Morrissey Refusal Tour: Concert Review

Morrissey Delivers a 21 Song Set-List to Devoted Fans

Mar 17, 2009

The Wellmont Theatre (Montclair, NJ) quickly sold out on March 16th as eager fans clamored for an opportunity to catch the iconic Morrissey perform.

In support of his most recent album, Years of Refusal, Morrissey's tour of North America drew large crowds of devoted fans typical of the British cult-alternative rock legend. The small size of the Wellmont Theatre provided fans with an opportunity for a more intimate performance. Fans wrestled over sweaty shirts and an opportunity to get a handshake from the otherwise elusive artist.

Red Cortez Opening Act

The opening act (Red Cortez) played a short 30 minute set list; they pumped many fans up for the main attraction while distracting others. Let's face it : they had big shoes to fill. The band sounded like generic indie rock at times, while adopting a more avant garde sound at times. Through the inclusion of marraccas, boisterous piano, and a more experimental approach to song writing, the band chugged through until it was time for the headlining act: Morrissey

Wellmont Theater Morrissey Set List

Morrissey's Live Performance

Morrissey and his supporting band came out on stage (the four musicians all clad in jeans and denim button-down shirts) and immediately began playing "This Charming Man," a fan favorite from Morrissey's days as the front-man of the Smiths.

The band played six songs from the newly released album; fans danced along and sang in support of Morrissey's latest work. Whenever the band would begin a jangly ntro to any of the lauded tracks from the days of The Smith's the crowd went wild in support. The band played a total of five songs from the 1980's and the days of The Smiths with other songs coming from Morrissey's other solo albums.

Although Morrissey performed a plethora of songs from his newest album (Years of Refusal) and his 2004 album (You Are The Quarry) the band played no songs from his previous album, Ringleader of The Tormentors. Regardless, the band sounded phenomenal and most importantly, Morrissey's crooning vocals were right on key. When he wasn't toying with his microphone wire or clapping his hand's together Morrissey was delivering impassioned vocals.

During the encore fans lept from the standing area in attempt to get on stage for a chance to meet their long-time hero. Many fans got handshakes, and one fan even made it to the stage, shyly hugged Morrissey, and pumped his fists in triumph: it was a perfect ending to the night.

The copyright of the article Morrissey Refusal Tour: Concert Review in Alternative Music is owned by Todd Christopher Petty. Permission to republish Morrissey Refusal Tour: Concert Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.