Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
Many people reading this column may be familiar with the 1986 hit song by longtime British rock group The Smiths, “Bigmouth Strikes Again.” In it then-lead vocalist, Morrissey, sings in his sweet-sounding, unique falsetto voice, “Sweetness, I was only joking when I said I’d like to smash every tooth in your head; by rights you should be bludgeoned in your bed.”
From early on, it was clear the controversial, highly opinionated, extremely talented singer/songwriter marched to the beat of his own distinct drum, unafraid to speak his mind about highly-sensitive topics like politics including the Me Too movement (he’s decidedly ultra-conservative, upsetting many of longtime fans), and animal rights (“Meat Is Murder” is the title of an album by The Smiths). Morrissey to this day doesn’t permit the sale of meat products at his concerts.
The Smiths broke up in 1987 so Morrissey (full name: Steven Patrick Morrissey) launched a solo career in 1988. He comes to Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino on Friday, Nov. 15, his third time playing here. He previously performed at Borgata in 2007 and the now-closed House of Blues in 2013, both sold-out shows. He was scheduled to play Revel Casino in 2016, but it closed.
He clearly has a soft side, which can be heard to fine effect on songs like “Everyday Is Like Sunday,” “Suedehead,” “Now My Heart Is Full,” and “Let Me Kiss You,” to name a few. Simultaneously blending macabre imagery and emotion with songs dripping with melodrama, the 65-year-old Morrissey could be considered the godfather of the melodic, dramatic popular genre called Emo.
On a related note, “Bonfire Of The Teenagers” is the title of an album he recorded in 2020-21 to be released by Capitol Records. But the label chose not to due to the LP’s controversial title, which referenced the 2017 Manchester Arena (UK) bombing at an Ariana Grande concert, deeming it commercially risky and leading to the singer’s departure from Capitol.
As great a lyricist as Morrissey is – and he’s one of modern rock’s best – his interview quotes are even better. “When I’m lying in my bed I think about life and I think about death and neither one particularly appeals to me,” the musician is quoted as saying. “Age shouldn’t affect you. It’s just like the size of your shoes – they don’t determine how you live your life! You’re either marvelous or you’re boring, regardless of your age.”
From a talent perspective, Morrissey is marvelous. Check out his Ocean Casino show and you’ll see why. (500 Boardwalk, AC; Tickets/info: https://www.theoceanac.com/entertainment/ovation-hall).
Chicago Rocks Hard Rock Live: While we were bummed for missing Lenny Kravitz at Ocean last weekend (one of those medical things), Sue and I did catch a stellar performance by rock legends Chicago last Saturday night at Hard Rock Live. The 10-piece band still features three original members from when they formed in 1967, including now-80-year-old pianist/vocalist, Robert Lamm.
They’ve done a great job of incorporating new members into the fold – most notably, current vocalist Neil Donell, former singer for a Chicago tribute band, Brass Transit – who joined them in 2018 and sounds remarkably like original Chicago singer, Peter Cetera.
Chicago performed two solid, smokin’, hour-long sets of all their greatest hits (too many to list here). One of the best shows I’ve experienced since moving back to Atlantic City in 2022.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
