Venue: Fort Gate @ Fort Canning Park, Singapore
Date: 8th May 2012
Promoter: LAMC Productions
Review by: Mandy L.
Special Thanks: Andre and the LAMC Productions team
Photos by Cliff Y.
Held at Fort Canning Park on a Tuesday night, the place was abuzz with chatter and excited fans—eagerly awaiting the arrival of their idol. Despite the hot and humid weather, spirits were not dampened—this was Morrissey we’re talking about—cool and collected; his I-don’t -give-a-damn aura only serving to add to his worldwide appeal.
Like a true superstar, Morrissey arrived over an hour after the stipulated time—not that the crowded minded—and even if they did, it didn’t show. Launching straight into “How Soon Is Now?” (by The Smiths) saw the crowd swaying to the beat, not stopping to rest as he dived straight into “You Have Killed Me”, showing that time has been nothing short of good to his vocals and stage presence—endearing fans went crazy when he finally greeted them after the second song, “I am your humble servant. Tell me what to do and I will do it.”
As soon as the music to “You’re the One for Me, Fatty” started playing, “Ooohs” and “Aaahs” were exclaimed as couples started leaning into each other, enjoying a performance beneath the stars. “Shoplifters of the World Unite” saw a younger audience laughing and nodding along to the beat—very much agreeing to the song, we believe. After his sixth song, Morrissey graced the crowd once more, “Do you wonder why you’re here? Well, you might. Give it time.”—to which everyone laughed and started dancing to “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris”.
Giving out a vibe that would not work on a popstar, Morrissey’s I’m-too-cool-for-you personality, bordering on arrogance; suited his unique sense of humor—“I thought I was going to be at an opera house with fake grandparents, and here I am… Well, here I am.” There was no doubt that “First of the Gang to Die” was the highlight of the night—the unanimous sing-a-long session was evidence in itself.
“Meat is Murder” showcased a backdrop slideshow of various animals in the slaughterhouse—definitely not something you’d expect at a gig, but hey, Morrissey isn’t mainstream—that’s part of his charm. Two songs later, Morrissey was sweating buckets—as were we; pausing for a quick wardrobe change. Which isn’t anything unusual, except for the fact that he had a total of three wardrobe changes throughout the gig—“I can’t take it. I come from a cold country! I’m not used to heat unless it’s paid for, by the council. And I have to say, I enjoy it.”
Slowing down the tempo with “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” as the crowd started getting emotional—Morrissey sat down onstage and stared into the crowd as he sang; his eyes focused afar, as if reminiscing. A pretty mellow gig in overall; with the exception of a few songs that picked up the beat—“I don‘t know why you’re all shouting. It’s terribly rude, terribly rude.” said the superstar—which just ensued more calls and whistles.
As the night dwindled on and the gig came to a close, Morrissey ended his performance with “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me”—touching the heartstrings of his fans, and every one who has been through heartbreak at some point or another. Proving once again that Morrissey sure does know how to win over the fans.
Setlist
- How Soon is Now? (The Smiths song)
- You Have Killed Me
- You’re the One for Me, Fatty
- When Last I Spoke to Carol
- Black Cloud
- Shoplifters of the World Unite (The Smiths song)
- I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris
- Alma Matters
- First of the Gang to Die
- Meat is Murder (The Smiths song)
- Let Me Kiss You
- I Know It’s Over (The Smiths song)
- I Will See You in Far-off Places
- Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want (The Smiths song)
- To Give (The Reason I Live)
- Ouija Board, Ouija Board
- Everyday is Like Sunday
- Speedway
Encore:
Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me (The Smiths song)