March 9th, 2009
Don’t Get Your Hopes Up For The Moz
Morrissey’s new album, Years of Refusal, is shockingly great — probably the most vital and interesting album he’s released in close to 20 years, and in my opinion his second-best solo album (following 1988’s Viva Hate). But from the sound of things, or rather the lack of sound of things, I wouldn’t get my hopes up about hearing the new stuff or anything else on March 22nd, when he’s scheduled to come to Philly and play the Academy of Music. The ex-Smiths singer has already cancelled six of the first seven dates of his U.S. tour due to an unspecified illness, and based on reports from the one show he did attempt — last Friday in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, his voice “kept giving out” and he was in a foul mood:
He was ornery and pissed the whole time.
Threatened to leave after Best Friend saying “It’s not gonna work out if you don’t turn it down” to soundman.
Came out with “Nothing is finer…”
Huge sailor with muscles n cigar in mouth as back drop.
Gave signed record to man in front…weird…thanked crowd for the record doing well.
I Keep Mine…it was a disaster…almost unrecognisable…
Ask was the highlight. He was peppy during How Can Anybody Possibly KNow How I feel.Walked off stage twice..first time for 5 minutes. The crowd was lame- 50% hung out at bar. I was on the rail in front…only four security bashing back one attempt.
The aforementioned setlist is accurate. Boz looked shellshocked and Jesse was antsy. Matt was excellent as was Soloman. Some bearded weirdo slammed on the keys causing noise mostly.He was jazz improvising snuck in. I believe he will be let go soon….
This was very upsetting…expect cancellations, he is sick, at least emotionally. Worst I’ve seen since Southpaw tour…He is on an emotional rollercoaster.
