2 October 1997
Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, Canada

Maladjusted
The Boy Racer
Alma Matters
Billy Budd
Reader Meet Author
Wide To Receive
Ambitious Outsiders
The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get
Roy's Keen
Speedway
Now My Heart Is Full
Paint A Vulgar Picture
The Teachers Are Afraid Of The Pupils
/Shoplifters Of The World Unite
To the relief of many, Morrissey proved the tour cancellation rumours wrong by taking the stage again in Vancouver, after just one cancelled date. The man was enjoying himself and appeared to be over the "Chicago flu". He looked full of energy and ready to resume the tour. Security only consisted of a few men and no barrier, so it was reasonably easy to climb on stage. However fans were rather reserved and didn't take advantage of this until the end. The setlist returned to the earlier standard of 14 songs. The concert was unfortunately not sold out.

Morrissey started the concert with a shout of "Good morning!" before going into the standard set opener "Maladjusted". Following "The Boy Racer" he replied to someone's comment with the question "Why?". A line was changed in "Alma Matters" to "So, the life I have made may seem sick to you". As the band was about to launch into "Billy Budd" he told someone "Out! Out!". He missed one line in "The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get" but just grimaced and kept on singing. After "Roy's Keen" he asked the audience "Are you all bored stiff yet? (crowd: no!) You will be!". A fan made it on stage during "The Teachers Are Afraid Of The Pupils" and, cheered by the audience, knelt before Morrissey to show him a "MOZ" tattoo on his back. The singer turned to the audience and grinned, looking impressed.

During the encore of "Shoplifters Of The World Unite" Morrissey ripped the shirt off his body and threw it into the crowd. Fans decided to rush the stage and in their haste, collided with Morrissey who almost fell on his back. As he was unable to finish the song he decided to leave. The band immediately followed him as they were also unable to finish the song. Many people were disappointed by this abrupt ending and started shouting at the fans on stage. They blamed them for cutting the show short, not knowing that "Shoplifters Of The World Unite" was the final planned song anyways.

"Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself" was heard soundchecked. It would be added to the setlist at the end of the month.

 


A rather good audience recording of the complete set is circulated on bootlegs, including the internet, sometimes under the title "Vancouver 1997" (recorder: leche27).

 

Do you have information about this concert? Or do you own an uncirculated recording of it? If yes please contribute and get credited.