Since making his first appearance on the British indie rock scene as lead singer of The Smiths back in 1982 (named by NME as the most influential artists ever in a 2002 poll ahead of the Beatles), Morrissey has been an iconic cult figure known for his poetic wit, vocal sensibility and sartorial elegance.
Instinctively provocative, his music has often suffered misguided scrutiny. Among his finer albums, You Are the Quarry (2004) contained some of his most profound material.
It ironically cut down contemporary pop culture – “Lockjaw pop stars thicker than pig shit, nothing to convey/they’re so scared to show intelligence in any way/it might smear their lovely career” – and made a series of brutally critical remarks on American politics and, true to form, provided a window into his own personal social alienation.
Morrissey’s tenth studio album, World Peace is None of Your Business, was eventually released in the summer to mixed reviews.
Though his concerts are often unpredictable – he once exited the stage after refusing to perform to an audience member eating a hotdog – it’s anticipated he’ll deliver a set list from across his discography.
In an interview with the Spanish media a few weeks, Morrissey revealed that he currently has yet another cancer scare. “If I die, then I die,” he remorselessly remarked.
So it’s currently unclear how much longer Morrissey will be able to perform live.
Morrissey
Sun 9 Nov, 20:00; Falconer Salen; 599kr