Morrissey Live- California Son Tour
Ravinia, Highland Park, IL, USA 9/14/19
A Wonderful Saturday night of music here at Ravinia once again along with a meatless menu that was requested by Morrissey himself, a strict vegetarian since his teen years, you don’t really need to ask Morrissey where he stands on certain issues. I respect his views. I admire his commitment to veganism. Starting the night off was “Interpol” the New Yorkers from Manhattan. They began their career in 97’ and still to this day do what they love to do play their distinct sound of music… Dressed all in black suits performing all the hits. The stage setup was dark with the shitty lighting not all what fans I talked to enjoyed. Most people want to see the band perform on stage not see shadows of them. The band themselves aren’t exciting to see anyway as they just stand in the same spot doing nothing, well stand in the same spot playing their instruments that’s about it. Interpol” sounded great and tried to warm up the crowd up for Morrissey. But fans I talked too just didn’t seem to care Interpol was even there.
Morrissey took the stage in good spirits instantly shaking hands with the fans in the front row, using a subtle motion with a soft sense of touch. Dressed in blue jeans, white long sleeve dress shirt untucked and a black vest starting with “You’re Gonna Need Someone on Your Side” that began Morrissey’s evening of songs that will span from the Smiths era to Morrissey’s successful solo career. This song was the song that landed the Smiths some U.S love and launched their American success.
To my surprise, “Suedehead” Morrissey decided to play second in tonight’s set which I was expecting towards the end of the set if not even the Encore song.
This song was his debut solo single released in February 1988 which charted higher than any of the singles released by his former band the Smiths. “Suedehead” was, in my opinion, one of the best songs that Morrissey has ever written. The fans sang along word for word and sparked the Morrissey fans.
Seven songs in and Morrissey played a song he in that past had not played often on tour in the past “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore,” another Smiths song which appears on the album (Meat Is Murder) used as the promo song for the album it ended up a great hit for them. “‘That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore’ was always one of my favorite songs, “Guitarist and co-songwriter Johnny Marr of the Smiths recalled back in 2008. Morrissey seems to be enjoying his moment on stage with a sense of peace tonight singing flawlessly and sounding strong.
Morrissey dramatically whipping his microphone cord in such an emotional way throughout the show. One of my favorites “Everyday Is Like Sunday” had everybody on their feet dancing and singing. Morrissey’s best-known song from his solo career, so well-liked that the Pretenders covered the song for the motion picture movie “Boys on The Side”. Morrissey’s interaction with the crowd all night was refreshing to see, the night was what the fans wanted and needed.
Later performing “Back on the Chain Gang,” one of the Pretenders songs that are on Morrissey’s new album California Son went over well with the crowd.
Morrissey giving his all ending with the Smiths song “How Soon Is Now” Morrissey never sounded more poised and focused just lighting up the venue hammering out one of his biggest hits when he was with the Smiths. The song became part of the sound of who Morrissey is was and became.
After all these years Morrissey’s performance is like others but musically and vocally just as strong as the earlier years of Morrissey’s career. One take away was no bullshit no drama just straight-up great music by a wonderful performer who just killed the Ravinia on this night. Please if you never had the chance to see Morrissey live, I think you owe it to yourself to experience it. Enjoy!!!
Photo Gallery from the night at Ravinia
Morrissey Setlist Ravinia 9/14/19
You’re Gonna Need Someone on Your Side
Suedehead
Alma Matters
Hairdresser on Fire
I Wish You Lonely
I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris
That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore (The Smiths song)
Lady Willpower (Gary Puckett & the Union Gap cover)
Wedding Bell Blues (Laura Nyro cover)
Morning Starship (Jobriath cover)
Why Don’t You Find Out for Yourself
Everyday Is Like Sunday
If You Don’t Like Me, Don’t Look at Me
Munich Air Disaster 1958
Back on the Chain Gang (The Pretenders cover)
Satan Rejected My Soul
Seasick, Yet Still Docked
The Bullfighter Dies
Never Again Will I Be a Twin
Some Say (I Got Devil) (Melanie cover)
Jack the Ripper
Encore:
How Soon Is Now?(The Smiths song)
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