Morrissey at Brixton Academy

On Tuesday evening English singer-songwriter Morrissey took to the stage at Brixton Academy for the last London show of his 2022 tour. As the former frontman of iconic indie-rock band The Smiths, who were active in the British independent rock scene until 1987, Morrissey is no stranger to the stage, especially at Brixton Academy, where his group played their final live gig in 1986. 

Appearing in a sea of smoke and white light, the artist graced the stage by opening with the song How Soon Is Now?, made famous by his former band on their 1984 album, Hateful of Hallow. From the moment the lights went down and the music started, the entirety of the audience were lively and on their feet, and the melodic moodiness from Morrissey’s lyrics and voice filled every corner of the hall. 

Throughout the performance the crowd kept swaying and bobbing to the melancholy, yet thrilling music and lyrics, whether from solo hit singles like First of the Gang to Die and Irish Blood, English Heart, from the classic Smiths hits such as Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want, or on songs from the unreleased upcoming album, Bonfires of Teenagers. The excitement among the fans never ceased. 

As the night drew to a close, Morrissey finished his mind-blowing set with famed The Smiths song Sweet and Tender Hooligan, which brought the already rowdy room to more than just their feet: members of the audience began crowdsurfing, jumping the barricade and attempting to climb on-stage to join the singer during his concert closer. 

The celebrated 80s indie rock vet definitively proved that he still has his finger on the pulse of rock’n’roll and isn’t likely to loosen his grip anytime soon. Fans old and new gathered under one roof and witnessed a true once-in-a-lifetime gig. Without a doubt they will not be forgetting this performance anytime soon. 

Kirst Hubbard
Photos: Miguel de Melo

For further information and future events visit Morrissey’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Everyday Is Like Sunday here: