In the 1980s, The Smiths stood as one of the most influential and defining bands of their era.
When the group dissolved, frontman Morrissey carried that legacy forward, launching a solo
career shaped by his lifelong influences—T. Rex, David Bowie, Roxy Music, and the New York
Dolls. Over the decades, his sharp wit, biting humor, and unwavering commitment to his identity
have earned him both adoration and criticism, but above all, a fiercely loyal fanbase.
On September 13, Morrissey returned to Toronto’s Budweiser Stage, a city he boycotted for
years, and delivered a 17-song set that blended six Smiths classics with selections spanning his
solo catalog. For fans, the show was quintessential Morrissey: a mix of melancholy, defiance,
and wry charm.
While his stage production hasn’t changed much in years, predictability is hardly a complaint for
the faithful. The familiar moments—most notably when he tore off his shirt to ecstatic
screams—still electrify the crowd. His punk ethos was evident as well, with no barricades or
visible stage security, a setup that invites chaos elsewhere. In Toronto, however, Canadian
politeness prevailed, with just one lone stage intruder—nothing like the flood of fans often seen
at his shows in Mexico.
The setlist touched on many corners of his career. Solo staples like “Suedehead,” “Let Me Kiss
You,” and “Shoplifters of the World Unite” stood tall alongside Smiths favorites. Some fans might
have wished for deeper cuts from You Are the Quarry or other eras, but the balance struck a
satisfying chord. Morrissey’s voice, unmistakable in its richness and melancholy, carried the
night, proving why his music continues to resonate decades after its first impact.
The backing band, while tight and technically flawless, lacked some of the character and
interplay of earlier lineups—gone are the days of Boz Boorer and Alain Whyte’s distinctive
presence. Still, this hardly detracted from the evening. Morrissey concerts have always been
about Morrissey himself: his voice, his aura, and his ability to draw fans in with every gesture
and every lyric.
Love him or hate him, Morrissey remains a singular figure in modern music. On this night in
Toronto, he once again showed why his concerts remain unmissable for those who have
followed his journey since The Smiths—and why, for his devoted fans, he will always be worth
waiting for.
Written by Rod Orchard
