By Jack Arnhold, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Friday, November 30th, former ‘The Smiths’ front-man Morrissey will take to the stage at the Fundição Progresso in Lapa. Friday’s concert will be the alternative music icon’s first visit to the Cidade Maravilhosa in three years. He is currently touring South America in support of his eleventh studio album, ‘Low in High School.’
Having previously graced the stage of Citibank Hall in Barra da Tijuca in 2015 while supporting his 2014 album ‘World Peace Is None of Your Business’, the controversial British singer is now heading to Lapa in support of his latest release, 2017’s ‘Low in High School.’
In the intervening three years, Morrissey has not strayed away from controversy, dividing fans over his comments about Islam, Brexit, and the royal family, among other topics, while postponing a string of concerts in the UK and Europe this past summer. However, there are still plenty of fans for whom Morrissey’s musical legacy outshines his more recent reputation.
“Morrissey is one of the few singers I would love to see live.” comments Talita Soares, library science student. “I have some friends who have all but boycotted listening to his music, and others who couldn’t be more excited about seeing him.”
She continues. “It’s that old problem of separating the art from the artist, and I think that’s a personal decision. But you can’t deny he’s written some amazing songs.”
While many die-hard Morrissey fans will be happy to hear his solo career hits such as ‘Suedehead,’ and ‘Everyday is like Sunday,’ it is Morrissey’s work with The Smiths that so many people want to see performed by the man himself.
If his recent setlist from Mexico City is anything to go by, then fans eager to hear from The Smiths’ back-catalog won’t be disappointed. Among more recent songs such as ‘The Bullfighter Dies,’ and ‘Jackie’s Only Happy When She’s Up on the Stage,’ Morrissey also included classics like ‘How Soon is Now?’ and ‘William, It Was Really Nothing.’
The Singer enjoys a particularly fervid admiration among Latin-American fans. In a 2015 interview given with Brazilian website G1, Morrissey shared his thoughts on why.
“In Mexico and Brazil there is less prejudice and snobbery, people allow themselves to enjoy music without overvaluing any sense of personal vanity, while in the United Kingdom all music is judged by the type of audience that hears it,” said Morrissey.
What: Morrissey no Rio de Janeiro
When: Friday, November 30th, 8PM
Where: Fundição Progresso – Rua dos Arcos, 24 – Lapa – Rio de Janeiro
Entrance: Tickets between R$170 – R$440; available here