I have a book of photographs.

I have a "Live in Dallas" video.

I have 3 CD's and an almost complete collection of Smiths on vinyl, but never have I attended a live show.

That was about to change.

8:30 pm - Arriving at the venue, I present my ticket and my I.D. to the gal at the window and was given this cryptic message written on an envelope:

"Meet at stage door right at 9pm"

Oh dear Lord, I get a photo pass. I hold the envelope in my hand with a Kung-Fu grip.

8:40 pm - I make my way down to the front of the theatre with a couple of friends and check out the remaining set of the opening band Elcka. They were good and loud with a charismatic lead singer that warmed the crowd with a series of slinky moves. I notice the barricade that holds back a crowd of people 6 or 7 deep. Some have flowers to present to the big M. They all look sweaty and happy.

9:00 pm - A red-shirted dude with a headset promptly appears at stage right with photo passes and hands them out to myself and three photographers.

"You have stage access for three songs and NO flash" he barked.

We are led in front of the barricade and I immediately assume position against the stage, right under what I knew would be Morrissey's mic stand.

9:15 pm - The lights go down a bit and fog billows out over the stage. The crowd lets out an orgasmic scream. A pre-taped drum solo begins and runs for about 3 or 4 minutes then it's lights out all the way while HE takes the stage followed by his band. More deafening Live At Buddokhan like screaming. Morrissey has a tambourine over his face and plays around with it a bit before greeting the capacity crowd with one of those growls that he does.

They launch into Maladjusted and I can feel that I'm sporting a ridiculous king-sized freakin' grin. The next thing I know Morrissey whips his microphone cord onto my head, almost ripping my hat off. Contact has been made, and from then on details become hazy.

I remember Alma Matters then I was told by a thuggish yellow-shirted dude that my time against the stage was over. I did not want to go. I felt like an eight year-old at the pony rides. NO! I DON'T WANNA GO! But I did, and enjoyed the rest of the show near stage right. I was struck by Morrissey's new style, which is very dad-like, with slate grey "slacks" and low heeled loafers. It works for him, and is especially striking when he starts unbuttoning his shirt. It was great to see the familiar faces of his band members, who look the same as they did in 1991, coiffed and dressed just right. I was surprised, however, that they were using a backing track for their vocals. Not that it took anything away from the show. All the effects and loops were rich and organic, adding a precision to Morrissey's free-form dynamics.

Taking the stage for their encore Shoplifters of the World Unite I felt a bit more complete as a human being, having been front row center at a Morrissey concert.

Review Cathy Sorbo, Photography Alex Crick. Thanks to Paulette at Mercury for making this review possible.

Rating -890,564 (out of a possible 1,000,000)

electronicmusic.com/features/reviews/events/morrissey.html