More about: Morrissey

Morrissey has claimed the UKIP election was rigged, and angered fans who see his remark as support for anti-Islam candidate Anne Marie Waters.

Stood before just over a hundred audience members with a brightly lit BBC 6Music sign behind him, Morrissey - who is no stranger to controversy - made the following comment early into his set: "I was very surprised the other day, it was very interesting for me to see Anne Marie Waters become the head of UKIP. Oh no, sorry, she didn’t, the voting was rigged. I forgot.”

An eerie, awkward silence followed before Morrissey added: “You don’t get it, did you? You obviously don’t read the news.”

Marie Waters has been open about her ambition to move UKIP to a form of cultural nationalism based around religious intolerance. The stony silence broken by a few awkward chuckles were indicative of the discomfort that the audience felt in light of his comment. Meanwhile, people listening to the performance on the radio were far more vocal, condemning what they deem as support for the far-right:

Morrissey declares support for (UKIP candidate, Tommy Robinson collaborator) Anne Marie Waters on 6Music. Remind me how he's "not a racist"?

— Simon Price (@simon_price01) October 2, 2017

Apparently Morrissey just came out in support of Anne Marie Waters and the internet has gone into a meltdown.

— The House Of WTF? (@TheHouseOfWTF) October 2, 2017

Morrissey has previously voiced support for UKIP candidate Nigel Farage, calling him a liberal educator.

The singer's performance as a whole was very politically orientated and one of maverwick opinions there to unsettle the government.

Before introducing the song 'All Young People Must Fall In Love', he said, "Politics dominates the world. When you leave today everything is linked to Westmonster and all those people who wouldn't be caught dead with you - I won't name names, Theresa May [...]"

"F*ck Theresa May," said someone in the crowd. "I'd rather not," replied Morrissey, dryly.

Meanwhile, material from 2014 album, 'World Peace Is None of Your Business', has gained renewed relevance in light of the police violence against protestors Catalonia. He spoke out against the police, and against Spain, before introducing his cut 'The Bullfighter Dies'. And earlier in the set segued the line "Even in Catalonia the Police can be bribed" into his song 'Ganglord'.

'We say free Catalonia from Spain, We say free the bull from Spain' : Morrissey vocal in his compassion towards those hurt in Barcelona pic.twitter.com/ZCowFg3gOK

— Gigwise (@Gigwise) October 2, 2017

In terms of instrumentation, the live set was a diverse affair. It included accordian, guitars loaded with stombbox effect pedals, slide guitar solos, his keyboardist singing in his native Spanish, digeridoo and multiple percussion instruments - Morrissey himself even waved a tamborine at one point. It all came together to create, a dark, brooding soundscape, fitting for Morrissey's bleak lyrics.

As for material from the forthcoming album, Low In High School - an album he confessed his excitement at having created - the songs fit seamlessly alongside older stuff.  The band appeared well-drilled and Morrissey was in commanding form, yet displeased with, 'When You Open Your Legs' as he said  it would get scrapped from the set.

You can listen to the full performance here from the 2 hour mark.

Morrissey played

You Have Killed Me
I Wish You Lonely *live debut
Spent The Day In Bed *live debut
Speedway
Istanbul
Ganglord
Jacky's Only Happy When She's Up On The Stage * live debut
Back On The Chain Gang *live debut
World Peace Is None Of Your Business
The Bullfighter Dies
When You Open Your Legs
Jack The Ripper
Home Is A Question Mark
All Young People Must Fall In Love
My Love, I'd Do Anything For You
I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris

More about: Morrissey