On Saturday night, Morrissey headlined a sold out Shrine Auditorium in an area of Los Angeles that was alive with activity, as the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins battled just a block away. But, while the majority of the young people on the USC campus were preoccupied, another generation of enthusiast invaded for a concert that is always particularly special in Los Angeles, a city for which the former Smiths frontman has long had a deep love and respect. And, the feeling is clearly mutual.
Among the highlights of the show was a stunning cover of Lou Reed’s “Satellite Of Love,” in which Morrissey changed one of Reed’s most beloved songs to express his own opinions, with the modified line “I hate watching the T.V.” The clear audience favorite was his rendition of The Smiths’ “I Know It’s Over,” from the group’s classic The Queen Is Dead, for which the audience erupted in cheers for nearly every line, allowing Morrissey to reach his peak in swagger. And, of course, no Morrissey show is complete without the single-song encore, on this occasion “Still Ill.” People after the show wondered why Morrissey plays such an abbreviated encore, but it is clear that if he played more, a riot might occur. As it was, the final tune of the night featured more than a dozen separate fans jumping on stage to hug, kiss, shake hands with, offer gifts to, or just plain adore the singer. Morrissey was kind enough to oblige them all, many times as they were being wrestled back to the pit by security. It’s a scene, but one that Morrissey both deserves and appreciates. Check out the setlist and photos from the night below.
I Want The One I Can’t Have
You’re The One For Me, Fatty
You Have Killed Me
When Last I Spoke To Carol
Black Cloud
Maladjusted
Alma Matters
Ouija Board, Ouija Board
Meat Is Murder
Satellite Of Love
I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris
Action Is My Middle Name
All The Lazy Dykes
People Are The Same Everywhere
I Know It’s Over
Speedway
Still Ill
