Review: Mexrrissey at the Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea

The downbeat miserabilism of Morrissey and The Smiths is given a mariachi makeover by a bunch of Mexicans, and it’s a revelation.

It helps that it’s obviously a labour of love for Mexrrissey rather than a mickey-take, plus for anyone who really knows Mozza, it really allows his humour to shine through – Girlfriend In A Coma with a cha cha cha chorus is really something to behold.

It also helps that they’re damned fine tunes of course.

From the opening song First Of The Gang To Die through to an encore of Suedehead (there is no literal Spanish translation apparently), and How Soon Is Now, the songs soar above the dancing crowd.

Mexrrissey’s album is a little disappointing as (presumably for licensing reasons) there are no Smiths songs, just Morrissey’s solo material.

Live, it’s the earlier material that works best, especially when Johnny Marr’s guitar licks are replaced with a chirruping trumpet on Ask and Panic.

The highlight is Bigmouth Strikes Again, which is transformed into a stomping, fist-pumping dance anthem.

I’m sure the great man himself would approve and if every day was like this day, no-one would be complaining.