Moz and the Men in Black

Morrissey was in a fine mood at Copley Symphony Hall. After a few songs, he acknowledged to the crowd of over 2000 that his last two San Diego performances were "a bit rough." (Morrissey walked off the stage at his last San Diego show due to sound problems and a vicious security squad.) He then thanked the crowd for coming and for their loyalty. He and his band tore through 19 songs to an enthusiastic crowd that never took their seats.

Morrissey introduced his band members one by one. They all dressed and looked alike in black pants & shirts, and had haircuts that could've been shorn on any military base in town. The guitar players changed instruments for nearly every song. They played mostly vintage Fender guitars, with one Gibson Les Paul thrown in for some extra punch. The Smith's songs (“This Charming Man,” “How Soon is Now,” “Is it Really So Strange,” “Death at One's Elbow,” “Cemetery Gates,” and “Ask”) seemed to garner the loudest applause, but the new songs shined, especially a rockabilly number where a standup bass was slapped.

At 50 years old, Morrissey still puts on an energetic show. For the encore, he and the band joined hands at the front of the stage, took a long low bow, and returned to their positions for the final song, "The First of the Gang to Die." As the song neared its end, he ripped off his shirt and threw it into the audience where a brief shirt fight ensued.

• Artist: Morrissey
• Venue: Copley Symphony Hall
• Date: December 8, 2009