Photos and review by ALYSON CAMUS
LOS ANGELES – Morrissey counting down to 2025? This sounded like a perfect idea, and judging by the crowd that had packed the Hollywood Palladium, it was an option that many Angelenos had picked. Knowing how crowded it would be, I braced myself for the chaos – and it didn’t disappoint.
It took me several long minutes to weave my way out of the venue after midnight. Let’s not forget that Los Angeles is, without a doubt, Morrissey-land. Didn’t the mayor officially declare November 10th “Morrissey Day” back in 2017?
By early afternoon, a long line had already formed outside the Palladium, with some fans camping out since the early hours of the morning. This dedication was even more surprising considering Morrissey had just played two dates (December 28th and 29th) at the United Theatre on Broadway… Judging by the merchandise many fans were wearing, most of these people had already attended the downtown shows. Los Angeles loves Morrissey, we get it…
Inside the Palladium, the excitation was at its highest. A gigantic line immediately formed at the merchandise booth – while outside vendors were selling piles of bootleg shirts on the sidewalks. Volunteers handed out PETA booklets with the phrase “I am me, not meat” emblazoned on the cover – this almost sounded like a Morrissey line. Meanwhile, another group distributed paper hats featuring a real Morrissey lyric: “How I dearly wish I was not there.” The night was a quintessential Los Angeles celebration of the man, the myth, and if Morrissey fans are nothing if not passionate, their devotion was on full display all night long.
Before Morrissey took the stage, Mariachi El Bronx entertained the crowd for nearly 40 minutes with an emotional set inspired by traditional mariachi music. The band is a side project of frontman Matthew Caughthran, AKA the lead singer of The Bronx, a punk band known for its intensity and chaotic energy. It was an interesting choice given Morrissey’s strong connection with Mexican fans.
Although other crossover bands like Mariachi Manchester and Mexrrissey – both inspired by Morrissey and The Smiths – could come to mind, Mariachi El Bronx performed their original songs with a festive flair. The band, which has released three albums of original music, embraced the mariachi aesthetic with their bolo ties and bejeweled charro suits. Caughthran, visibly thrilled to be performing for NYE, crooned passionately alongside the lively sounds of trumpets, accordion, violin, and guitarrón. The crowd responded enthusiastically to their dynamic set, which included tracks like “Right Between the Eyes,” “Cell Mates,” “48 Roses,” “Norteño Lights,” “High Tide,” “Wildfires,” and others.
Morrissey and his band finally took the stage after a rather lengthy intermission, during which the audience was treated to a curated selection of vintage video clips – a nostalgic montage of old movie scenes and performance footage from icons like Iggy and the Stooges, The Ramones, Dionne Warwick, The Runaways, Divine, David Bowie and many more. It played like a crash course in movie and music history featuring some lesser-known or long-forgotten acts alongside legendary names. The crowd inside the Palladium erupted several times, especially at the sight of Bowie and The Ramones. The nostalgia and energy built to a fever pitch, and by 10:30 pm, the audience was on their feet, screaming, “Morrissey! Morrissey!”
At 65, Morrissey still has it: the charisma, the commanding stage presence, and those unmistakable vocal swoons and intonations that can make any crowd melt. The crowd was into it, turning many songs into powerful singalongs. Arms rose in unison during especially evocative lyrics, as Morrissey, ever the dramatic showman, placed a hand over his chest, his shirt wide open, or was fiercely whipping his mic cord through the air.
“In this final hour, if anyone is offended by these songs or offended by these lyrics, I must say… Good!” Morrissey declared before launching into “First of the Gang to Die,” a standout track from his 2004 album “You Are the Quarry.” It was the perfect opening, as a tribute to his loyal Latino fanbase which made up a significant portion of the crowd at the Palladium. The song ignited an immediate spark, and the audience roared to life with a magnificent singalong. Morrissey’s voice sounded amazing, and the backing band delivered a tight performance, though the absence of longtime collaborator Alain Whyte – likely preparing for his upcoming solo tour – was noticeable.
With the help of Camila Grey on keyboards, Jesse Tobias on guitar, Matthew Walker on drums, Juan Galeano on bass, and Carmen Vandenberg on guitar, Morrissey delivered his solo hits along with two Smiths classics, “Shoplifters of the World Unite” and “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” with the same powerful determination. Cheers and screams erupted every time the crowd recognized a familiar or favorite tune – so at every song. With barely any interruption between songs, Morrissey commanded the stage in his sleek all-black outfit, crooning like no other during “World Peace is None of Your Business” or “Shoplifters of the World Unite.”
“As a matter of fact, for years I suffered from Tourette’s syndrome… well, I didn’t suffer,” he said before performing “One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell.” Was this a sly reference to the controversies surrounding his numerous verbal missteps and his outspoken claim that England is currently at war with free speech?
“2025 is calling your name, will you respond? will you be happy?” Morrissey mused to the crowd before adding, “It is mutual!” in response to fans shouting loving messages.
Throughout the performance, he moved across the stage with abandon, framed by his signature video projections of actors and musicians from the 1950s to the 1970s. Between songs, he addressed the crowd with his hilarious and trademark wit: “Any repulsive, disgusting questions? Anything to say?”…. Introducing the next song with characteristic mischief, he said, ”A lot of people don’t like this next song, and this is why I can’t wait to sing it,” before diving into a defiant “I Wish You Lonely.”
The floors vibrated during his rendition of the Smiths’ classic, “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want,” with nearly everyone in attendance singing along. The evening, filled with his songs blending self-deprecation, darkness, and humor, resonated deeply with the crowd on the cusp of a new year. Juxtaposing “Life Is a Pigsty” with the always devastating “Everyday is Like Sunday” worked like a dream elevated by Camilla Grey’s hauntingly beautiful piano introduction. At this point, “Everyday is like Sunday” barely belongs to Morrissey anymore, it has become this soul-saving anthem, and everyone’s piece of eternity in this vast messy universe.
As we approached midnight, the stage was bathed in red light during a menacing performance of “Jack the Ripper,” and after a thunderous rendition of “I Will See You in Far-Off Places,” Morrissey and the band exited the stage. In the final moments of 2024, a slideshow memorial honored deceased musicians, actors, and artists, accompanied by the somber strains of “Auld Lang Syne.” The entire band returned for the countdown, with Morrissey holding a funny sign that read, “Happy New You.” As the clock struck midnight, multicolored balloons adorned with Morrissey’s face rained down on the crowd, sparking pure joy. For his devoted fans, it was a perfect start to the new year.
People still travel great distances to see Morrissey, a testament to their unwavering dedication. Despite his reputation, he has never canceled on me, even though I have seen the Smiths ex-frontman several times. Once again, he didn’t fail to entertain during this NYE ritual. That said, the night could have been wilder – the boldest moment came when Morrissey wiped his face with a handkerchief and tossed it into the crowd. He didn’t remove his shirt, and no one climbed on stage to hug him – perhaps due to tighter security. Still, Morrissey sang with an undefeatable spirit all night long, and people celebrated this enduring connection with a euphoric ending to an unforgettable night.
Setlist
First of the Gang to Die
All You Need Is Me
You’re the One for Me, Fatty
Shoplifters of the World Unite
Sure Enough, the Telephone Rings
One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell
Rebels Without Applause
Black Cloud
I Am Veronica
I Ex-Love You
I Wish You Lonely
Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want
Darling, I Hug a Pillow
Life Is a Pigsty
Everyday Is Like Sunday
Jack the Ripper
Speedway
I Will See You in Far-Off Places
