Few artists boast a more passionate and particular fan base than literary English crooner Steven Patrick Morrissey—and few deserve it more. The songs he wrote with guitarist Johnny Marr from 1982 to 1987 in The Smiths essentially invented indie music, and a good portion of his subsequent solo work has been equally wry, lyrical, heartbreaking and hilarious. Case in point, the title of his tenth solo album, which he’s still touring two years on: World Peace Is None Of Your Business.
Morrissey (“Moz” to his devotees) tends to ruffle feathers when he speaks on political matters—championing Brexit, for instance – but he remains committed to putting on a rousing live show, with a setlist spanning 30 years of material. Reports from recent performances indicate a healthy mix of new cuts and classics, plus a smattering of Smiths songs (“How Soon Is Now,” “What She Said”), covers (“Judy Is A Punk” by The Ramones), and fan favorites (“Every Day Is Like Sunday,” “You’re The One For Me, Fatty,” etc.)
2016 has been a cruel year for musical legends taken too soon (Bowie, Prince, Alan Vega, Bernie Worrell), and the list of those still raring and rocking is growing slimmer. Morrissey is up there with Dylan and Leonard Cohen in the pantheon of master lyricists, and every night he takes the stage, sings his life, and banters withering insults about the monarchy is a night to be grateful for. Catching him so soon after election night should add some fervor to the Salt Lake show.
Morrissey plays The Eccles Theater on Saturday November 12 at 9 pm. Tickets are still available here
—Britt Brown, notnotfun.com
By the way, Moz is notoriously vegan. At the last show he performed in Salt Lake concert-goers were frisked for meat products before entering the venue. He will not perform if he can even smell animal byproduct. And so, Cuisine Unlimited, the official catering partner of The Eccles Theater will not be serving meat at the Encore Cafe. Instead, they will be serving:
Cauliflower & Roasted Red Pepper Bisque (Vegan)
Brussel Sprout Salad (Vegan)
Crispy Quinoa Burger with Caramelized Onions (Vegan)
Grilled Halloumi with Griddled Vegetables
Jackfruit Rueben on Marble Rye (Vegan)
Trio of Big O Vegan Donuts
