Morrissey plays rare Smiths song for first time in almost 3 decades during 2026 tour
After postponing two shows at the beginning of the year, veteran rock legend Morrissey began his 2026 tour by surprising fans with a performance of a deep cut from The Smiths that had not been played live in 29 years. The iconic musician, born Steven Morrissey, delighted the crowd at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas by delivering a rendition of “Paint a Vulgar Picture” from The Smiths’ 1987 album “Strangeways, Here We Come” on Saturday, January 10.
Critics have described “Paint a Vulgar Picture” as a scathing commentary on the music industry and the exploitation of tragic deaths for profit by corporate executives. In the song, Morrissey conveys a cynical view of record label meetings and the commercialization of deceased stars. Despite the song’s dark undertones, fans were thrilled to witness Morrissey’s interpretation of this rare gem from The Smiths’ discography, especially given that he had not performed it live since 1997.
According to Rolling Stone, “Paint a Vulgar Picture” is just one of the many beloved Smiths tracks included in Morrissey’s current tour setlist. Additional classic hits from the band such as “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” “How Soon Is Now?,” “I Know It’s Over,” and “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” have also made appearances in his performances. Fans have expressed their joy at hearing these iconic songs once again, with one commenting on a YouTube video of the show, “Love when he brings back Smiths songs on the setlist! I am a big fan of his solo stuff, I saw him in Houston almost 2 years ago and I wish that he would’ve played more Smiths like he is now.”
Another fan marveled at Morrissey’s ability to capture the essence of The Smiths’ music, stating, “He is the only person to sing The Smiths songs. My goodness, this is just beautiful. Every word with feeling & true emotion.” Despite the positive reception of his recent performances, Morrissey’s tendency to cancel shows has been a cause for concern among concert-goers. This year alone, he called off two shows citing health reasons and has a history of canceling performances due to various circumstances, including safety concerns.
While fans eagerly await Morrissey’s upcoming concert in Oklahoma City, scheduled for Tuesday night, January 13, the unpredictability of his tour schedule has left many wondering if he will follow through with all his commitments. With over 400 canceled, postponed, or shortened sets under his belt, Morrissey’s reputation for last-minute changes to his tour dates is well-established. Despite these setbacks, fans continue to flock to his shows, eager to hear the music of The Smiths brought to life by the legendary performer.