Morrissey / Kristeen Young
Liberty Hall, Lawrence Kansas
20 May 2014
Another
one of my all-time favorite artists has finally been crossed off the
list as I was able to catch Morrissey live after so many years of
worship from afar.
The
enigmatic Kristeen Young opened the night and I was struck by how
interesting and talented a vocalist she is. I am basically a
neophyte when it comes to her music and I couldn't name a song she
played last night during her 30 minute set. But I will say that I
was extremely impressed and will be exploring her catalogue of
recordings in the near future and get myself appropriately immersed.
(One note, the venue were complete Nazi's about photography and
such so I couldn't use a "real" camera to take pics and had to sneak
them on my cell phone, so I apologize for the lack of pics of Kristeen
Young and the crappy images I have of Morrissey)
Finally one of
my all-time emotional and musical icons took the stage and the entire
venue went crazy. I can't think of a time when I have heard a
longer, more sustained cry of excitement from an audience. I
practically went deaf. Morrissey was just as amazing in real life
as I had hoped, if not better. His banter with the audience was
natural and displayed his vast experience. His set comprised of
several key classics like Every Day Is Like Sunday and National Front
Disco as well as newer gems like Ganglord, The World Is A Pig Sty and
I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris. His set featured a fair amount
of new songs like World Peace Is None Of Your Business, The Bull
Fighter Dies, and Earth Is The Loneliest Planet. Much to my (and
the audience's delight) he also touched on his The Smiths days with
such stables as Hand In Glove and the horrifying and saddening Meat Is
Murder (It was horrifying and saddening due to the video of the
terrible treatment that animals in the food industry are confronted
with). After the crowd reached a crescendo Morrissey returned for
a 2-song encore of The Smiths classic, Asleep and the captivating First
Of The Gang To Die. I left the venue feeling excited, elated, and
exhausted. It was a beautiful experience and Morrissey was in top
form as his vocal delivery was spot on and the instruments had power
and clarity. 
Additionally,
here is the setlist as far as I can remember it, in no real order,
except the Encore. I am sure I am missing a couple songs though:
Ganglord
Meat Is Murder
The Bull Fighter Dies
The World Is A Pig Sty
Hand In Glove
I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris
The Youngest Was The Most Loved
World Peace Is None Of Your Business
Earth Is The Loneliest Planet
Every Day Is Like Sunday
National Front Disco
Yes, I am Blind
Touble Loves Me
THE ENCORE:
Asleep
The First Of The Gang To Die
