Ireland - you lucky people!
Well what an opportunity. Morrisey had named
us as his favourite band in the 1985 NME poll, and shortly afterwards we were
contacted to be asked if we would like to do a short tour of Ireland with
the Smiths. Would we like to tour with the Smiths? It took a bout two milliseconds
to agree. The tour was only 3 dates (Dublin, Dundalk and Belfast), but was
fantastic. Crowds were wonderful - what lovely people they are over there!
We were made to feel as wanted as the Smiths.
The Smiths themselves were all very friendly,
except (and this may not suprise you) Morrisey himself, who stayed very much
apart. We did not even meet him until the last day. I remember seeing him
walking towards me and wondering how I could stop myself from being uncool
and blabbing at him. He shook hands with most of the band, but Big Jon, who
was eating peanuts at the time, thought Morrisey wanted some, and promptly
filled his hand with peanuts. Morrisey stopped, looked down at the peanuts,
said "thank you" and walked away. This was the extent of my meeting
with him. Ah well....