Psicle: Half a lifetime

Saturday, March 03, 2018

Half a lifetime

The one and only time, that I can remember, that I've seen Morrissey was back in 1983 so half a lifetime ago if you go by three score years and ten. Scary. I didn't think much of him then as although I remember the band being OK he was a bit of an arse. To be fair maybe it was because he was playing at a university and maybe it was full of "freshers" as it was in September. That was back when it had gladioli hanging out his back pocket and I think he was being deliberately contrary. It put me off them to be honest. For a bit. But I never got to see them again, that I can remember, and I rarely go see solo artists after they've left iconic bands (John Lydon excepted) so I've never seen Morrissey on his own. My brother is a fan and for his 50th Maria's bought him tickets to see Morrissey in Brixton for him and me. So the first day of spring sees me and Duncan trudging through the snow and sub zero temperatures with a howling wind towards Balham tube en route for Brixton. This is a good point to point out that the previous weekend I was in Munich in temps of minus 12 probably getting down to -20 with the wind chill. As this blog is about music and football then see the pics below for my jaunt to Munich which took in a free skiffle type band, Bayern Munich (no goals) and the 1972 Olympic Park. I've digressed. Thursday night I've got a terrible cold too so we are very pleased to see no queue at the Academy and soon we're inside the great venue and listening to northern soul with a big shot of someone who looks like Cliff Thorburn in front of the stage. No support but we are treated to some of Morrissey's favourite videos including Ramones, Human League (why?), Tatu doing How Soon is Now (check it out), NY Dolls, the Sex Pistols Jubilee boat party etc.

Soon enough Morrissey and his band take the stage and after a Strummer style shout out for human rights we're into the set with the Last of the International Playboys. And what a set. Takes in some of his solo favourites which I guess have sort of crept up on me. He's been going for so long that I'd not realised how many great post Smiths songs he's written. Also plays a lot off his new album which I've listened to and it's pretty damn good. He doesn't say a lot between songs except thanks and he seems very happy to be with us tonight. Maybe he's mellowed since Birmingham but given his lyrics I'm not so sure about that. Someone with a bit of politics is rare these days but he carries the flag. Behind is a big screen showing either photos or videos. These are the politics right in your face. Good on you Morrissey. Ranges from a photo of a police horseman about to hit what would have been a miner but has been replaced by Thatcher. There's bull fighting scenes showing it's obscenity and how cowardly a sport it is. Footage of police brutality from Spain to the US shows which side he's on. And also very poignant footage of the Munich air disaster and those who died. Especially as I've just flown back from there in icy conditions. The set ends brilliantly with his only Smiths song (he's already covered Back in the Chain Gang) the sublime How Soon is Now which finishes with an extended indie dance beat and him kneeling with his head on the drum stage. That goes into Everyday is Like Sunday, one of his best and most haunting, and then from the sublime to the ridiculous a version of Judy is a Punk with Morrissey tapping out the rhythm on a tambourine. Gabba Gabba! They come on for an encore of one song but then we're turfed out into the snow. A great gig. Thanks Maria! For the record Duncan was stuck in London for another two days due to train chaos and blocked Wiltshire roads.