Favourite Morrissey Moments 2016

I'm sitting here in pink cat-print pyjamas thinking about what a strange year this has been. Firstly, I am glad Christmas is over with, because at this stage in my life I'm just not a Christmas-y person, although as a child I certainly was. At this point, however, it just seems like an obligation, chore, or fa la la la bore - and I've heard this view echoed by many. I do feel some sense of accomplishment due to the fact I cooked my first entirely Vegan Christmas dinner, and also that I managed to avoid being subjected to bullying from carnivores who seem to relentlessly be under the remarkably disturbing impression that Vegetarians eat fish.

Now we blaze on towards 2017, and I can't help but think the majority of people can't wait for this year to be over. It's not been an easy one, in many respects, reflections, and spheres - anywhere from personally to globally.  When a number of negative blows occur in life, it can be very hard to cling to hope, and this is perhaps one of the great emotional difficulties racking the human heart... how do we keep going in a world that often feels senseless? What can we look to when the unavoidable thought strikes... "Oh, what's the bloody point?" I will just let those questions hang here, because I can feel myself crawling off on one of my moody doomy tangents, and my purpose here today is to actually talk about some of the lovely things that happened in 2016.

This year there were some truly wonderful Morrissey moments; as Moz said on TTY, even though it was"scarred at the end," it was absolutely "drenched in beauty until then." I thought I'd list my favourite ten moments, although... I've decided to put them in random order... as I'm unable to rank precisely for many of these - and many are special in their own way.  In that sense, memories are akin to snowflakes. I've linked a number of my choices to concert reviews to describe in detail the experience, and included some links to video footage. Enjoy!

1. Moz Puts The M in Manchester 2016

There is literally nothing comparable to being there on this night. Sometimes I still can't believe it. The surge from the audience was electrifying - and Morrissey sang his life for us with passion, pain, intensity, and humour.
Manchester review
For SER's footage of the concert click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkKKegbEDPg

From footage by Sam Esty Rayner

2. Morrissey wears a sparkly cardigan in Bergen

Judging by photos I've seen, Bergen, Norway is a place I would love to visit one day, with its colourful buildings, hilly cobble streets, and jewel-toned fjords.  On August 6th, the Bergen audience was treated to the first Morrissey concert of the year (aside from January's Las Vegas show). Moz arrived onstage looking stunning in a sparkly cardigan. This was the most beautiful cardigan ever to bless my eyes, and I know my cardigans. There's nothing that gets my heart soaring quite like cardigan Moz!
Setlist and cardi excitement are here.

Photo by gaffa_no on Instagram

3. Morrissey in Berlin

This one was a favourite for me because it was the first time I'd seen Moz in 8 months! And it was also my first time travelling to continental Europe. The night boasted a unique venue and glorious setlist.
Berlin review

Morrissey in Berlin: with thanks to photographer

4. Irvine, Night 2

The second concert in Irvine, California was a beautiful night for many reasons, and for me this choice comes to the importance of a personal moment.  My friend and I had handshakes, and my other friend got her letter taken during Alma Matters. These are memories to cherish for life. <3
Irvine Night 2 Review

With thanks to photographer

5. Good-Looking Moz About Town

Oh this was brilliant - Moz uses a handsome devilish photo of himself in a tux as backdrop for Good Looking Man About Town. This first appeared at the concert in Newcastle, Australia, and we were lucky enough to see it a few times in the US as well.
Newcastle review by my friend Aine here.

With thanks to photographer

6. Jack the Ripper 

Yes, I know Ripper came back in 2015 during the South American tour, but the addition of the smoke has been breathtaking. There's something about watching Morrissey's silhouette emerging through the fog to sing that's powerful and symbolic. As he moves, twisting through thick billowing clouds, it impresses upon one the beauty and pain of struggle. I can't find a video that quite captures how remarkable it is in person, but every time he sings it live, it's definitely a transcendent, captivating moment.
Video from Santa Barbara here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6ViqDg_YEM

Photo by @plainchant_w

7. The Great Jardigan debate

Speaking of cardigans, which I do often, we were treated to a bit of a fashion mystery back in May when Moz arrived at LAX with a piece of clothing draped over his arm that resembled something in the realm of a jackety-type cardigan. I even made a poll to discern what the fetching fashion item actually was, although the majority considered it a jacket. Sigh of sighs. Luckily, later in the year, we did find a photo of Moz from a few years ago wearing what was mostly believed to be a jardigan. This gave us something to think about while hoping for tour dates.

Mystery sweater item

8. Trumpshifters 

Trump being elected as US president is honestly beyond confusing - appalling is probably a better word; it's actually frightening to think so many could vote for such a person. Every time I think of his being elected I think "What the hell?" It still makes no sense to me... 4 years is a long time.  At the concert in Reno on November 11th, with our collective shock still fresh, Morrissey changed the lyrics of Shoplifters Of The World Unite to "Trumpshifters of the world unite and take over."
Reno Review.

9. Morrissey at the Santa Barbara Bowl for Día de los Muertos

Moz in a dashing suit and the band with sugar-skull painted faces, including Boz donning a priest robe!
Santa Barbara review

Photo by michaelxmoz on Instagram

10. Morrissey Xmas Photos

"Morry Christmas from Merrissey"

We all love a good Moz Christmas photo - and this trio of photos snapped by Sam Esty Rayner was a fantastic Xmas gift for all of us. The photos are a bit cheeky, a lot iconic, and have just the right amount of devastating handsome devilishness. Love the Bruce Lee sporty yellow jacket too - as I've got a bit of a thing these days for Mozzer wearing sportswear. In fact, my new holy trinity of Mozwear might be cardigans, sportswear, and checkered coats. Then again, floral shirts are ever so charming as well...

Photo by Sam Esty Rayner

and...

My vote for favourite Moz merch of the year undoubtedly goes to the cat necklace, which manages to combine my two great loves in one sleek lovely piece. This was a really popular item with many people. Meow me a lot.

Now I'm off to find a bottle (or more) of mediocre champagne or not-too-bad prosecco.  Of course, this New Years Eve won't be as special as last year's night with Moz in LA ... but it still certainly requires the makings of a semi-decent hangover. I'll leave you with this clip from that very concert:

Happy New Year!