BEAUTIFUL VENUE, AMAZING SHOW, BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING MAN!!
This is the only show that I could attend this tour because of my work schedule, so I was hoping beyond words that it wouldn't be cancelled after the problems in Delaware. In fact, I called the theater three times on the way just to prepare myself for the worst; instead, I had the pleasure of seeing an incredible concert.
The theater is majestic and ornate, so it suits Morrissey well. He must agree because the two shows that I have seen there have been flawless. As others have said, the venue was packed, and the enthusiasm was evident throughout the whole night. This is why I think Morrissey should avoid festivals and continue without an opening act. The people that attended were there because they truly wanted to see Morrissey, and in turn, he responded to the enthusiasm by delivering an amazing rendition of each song. We've all witnessed how Morrissey's mood is dictated by audience response early on in the show. which I personally understand. I can't imagine what it would be like to step on stage intending to pour your heart and soul out to an audience only to see them talking and texting. I'm sure that some will respond by stating that he is a "professional singer" and he should put the same amount of energy and passion into every perfromance regardless of audience participation, but I wasn't drawn to Morrissey because of his professionalism; I was drawn to him because of his unique talent and his almost psychic ability to say what many of us are thinking and feeling, but cannot or do not say for ourselves. I don't ever want him to be normal or average, even if that means enduring the occasional disappointment. The great moments like this concert wash all of that away.
My personal highlights were:
*Hearing the new material. I was very impressed with WPINOYB, so I really enjoyed having the opportunity to hear some of these songs live. I know that some posters have complained about this and said that the audience wasn't receptive, but I heard many people singing along and the new songs seemed to get the same amount of applause and cheers.
*"Mama Lay Softly on the River Bed" (my favorite song from YOR)
*Reaching up to get another handshake, which was more like a firm grip that sent electricity shooting through my body.
*Being bathed in the scent of his cologne.
*Scoring a drumstick at the end.
*The moment that he asked "Do you feel better..." and the crowd was screaming 'yes', and he said "I'm not finished... do you feel better when you get if off your chest?", and then the crowd screamed even louder and Morrissey gave his sideways smirk.
*Hearing "Now My Heart is Full"and "Will Never Marry": I would have paid the price of admission just to hear those two songs.
*Knowing that, in spite of the ridicule he endured in Delaware, he continues to present his views on animal advocay by playing "Meat is Murder". I always find the song very moving and the video completely unwatchable, but I'm a vegan, so I may have a different reaction. Even if you don't agree, you should still be able to admire his passionate committment to an extremely emotional and controversial issue.
*Seeing familiar faces and meeting new people who were equally overjoyed to be there.
Many people have commented on the switch-up in "Speedway" and I have to say that I'm in agreement that while Gustavo has a beautiful voice, I want to hear Morrissey finish this song. The ending is so deeply personal, it needs to be delivered by him, eyes closed and fists clenched. However, I did see Morrissey smile from behind the keyboard while everyone was playing their alternate parts; so, if he's happy, I'm guessing that it will remain part of the show.
The only slight concern that I have after seeing this concert was his appearance. Yes, he is as gorgeous as ever, and his body looks very fit (sorry to objectify him based on good looks, but if he doesn't want to be objectified then he shouldn't be so damn handsome); but he also looks very tired (I guess it could also be allergies). I hope that he can finish this tour with no cancellations; first of all, I want this so that the nay-sayers will shut up. I also want this for the others who are planning to see him. I hope that they have the opportunity to see a show that is as outstanding as this one was. I think it was Chip who summed it up quite well earlier in the week; if you go to the show with an open-mind, not expecting a particular set-list or number of songs, if you just allow Morrissey to take you for a ride, you are going to have a great time.
lynnda