Untitled Document

Boz live in Manchester, 27th jan 2002

Boz's first ever solo gig in Manchester took place at Matt & Phred's, a bohemian jazz club in Manchester's burgeoning cultural district, the Northern Quarter. The ambience of the club was just perfect for the gig - very laid back, cozy, candle-lit tables and pretty much sold out. Support was provided by a solo Folk singer from Manchester who played somewhat Bob-Dylanesque songs, accompanied by only his guitar.

The audience was quite eclectic, comprising, of course, Morrissey-fans, Rockabillies, people not fitting either category, but overall pretty much people of all ages and shapes. The venue can probably hold about 300 people, and it was nearly full. At about 9:45pm Boz entered the venue through the front door, together with Lyn and Michael Bracewell and Linder Sterling, two friends of Morrissey's, who took a table right by the stage.

Boz opened the show with a Rockabilly tune "Jeepster" by Marc Bolan, followed by Bowie's "I'm only dancing". By then, Boz had lost all stage-fright and launched into the first Morrissey song of the evening, "Why don't you find out for yourself", which was well received by the crowd. The fact that it was Boz and his acoustic guitar alone made the song sound even more beautiful than sung by Morrissey backed by a full band. The next song was "Electric Chair" by the Delta's, much to the delight of Manchester's Rockabillies, all of whom seemed to have been present that night! After commenting on Manchester's fine curry cuisine, he propelled himself into "Jack the Ripper", which led to some of the members of the audience to sing-a-long...quite loudly....

Boz explained the story behind "Kit", a song which never made it onto "Maladjusted" - shame really! This was followed by "The longest sleep", a folky song he wrote for his father shortly after he passed away.Songs by Adam Ant ("Alien"), Marc Bolan ("Cosmic Dancer") and a beautiful rendition of "Don't come the Cowboy with me" were played.

Several Rockabilly tunes followed, including songs by Sonny George and The Polecats. Then, a great version of "The more you ignore me, the closer I get" was played, and every single member of the audience, including an enthusiastic Lyn Boorer, took over the vocals. "Children of the Revolution" by T-Rex was played, followed by two more Rockabilly tunes. Boz decided to play "Certain People I Know", and then "Now My Heart Is Full", possibly the highlight of the evening. Virtually everyone in the room was singing loudly and one wonders what people passing by outside the venue must have thought! "Used to be a Sweet Boy", "Telegraph Sam" by T-Rex and "What Do I Get" by Manchester's own The Buzzcocks finished off the evening nicely. It has to be said that the last 4 or 5 songs were encores - the audience would not allow Boz to sit down at the table with Lyn, Michael and Linder.

Overall, the show was a great success, and everyone seemed to have a great time. The set covered Boz's complete repertoire, as Boz put it "doing my own tribute gig". What was particularly nice was the fact that many non-Morrissey fans were present. After the show, Boz took the time to spend time with his fans, who could take pictures, chat to him and get memorabilia signed. Let's hope Boz will return soon to the Northern Republic of Mancunia!

Svenja, Boz, Kevin - livin' it large!

Svenja Brandenburg Feb 2002

Boz's first ever solo gig in Manchester took place at Matt & Phred's, a bohemian jazz club in Manchester's burgeoning cultural district, the Northern Quarter. The ambience of the club was just perfect for the gig - very laid back, cozy, candle-lit tables and pretty much sold out. Support was provided by a solo Folk singer from Manchester who played somewhat Bob-Dylanesque songs, accompanied by only his guitar.
	The audience was quite eclectic, comprising, of course, Morrissey-fans, Rockabillies, people not fitting either category, but overall pretty much people of all ages and shapes. The venue can probably hold about 300 people, and it was nearly full. At about 9:45pm Boz entered the venue through the front door, together with Lyn and Michael Bracewell and Linder Sterling, two friends of Morrissey's, who took a table right by the stage.
Boz opened the show with a Rockabilly tune "Jeepster" by Marc Bolan, followed by Bowie's "I'm only dancing". By then, Boz had lost all stage-fright and launched into the first Morrissey song of the evening, "Why don't you find out for yourself", which was well received by the crowd. The fact that it was Boz and his acoustic guitar alone made the song sound even more beautiful than sung by Morrissey backed by a full band. The next song was "Electric Chair" by the Delta's, much to the delight of Manchester's Rockabillies, all of whom seemed to have been present that night! After commenting on Manchester's fine curry cuisine, he propelled himself into "Jack the Ripper", which led to some of the members of the audience to sing-a-long...quite loudly....
Boz explained the story behind "Kit", a song which never made it onto "Maladjusted" - shame really! This was followed by "The longest sleep", a folky song he wrote for his father shortly after he passed away.Songs by Adam Ant ("Alien"), Marc Bolan ("Cosmic Dancer") and a beautiful rendition of "Don't come the Cowboy with me" were played.

	Several Rockabilly tunes followed, including songs by Sonny George and The Polecats. Then, a great version of "The more you ignore me, the closer I get" was played, and every single member of the audience, including an enthusiastic Lyn Boorer, took over the vocals. "Children of the Revolution" by T-Rex was played, followed by two more Rockabilly tunes. Boz decided to play "Certain People I Know", and then "Now My Heart Is Full", possibly the highlight of the evening. Virtually everyone in the room was singing loudly and one wonders what people passing by outside the venue must have thought! "Used to be a Sweet Boy", "Telegraph Sam" by T-Rex and "What Do I Get" by Manchester's own The Buzzcocks finished off the evening nicely. It has to be said that the last 4 or 5 songs were encores - the audience would not allow Boz to sit down at the table with Lyn, Michael and Linder.
Overall, the show was a great success, and everyone seemed to have a great time. The set covered Boz's complete repertoire, as Boz put it "doing my own tribute gig". What was particularly nice was the fact that many non-Morrissey fans were present. After the show, Boz took the time to spend time with his fans, who could take pictures, chat to him and get memorabilia signed. Let's hope Boz will return soon to the Northern Republic of Mancunia!	Svenja, Boz, Kevin - livin' it large!
	Svenja Brandenburg Feb 2002