But why do people love Morrissey? The Moz has been able to keep a steady fan base of loyal and die hards; from the moment The Smiths gave us their first 7” single “Hand in Glove” there was no other voice for the miserable. The Pope of Mope had arrived.
This charming man makes a stop in El Paso May 13 just fresh out of being signed to a new label Harvest Records in January. With rumors of a new album later in the year and a US tour, the Moz could not be in better place.
Morrissey plans to have the new album produced by Grammy award winner Joe Chicarelli who has recently worked with The Strokes, My Morning Jacket, Julietta Venegas, Beck and U2. The album will also feature long time Morrissey guitarist Boz Boorer who has contributed his memorable riffs for almost as long as Morrissey solo career.
Is there a new career lingering for Morrissey? Could the success of his book Autobiography, which hit the shelves last October in the US, see the Moz dropping the mic and going full time on the pen? Doesn’t he have a laptop?
Morrissey has always been a captivating and intriguing performer not just because of his heavenly voice, but also because he was able connect with so many people with his down and out lyrics. He has been successful throughout his entire career mostly because he always had something interesting to say; his penchant for the pen was always half the mystique and appeal.
Morrissey’s last album, 2009’s Years of Refusal, sees him on a winning streak ever since his glorious comeback in 2004 with You Are The Quarry, having visited El Paso just 2 years prior having back to back shows at Downtown club Vallare. The reissue of Southpaw Grammar in 2009 saw the artwork and cover replaced by photographs taken in 1992 by long time Morrissey friend Linder Sterling, in El Paso of the Moz hanging out in front of The Clock in the northeast and on Stanton Street, among other places. Morrissey had performed in El Paso at the UTEP Special Events Center (Don Haskins) on November 2, 1992 for the Your Arsenal tour.
What I like about Morrissey’s visits to the Sun City, is that it’s always somewhere different: from his back to back nights at Vallare, my personal favorite at the Coliseum and his last time around at the Abraham Chavez, the Moz has always been welcome here with open arms. His popularity and admiration in the borderland has been consistent throughout the years and doesn’t seem to be fading away anytime soon; his connection to this town is apparent, even name drops this ol’ town in his book, “… and I’d lay down my life for the lost boys of El Paso.” I’m certain the feeling is mutual Moz.
This time around Morrissey will sing his life at the Plaza Theatre along with opening act avant-rocker Kristeen Young who makes a return as well; she was also the opening act when Morrissey played the County Coliseum in 2007. Expect to hear the classic Morrissey material mixed with the newer stuff with a dash of The Smiths’ songs here and there. Remember if you make a run for the stage, don’t hurt anyone on your way, and if you feel like you’re about to cry, well so is probably everyone else. It’s Morrissey!
Morrissey | May 13, 2014 | The Plaza Theatre El Paso
www.ticketmaster.com/Morrissey-tickets
PHOTOS: SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
