Top Ten Morrissey Moments 2019

What are the Top Ten Morrissey moments of 2019?

Morrissey at the Hollywood Bowl

I am relieved to be finished with the extent of my holiday visiting, and, not being the hugest fan of Christmas, happy to see the virtually inescapable decorations and Xmas tunes – thrust upon us while Halloween’s howls still echo - packed away for another year. It’s a little startling to realize that the 2010’s are drawing to a close, and I will soon be entering my 5^th decade on this planet... eek! Throughout the folds of this past decade, I have experienced some of the greatest joys and sorrows I have known, have travelled to places I never thought I would visit, and have met many new friends from all over the world. It was also during the 2010’s that I found Morrissey and his music, and I say with no exaggeration, this is by far the most beautifully pivotal discovery of my life. He has helped me through some of my worst times, and given me many of my best moments. I feel saved, enriched, and ... in spite of a few new wrinkles and aches as the daunting number 40 lurks – the most alive I have ever been.

The 2010’s were certainly momentous and fruitful for Morrissey, as he released 3 stunning studio albums: World Peace is None of Your Business, Low in High School, and California Son, published Autobiography and his first novel, List of the Lost, and toured North and South America, Asia, Australia, and Europe numerous times. And now... to focus in on the last year of this decade, I thought I would take this opportunity to reflect on some of the greatest Morrissey moments in 2019. My top ten is in no specific order, as I am far too enamoured to choose...


Let’s get started:

1. Morrissey returns to Canada

(okay, okay... this might be my personal favourite)

"Cana-dear I am here"
Morrissey in Toronto in April

2019 was a massive year for Canadian Morrissey fans, as Morrissey returned to Canada for the first time in 15 years. The 9-date tour kicked off with sold out shows in Toronto and Montreal, where Moz was showered with gifts, exuberance, and love. In October, the Canadian dates resumed, with Morrissey playing first time ever shows in Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg, and back to back sold out nights in Vancouver (his first time playing there in 22 years). It was amazing - and touching - to meet fans who have loved Morrissey since his Smiths days, waiting over 30 years, who were finally getting to see him sing in person. The tour also featured special Canadian merch, including a “Be Kind To Seals Or I’ll Cull You” t-shirt.

2. California Son

Morrissey holding a copy of California Son in Vancouver

On May 24^th, two days after his 60^th birthday, Morrissey released his 12^th studio album, California Son, an eclectic mix of 12 1960's and 70's covers originally recorded by North American artists such as Buffy Sainte-Marie and Phil Ochs. Morrissey captivatingly demonstrates his ability to stay true to the originals, while adding his own flair, and a modern, polished sound. California Son's opener is a glittering, ethereal Jobriath cover, Morning Starship, and the album continues with a blend of folk, protest songs, and love songs. The entire record is well-rounded, and provides a window into Morrissey’s influences and his incredibly good taste as a lifelong music fan. Highlights include his emotional and triumphant vocals on Orbison’s It’s Over, showcasing his stunning range, and a hauntingly beautiful cover of Melanie’s Some Say I Got Devil.

3. Morrissey’s First Broadway Residency

From May 2^nd to 11^th, Morrissey held a phenomenal 7 night residency at the Lunt-Fontanne theatre on Broadway. Fans from as far as Belgium, Japan, and Dubai travelled to be treated to an intimate live experience in the historic beaux-arts-styled venue, with Morrissey singing a diverse mix of songs ranging from the Smiths to current day. Every night weaved unique memories that elevated the heart, and Broadway was on fire with love for Morrissey for 10 delicious days.

4. Moz Fashion Moments

2019 was yet another year of incredible style for Morrissey, as he stepped out in a variety of dashing looks, including cut tees that show off his vegan physique and tailored embroidered suit jackets. Moz can rock both formal and informal pieces, and sometimes blends both to create his own smart casual fashion masterpiece. Some of my favourite style moments were undoubtedly the navy blue cardigan paired with the Meat is Murder tee in Philly at Non-Comm back in May, and the emergence of a brand new stage look for Moz: the vest (waistcoat), which featured on much of the North American tour, to my heart-eyed delight. Morrissey wears waistcoats with extra charm, perfectly selecting accessories such as rosaries and lapel pins to personalize the look. Other exciting fashion moments included vintage tawny trousers and a full-on green sparkly suit. Ultra handsome devil!

(cardigan photo by basia_ana)

5. North American Tour

Morrissey in Edmonton

From early September to late October, Morrissey toured the US and Canada with a 23 date tour (17 concerts in the US and 6 in Canada). At the US gigs, Manhattan based indie band Interpol opened for Moz. The triumphant tour played a variety of venues, from amphitheatre to intimate theatre to arena, and featured diverse setlists with rarities spanning all decades of Morrissey’s catalogue, including a number of covers.  Through North, South, East, and West, over thousands of miles covered, Moz and the band were in top form every night, and fans ecstatic. Check out Morrissey Central to see Mozzer’s Top Ten nights of the tour: 

https://www.morrisseycentral.com/messagesfrommorrissey/softly-as-i-leave-you

6. The Hollywood Bowl

"Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle!"

