Why?
Coz it's the first time in many, many years that Moz has kicked off a world tour over here in his home country. Possibly, since the Boxers tour.
Morrissey's always had a tricky relationship with the British music press, especially since the early 90's. This is partly why he's never started a tour here since then. He's wanted it to be a well rehearsed set with all glitches ironed out before facing his hyper-critical home crowds.
The downside of this is that the setlist has never been a secret. Even before the internet became huge in the early 2000's, we could read reviews of his tours (in the music press) before they reached the UK. But those attending Birmingham on Friday night genuinely won't know what they're about to hear (altho I guess we can assume it'll be about 70% the same as the tour earlier in the year). There's almost bound to be a rarely played Smiths songs and, with any luck, some early solo stuff. I'm also hoping (perhaps a little optimistically) for a brand new song. It must be nearly two years since he introduced a new, unreleased song into the set (maybe the January 2008 tour?).
So, British-based fans, make the most of this weekend; it may not happen again!
Coz it's the first time in many, many years that Moz has kicked off a world tour over here in his home country. Possibly, since the Boxers tour.
Morrissey's always had a tricky relationship with the British music press, especially since the early 90's. This is partly why he's never started a tour here since then. He's wanted it to be a well rehearsed set with all glitches ironed out before facing his hyper-critical home crowds.
The downside of this is that the setlist has never been a secret. Even before the internet became huge in the early 2000's, we could read reviews of his tours (in the music press) before they reached the UK. But those attending Birmingham on Friday night genuinely won't know what they're about to hear (altho I guess we can assume it'll be about 70% the same as the tour earlier in the year). There's almost bound to be a rarely played Smiths songs and, with any luck, some early solo stuff. I'm also hoping (perhaps a little optimistically) for a brand new song. It must be nearly two years since he introduced a new, unreleased song into the set (maybe the January 2008 tour?).
So, British-based fans, make the most of this weekend; it may not happen again!
ouch.
