Morrissey @ OLG Stage, Niagara Falls, Ontario 11-19-24

It’s been 12 long years but iconic musician Morrissey has made his way back to the Southern Ontario/Western New York area. The last time he played the area was show at the Rapids Theater in Niagara Falls, NY back in 2012 (our review here). So, anytime Morrissey does a tour, it really is a special event. There were only 12 dates on this tour and one of the stops was at the OLG stage in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Morrisey put his name on the map in the mid 1980’s fronting the alternative band The Smiths. His backing band consisted of Jesse Tobias and Carmen Vandenberg on guitar, Solomon Walker on bass, Matt Walker on drums and Camila Grey on keyboards.

Morrissey took the stage with his band and went into “You’re the One for Me, Fatty” off of his 1992 album ‘Arsenal.’ Great vibes and a positive energy were evident from the start. It was an easy transition into the next song “Alma Matters.” A Smiths song was up next in “Shoplifters of the World Unite.” There were no live feeds of the performance that were shown on the accompanying video screens. So, they had shown various odd pop culture images that rotated for every song. Camila Grey made her mark a few times through the show. She did a cool harmonica ending for “I Am Veronica.” Before “Everyday is like Sunday,” she did a memorizing organ solo. Others, like Vandenberg also got to show their worth too. She was solid on “I Ex-Love You.” At the end of “Dear God Please Help Me,” Jesse Tobias used two crash symbols to close out the end of the song. Basically, Morrissey surrounded himself with a terrific ensemble. Throughout the show, one thing was very evident. Morrissey can still deliver a high quality vocal performance. He may be eccentric at times, but if Morrissey can stay focused, there are few who can still put on a show like he is able to. Morrissey’s fans are like few of any other artist has. The love and devotion they show to him are second to none.

The highly anticipated sold out show met and exceeded expectations. It was one of the highlight concerts of the 2024 season at OLG stage. Morrissey has a new record called ‘Bonfire of Teenagers’ that is not being released by Capitol Records. Rumors have it that it’s not being released due to censorship. Let’s hope that Morrissey gets his wish and the music is released. It will be just another valid reason for him to go back out on tour sooner than later.

Setlist:

You’re the One for Me, Fatty

Alma Matters

Shoplifters of the World Unite (The Smiths song)

I Wish You Lonely

Rebels Without Applause

How Soon is Now? (The Smiths song)

I Am Veronica

Sure Enough, Telephone Rings

First of the Gang to Die

Life is a Pigsty

Everyday is Like Sunday