Morrissey’s North American tour culminated with a dazzling sold-out concert to adoring fans at the Hollywood Bowl, showing he is indeed California’s truest son. With a 23-song setlist showcasing gems from California Son, the Smiths, and the span of his solo discography, Morrissey mesmerized on stage at the glamorous venue with cord whips, outstanding vocals, and sparkling energy, even wearing a glittering green suit. I feel incredibly lucky to have been there, and Morrissey described it as “the best night of [his] touring life.”

7. Brilliant Setlists

Morrissey singing Seasick Yet Still Docked on Broadway

2019 saw some glorious setlists from Mozzer, with rare tracks and never-before-played-live songs blessing our ears. Newer numbers included first-times for California Son’s Morning Starship, Wedding Bell Blues, Lady Willpower, Some Say I Got Devil, and Days of Decision (debuted at the Hollywood Bowl) and Low In High School’s bonus track rarity, dark and penetrating Never Again Will I Be A Twin. I Won’t Share You made its first ever appearance on Broadway night 7, to tears and awe, and another Smiths gem, Girl Afraid, was played live in Montreal for the first time since 1984. Morrissey sang a number of solo treasures, including Satan Rejected My Soul (first time live in 22 years), I Am Hated For Loving (first time in 19 years), I’ve Changed My Plea To Guilty and You’re Gonna Need Someone On Your Side (both first time in 12 years) and Why Don’t You Find Out For Yourself  and Seasick, Yet Still Docked (both first time in 10 years). Divine!

8. Hairdresser On Fire – More Moz Style!

Morrissey showing off longer hair in Houston

To the surprise of almost every fan, Morrissey stepped out for his fall tour with the longest hair he has likely sported since his teenage days. For a man who has since then always donned a short cropped quiff, this was undoubtedly a surprise, and also a gutsy style move... and can we talk about how much he suits the unexpected ‘do? He is positively dashing with the extra length! Although, to be fair, Mozzer is so iconically gorgeous that it shouldn’t come as a big shock that he can effortlessly pull off a number of looks. He looks ultra-handsome devil with the slightly longer grey locks, and the hairstyle exudes romantic hero, especially when paired with the waistcoat and unbuttoned shirt – oh my heart! I am wondering if the vintage music he's been recording for California Son provided some mane inspiration for the good-looking man about tour.

9. Morrissey Stands Up To Bullies

Morrissey wearing Fuck The Guardian tee in Hollywood

The British press is known to be parasitic and slanderous, and papers, particularly the Guardian, have tried repeatedly to defame Morrissey’s name. Whether you agree or disagree with Morrissey’s opinions on any matter, he is true to himself and is an authentic voice in a time when many are afraid to speak their minds. For these rags to write cruel, bullying articles exacerbates unease in unsettling times, and promotes “groupthink or else” attitudes. Morrissey is a unique artist with his own mind who has tirelessly campaigned for animal rights as a voice for the voiceless, and has also pushed against the grain of society's gender stereotyping and challenged our pre-conceived notions of the typical, extroverted, womanizing rock frontman's image. His art has helped those who are lonely, depressed, and/or outsiders in general feel less alone since the 1980s, and his intelligence and bravery to speak out encourage growth and discussion. Morrissey's quotes have been continually taken out of context by the media, and clickbait headlines have become the primary drive for spiritless and talentless journalists who have very little to offer to the world themselves, except for feigned outrage. Morrissey told them exactly how he feels at the Hollywood Bowl, wearing a Fuck The Guardian t-shirt. For anyone who has ever been attacked or bullied by others, this was inspiring, and – it’s also a symbol of the defiance that rock and roll and punk are all about. Stand up for yourself and your beliefs, and be true to yourself!

For more reading on how Morrissey has been a groundbreaking voice ahead of his time, check out Fiona Dodwell's article: Five Ways Morrissey Has Been Ahead Of His Time

10. New Album Announcement

Photo edit by me

Following his successful North American tour, Morrissey announced on Morrissey Central that a new studio album, I Am Not A Dog on A Chain, is set to be released in March 2020. The eleven track titles are:

Jim Jim Falls

Love Is On Its Way Out

Bobby, Don’t You Think They Know? (duet with Thelma Houston, first single)

I Am Not A Dog On A Chain

What Kind Of People Live In These Houses?

Knockabout World

Darling, I Hug A Pillow

Once I Saw The River Clean

The Truth About Ruth

The Secret Of Music

My Hurling Days Are Done

Very exciting times! For more information on the album visit Morrissey Central:

https://www.morrisseycentral.com/messagesfrommorrissey/new-morrissey-album

And finally, before I leave you, here is my favourite merch item of the year, the Canadian animal friends tee:

Happy New Year!

"It was a good lay, good lay"