After mystery and speculation, Morrissey’s return to Brazil is confirmed. The legendary lead singer of The Smiths will have two performances in capital cities in September.
The 40year career tour kicks off September 27 in São Paulo at the Moviestar Arena. With no further speculation about dates, the second performance will take place on September 30th in Brasilia at the Opera Hall.
Confirmation of the shows is available on Morrissey Central, a site where the artist posts thoughts and career updates.
Morrissey
Born May 22, Stephen Patrick Morrissey, a shy and misfit young man, emerged from the darkness to become one of music’s most influential figures. His journey began with an obsession with movies and music that led him to write a fanzine about the New York Dolls and voice his opinions in the weekly music magazine Melody Maker.
In the 70’s punk scene he was involved in music projects such as Slaughter & the Dogs and The Nosebleeds. But it wasn’t until 1982 that Morrissey met guitarist Johnny Marr, and their collaboration soon became one of the most prolific in British pop history. The release of the Smiths’ debut single entitled “Hand in Glove” a song that explored the issue of homosexuality catapulted her into the British underground star.
As Morrissey rose to prominence, his ability to manipulate the media became apparent. In his interviews there were always explosive opinions, often aimed at shocking the public. His performances with flowers in his back pocket and a hearing aid, as well as his declared celibacy, sparked heated debate about the band and the singer’s sexuality.
Gifted with a deep cynicism as a poet, Morrissey was often misunderstood, leading people to believe he championed the absurdities he spoke about. The excitement surrounding the band only increased.
The Smiths’ selftitled debut album, released in 1984, was a smashing success. Morrissey then began voicing his political views, vehemently criticizing thenBritish Prime Minister Margareth Thatcher and defending vegetarianism hence the name of Smiths’ second album, Meat is Crime. In 1986, “The Queen Is Dead” was considered a masterpiece, but Morrissey and Marr were no longer in agreement. The guitarist left the band after the release of “Strangeways, Here We Come,” prompting Morrissey to end the Smiths and pursue a solo career.
Feeling betrayed by Marr’s departure, Morrissey collaborated with producer Stephen Street on the singles “Suedehead” and “Everyday is like Sunday” to good results. His first solo album, Viva hate, was well received, but Morrissey was slow to release his second album, Kill uncle, coinciding with the emergence of a new music scene in Manchester with bands such as the Stone Roses, Charlatans and Happy Mondays dominating on the radio. Morrissey was considered a relic of the past.
Despite a solid record Your Arsenal, a throwback to ’70s mock rock produced by legendary guitarist Mick Ronson, Morrissey stayed low in England. At that time he turned to the USA, where his popularity continued to grow. Tickets to a show at the legendary Hollywood Bowl sold out quickly, even tickets to a Beatles concert at the same venue exceeded sales.
With renewed confidence, Morrissey released a string of records on various labels including Vauxhall and I, the compilation The World of Morrissey, Southpaw Grammar and Maladjusted. In the end, however, it was swallowed up by the ruthless American market. Even without a label, he continued to enjoy great popularity at his concerts, but did not release any new music for seven years until finally releasing “You are the quarry” in 2004. The album, fierce as ever, propelled him to living rock legend status in both England and America.