Morrissey – Camden Roundhouse 21st Jan

Walking towards the Roundhouse in Camden last night there was a real sense of excitement ahead of Morrisseys first live shows in London since his sold out tour of 2006. A real mixed bunch in the audience, but all linked by a certain buzz ahead of the first of 6 sold out nights.

Just before Morrissey there was a great montage of films – Sasha Distel, Brigitte Bardot, some Steptoe and Son and a great clip of wardrobe tests from East of Eden.

Morrissey took to the stage about 9pm, opening with a great version of How soon is now? He ended up on his back on the stage with his legs resting on the drum riser – it was going to be an interesting night. What followed was a blistering run through a real mixture of Morrissey tunes, a few from the new album (so a first hear for me), and some classics & rarities from the back catalogue. A full set list is here.

For me – the musicianship was absolutely excellent, Boz leading the line like a trouper but the whole band (dressed in identical denim suits) delivering a really tight musical set. Morrissey was his usual self, preening, cryptic and every so slightly aloof. I liked the idea of the band being dressed in denim, the clothing of the worker – and Morrissey joining the stage in shirt and tie – the lord of the manor. He soon shed the tie, the shirt was opened to the chest and sweat started to pour, as he sashayed and swaggered around the stage. Typical Morrissey – well played.

The finale to the concert was awesome – a huge version of Irish Blood, English Heart and an encore of ‘The Last of the International Playboys’

My photographs of the night are here.

Click more for some quick words on the support band, the venue and a full set list.

Support was from Girl in a Coma, who suffered from a typically disinterested London crowd who rarely pay much attention to support acts. I quite liked their sound, slightly spiky garagey rock. Loads of energy.

As London venues go – the Camden Roundhouse is one of my favourites, you are never too far from the stage – and it is about the right size that you can actually see what is going on.

I think this was the setlist – although I’m open to corrections on order

• How Soon Is Now?
• First Of The Gang To Die
• I Just Want To See The Boy Happy
• Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before
• That’s How People Grow Up
• Sister, I’m A Poet
• Something Is Squeezing My Skull
• All You Need Is Me
• The National Front Disco
• Death Of A Disco Dancer
• Life Is A Pigsty
• The Loop
• Billy Budd
• Mama Lay Softly On The River (I couldn’t hear what he called this – but I think this was it?)
• The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores
• I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris
• Why Don’t You Find Out For Yourself?
• Stretch Out And Wait
• Irish Blood, English Heart
• Last Of The Famous International Playboys