Morrissey is back in Boston tonight (December 4), playing MGM Music Hall at Fenway (maybe Prince William left him a note), and chances are there are two distinct camps of people reading this: Those who decided long ago to not attend (for whatever reason, and they’re armed with plenty), and those who are interested in going but are unsure if it’s worth trudging out into the cold December night on a Sunday (not all days are equal in adulthood, it turns out). So for those who land in the latter category, and need casual convincing, here’s some gentle persuasion.
The Smiths singer (we don’t say “former” because no one has come after him) has made good on his promise to play and fulfill his last three shows, including last night in Philadelphia, so he’s got a bit of a winning streak going on. And with tonight being the last night of the 15-date tour, chances are he’ll power through and wrap up the run without any more cancellation uproar. Morrissey has cancelled three dates on this run so far, according to morrissey-solo, and postponed two others; and that’s not counting him walking off stage in Los Angeles amidst rumors the outdoor venue was too cold. But playing tonight will end the tour on a high note, which seems like a better way of heading into the holidays — even for Moz.
And next in importance behind an admittedly unsteady sense of dependability is the set list he’s been playing during these shows, a career-spanning collection that includes heavy fan favorites with a strong dose of Smiths songs. Notably, he’s been closing every show with one of his solo career’s highest peaks in “Jack The Ripper,” which feels worthy of not only the price of admission, but also the risk involved in attending a Morrissey show in 2022.
For the Smiths selections, “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before,” “Girlfriend in a Coma,” and “Sweet and Tender Hooligan” have shown up consistently. Last night in Philly also featured “Half A Person” and “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want.” So he’s giving the fans who have stuck with him exactly that. Whether you want to hear them is up to you.
AN EVENING WITH MORRISSEY :: Sunday, December 4 at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, 2 Lansdowne St. in Boston, MA :: 8 p.m. :: Event info :: Advance tickets