Mozzer Matters: May 2018

A week or so ago, I was feeling pretty dismal about summer: I don’t really enjoy hot weather, my clothes are mostly black, and I’m entirely unable to acquire a tan. The highlight of summer, usually for me, is that at least it’s not Christmas. Luckily, Moz has rescued us from the clutches of threateningly dull, muggy summer days, with UK and Europe tour dates! So far, 2 dates in Manchester, 1 in Berlin, and 1 in Sweden have been announced.

I’ve been hoping to blog for a while now, but have had immense struggles with focus lately; my mind feels lost in an impenetrable cloud – and I’m unsure why. Such deterioration of concentration can be slightly disconcerting – and at first I thought it was due to my noisy neighbours, so I decided to get away to try and work on some writing projects... Since I bought a bunch of used books at Powell’s Books in Portland (a multi-story bookstore that takes up an entire city block), I’ve been longing to try my hand at some longer pieces: novellas, possibly even a book; the dog-eared silky worn-out covers have left me inspired. Keeping budgets in mind, one of the least expensive travel options for me was to fly to Las Vegas... what was I thinking?!

Photo by Linder Sterling

Needless to say, I got nothing finished, or even started – and it would have been a dizzying achievement if I even took a comma out and put one back in. The only writing I accomplished was signing drinks in the casino bar up to my hotel room. As for gambling, let’s not delve any further into how cute slot machine games with sparkly meowing kittens can be utterly treacherous – whoever invented such things has cracked my weaknesses for adorable – and temptation.

At least I got to finally check out downtown Lost Vegas – Fremont Street led to a breathless, weepy panic attack – too many people, and complete overstimulation for an introvert like me. I do like the “no-such-thing-as-normal” dynamic, however, as everyone from palmists to topless nuns tread that burning desert pavement. I was also able to visit Vegenation – a fantastic little Vegan spot which I definitely recommend!

Vegenation

With European dates on the horizon, as well as single releases of All The Young People Must Fall In Love and Back On The Chain Gang, we now have something to truly get excited about for this summer. Manchester shows are always special, and the venue in Sweden looks unique. Dalhalla arena in Rattvik stands in an old limestone quarry, 200 ft deep, and in some configurations there is what appears to be a moat around the stage. People have already joked about bringing their swimsuits to try to get a handshake! I also look forward to returning to Manchester, and hopefully will have a chance to see Southern Cemetery for longer this time, as I’ve been visiting cemeteries during my travels when I can, now finding them peaceful, rather than anxiety-provoking places (a view I tended towards in my youth).

Photo of Dalhalla via http://www.visitdalarna.se/en/

As for Berlin, I loved it last time I was there. It’s a haven for Vegan food, the birthplace of timelessly glamorous Marlene Dietrich, and is steeped in history (for North Americans, or at least speaking for myself, this is fascinating, because our history does not run so deep). Also, as a philosophy nerd, I find Germany compelling – as so many philosophers hail from German soil. I’ve decided to bring out my German language app – but am prepared for my inevitable failures due to laziness and... lack of focus.

Along with the tour news, Morrissey Central has also been a welcome addition – it’s wonderful for Moz to have a more personalized website once again. One recent update is photos of Morrissey visiting Nico's grave in Grunewald Forest, by SER. The photographs are undeniably beautiful, with Moz knelt at Nico's resting place, surrounded by candles and wildflowers. Morrissey has been an admirer of Nico since his teenage years: in Autobiography he describes her singing voice as "the sound of a body falling downstairs, and [her speaking voice] as if the hangman's hands are at her throat... I treasure her four studio albums, none of which contain the faintest hint of hope." [pg 132].

Photo by Sam Esty Rayner via https://www.morrisseycentral.com/gallery

A Warhol muse, Nico was reknowned for her forlorn and ultra-cool blonde beauty, but like many artists, especially female ones, she felt her appearance drew more attention than her art. A new biopic, Nico, 1988, will address this theme – as she aged, she felt freer from the trappings of glamour, rather than lamenting over any time-worn decline in external beauty. Yes, drug addiction, particularly heroin, undoubtedly played a huge factor throughout her later years, but her art remains relevant and spellbinding. It is often the most troubled souls who create the most beautiful works.

Morrissey holding a Nico CD

And now, with upcoming Morrissey tour dates, the next question is – will more be announced? I’m reluctant to book travel quite yet, just in case. And so many other unanswered questions lie ahead, to get our anticipation blossoming:

What will Moz sing? (We’ve been treated to a number of glorious surprises lately, like November Spawned A Monster, I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish, and Back On The Chain Gang. Will there be surprises from the new album? In Your Lap hasn't been sung live yet.

What will he wear? Dashing jackets? Smashing cardigans? Speaking of which, a while ago I made an Instagram poll, a Glitter vs. Peacocks Fashion Poll (I know I have too much time on my hands, you don’t have to tell me) and here are the results:

Round 1:

Deluxe Jacket Battle: