Morrissey. Leisureland, Galway 29th April 2009

There are certain advantages to living in the bog arse of nowhere. Tonight was a vivid display of one of them. In regards to gigs, it is rare that any show in Galway cannot be described as ‘intimate’. Morrissey’s performance this evening was no exception. For some reason, the only time that you would imagine to see Morrissey in a leisure centre would have been back in the 80’s when the Smiths were touring the working men’s clubs of the UK.

Amongst the stench of chlorine and sweat, the hall was filling up early with eager fans young and old. It almost seemed like a competition for a while as to who had the oldest Smiths T Shirt, but the friendliness of the revellers was a pleasant reminder of when gigs were social accumulations of like minded people. Talking to others before the show really emphasised the commitment and love that Morrissey’s supporters possess. One guy who I was speaking to approached me to compliment my clothes, saying that it was great to see that ‘Some people still made the effort to dress up for a gig’ it transpired that he was there on his own, his ticket being a gift from his girlfriend, who whilst supporting his love for Morrissey, refused to accompany him to the show. The delightful Lady P had previously maintained a similar stance on Mozza, but tonight definitely changed her mind. It’s a shame that this guy’s good lady didn’t give herself the same chance.

The setlist was everything a long-time listener could have hoped for. Bursting onstage to ‘This Charming Man’, Morrissey seemed in fantastic form. He was quite short on banter, making up for it in the power and delivery that he put into each individual track. He did find time to get a nice dig in at HMV though: ‘Just to let you know that HMV Galway wouldn’t stock our new single. I guess the moral is that it never gets any easier.’ This brought a particular smile to my face. He played very little new material, preferring to stick to Smiths songs and favourites from ‘You Are the Quarry’.

His stage presence is still second to none. It was as if he felt more at ease with the tiny venue and the basic setup and stage. He relished the opportunity to be this close to his fans, and his accentuated gesticulation is such a joy to witness a few feet away. ‘Ask’, ‘Girlfriend in a Coma’, ‘Some Girls Are Bigger than Others’, ‘How Soon is now?’ and ‘There Is a Light That Never goes out’ were personal highlights. With ‘Irish Blood, English Heart’, ‘Let Me Kiss You’ and ‘First Of The Gang To Die’ becoming stronger assets in his arsenal than upon their initial release (can it be five years already?). ‘Throwing my arms around Paris’ is soon becoming an equally anthemic track. The band was note perfect, aside form a brief mistake with the drumming, to which Morrissey quipped: ‘Was it me that made a mistake? No? Well, then that’s all that matters then.’

In short, I converted my good lady wife with this show, she reminded me of the time, almost a decade ago, when we first moved in together. She mischievously hid all my Smiths Cd’s so I couldn’t listen to them. It was so nice to see just how much she enjoyed tonight’s performance. With so many Morrissey hater’s in the world, it would be great if some of them would just try a live show, and see if their opinion remains by the end.

It was a long time coming, but every moment of this evening’s show was masterful and highly memorable. To see such a musical giant, stripped down to the bare essentials, with raw and uncomplimentary sound only adding to the atmosphere, was a great pleasure. It’s not often such things happen. For old Smiths fans who I spoke to after the show, it was like seeing him twenty years ago. As good a compliment as I could imagine. In short, if he’s coming near your home town, Morrissey’s ‘Refusal’ Tour is one to catch.

Support was by ‘Doll and the Kicks’ who were a fantastic warm-up. At first sight, they serve as a reminder that you haven’t been in Topman for a while, but their music quickly detracts from their ultra cool image. At times they sound remarkably like ‘Siouxsie and the Banshees’ and Kate Bush and then Tori Amos and then, they just sound like themselves. A really interesting and exciting new group, who have remarkable potential. Fingers crossed for them, they have a great opportunity and here’s hoping they do well, as they deserve to.

A great show, it was such a rarity for an artist who would more likely be seen from the rafters of the gargantuan O2 Arena, or at a crowded festival. This small town comes up trumps once in a while, and it has done itself proud tonight. One of the best shows in a very long time, Morrissey is truly on top of his game right now, and you would be doing yourself a disservice by missing out.

Setlist:
This Charming Man
Billy Budd
Black Cloud
How Soon Is Now?
Irish Blood, English Heart
How Can Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel?
Girlfriend In A Coma
I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris
Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed
When Last I Spoke To Carol
Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others
Let Me Kiss You
The Loop
Something Is Squeezing My Skull
Seasick, Yet Still Docked
The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores (Not Played)
I Keep Mine Hidden
Sorry Doesn’t Help
Ask
I’m OK By Myself
First Of The Gang To Die

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