge topic on live moz reviews but I thought it was well done > especially with the sparkly background > and fade to blue for how soon is now
The Crowd > the energy was amazing. I was up front pressed against the stage, I turned around to see what moz was seeing and from what I could see everyone was standing/cheering and appreciating > no complaints about J.Riley > I just smiled and took it all in
The Stage Invaders > Loved it !!!! I kept smiling at my girlfriend everytime someone went up there > it's just like when you watch the live concerts on video (ie. hulmerist)
The Venue > no complaints here. I thought the hummingbird had a great sound. Compared to say the Skydome when the cut it in half.
now the lows....only a few
Morrissey > I honestly expected more banter from moz about canada(aside from the clubbing of seals>maybe I expected more and maybe shouldn't have)
I also would have liked to hear something about Toronto > hello > Margaret O'Hara (backing vocals on November Spawned a Monster) is from Toronto > other than that the man is legend !!!
The Crowd > as much as i had a feeling this would happen > the milling of people in the aisles before moz came on stage. particular aisle 4 the girl with glasses and blue Adidas jacket and her boyfriend standing around. i said to my girlfriend that those two were up to something b/c there seats were not up front. i just think that people who pay $75 or more deserve to go up front first if they so choose. I know this is how concerts work and I expected it but i also expect more from fellow fans.
And of course the lowest point of the show was that it had to end.
Many thanks of course to Morrissey for providing one of the greatest nights of my life. I will never ever forget Oct12/2004 !
(User #10667 Info)