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Morrissey at the Sylvain Sylvain show (May 16)
Posted on Sun, Jul 11 1999 at 9:16 p.m. PDT
by David T. <[email protected]>
Thanks to Ferni Zavala for the following:

Back on May 16th I heard about a series of shows called "Sweatin' To The Oldies" at Al's Bar in LA. I didn't go to the first night, but I did go to the second night which featured (former guitarist for the New York Dolls) Sylvain Sylvain and the punk band Street Walkin' Cheetahs.

Anyway, after four songs of the opening band I notice at the bar a man, who looked just like Morrissey. Well I didn't really make a big thing about it and just kept watching Papa Roach. But right before the Street Walkin' Cheetahs came on I walked towards the back to get a clearer view and this guy with an English accent said, "Excuse me sir, mind moving to the left a little? And oh by the way, I was at that show you know." I turned around and he was pointing to my shirt which was a Morrissey tour shirt with European dates on the back. The shirt was from the 1995 tour.

Well, what was next to come was expected. I was in shock and scared - I said, "Oh shit! you're Morrissey" and he said, "No, please call me Steven." We shook hands and then watched Street Walkin' Cheetahs do a blazin' set of original tunes and some Iggy Pop and New York Dolls tunes. After they were done the lights came back on and I was shocked to see what he looked like. He had kind of a light beard and his hair was very short, lots of gray hairs. We talked very briefly, and I asked him what was up with a new album, anytime soon? He said, "Don't worry too much. I still have enough fight in my throat. I'm still strong enough to do a new album." And then I asked why and who he came to the show with he said, "By myself, I often come to shows by myself.  And besides, I can never pass seeing Sylvain Sylvain. He is amazing and a brilliant man, should I ask him to be on my next record?" I said, "Fuck, yeah" and he said, "Well no one really likes old 70's punk rock anymore." (Then he sipped his drink. I think it was rum and coke, but not sure). "Punk is dead. The music is great but I don't think Alain would like that Sylvain touch on new material." Then he laughed.

A small group of people, I'd say less then five, came over and asked, "Hey are you Moz?" and he said, "Moz? hmmm Moz is that spelt with one Z or two Z's?" He smiled and said "Yes, I am." I was bumped away (by a girl who looked like a lame Bettie Page wannabe) then I felt it was time for me to leave him alone. I said to Morrissey, "Hope to see you after the show" and he replied, "Oh in case I make an early exit it was nice meeting you... um..." and I said my name "Fernando." "It was great meeting and talking with you Fernando." And just as I headed away from the bar and towards the stage I turned back and saw Morrissey head towards the side of the stage. He went backstage and that was the last I saw of him all night.

The reason I report this story is because in the June issue of BAM magazine here in LA it is mentioned in the section titled NIGHT FEVER that "at the Sylvain Sylvain show on May 16th major sensation was felt by some fans when former-Dolls fan club prez Morrissey was spotted and was cornered by some fans who noticed him." Sorry it was long but I had to go into great detail. And sorry I reported it late. I told everyone what happened and no one believes me, but since it was noted in BAM that he truly was there... I figured what the hell, I'll send my story to Morrissey-solo.

* item archived - comments / notes can no longer be added.

Comments / Notes



this is a real sweet story, but.....would he really say :"No, please call me Steven"? Would he, hm?
elsberry <[email protected]>
- Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 04:58:17 (PDT)



That is amazing...phew..stories like this can tide me over until a new album....(of course he would elsbeere*l*)
Corey <[email protected]>
PA - Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 06:18:48 (PDT)



that is soo incredible and amazing im surprised he approached you though and yes he would say please call me steven because thats the kind of guy he is hmmm.... im thinkin its reunion time
someday soon <[email protected]>
mozland - Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 06:39:51 (PDT)



I must say I agree with the first comment. The whole story sounds contrived, and I am suspicious of the fact that "Ferni" waited until he read about the incident to report his own involvement. If it is true, though, Ferni, it matters not if I or others believe you; you have had a privelege of which most of us can only dream.
Tracye S. <[email protected]>
Huntsville, Alabama - Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 07:17:42 (PDT)



I belive you Ferni. Things like this happens from time to time. I just hope it`s my luck next time.
Bjørn Ove <[email protected]>
Norway - Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 08:17:03 (PDT)



Yeah... I have some pretty good fiction of my own that I've been writing. Maybe I'll send it to David, and he can print my story too...
Marrissey
- Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 09:44:41 (PDT)



You missed out the bit about the glass slipper and the wicked stepmother.
Consumer Monkey <[email protected]>
Manchester - Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 11:23:50 (PDT)



Fernando .. that was an amazing story! I Also Met Morrissey earlier this year, at the bowleramma, but when i met him i didnt even have the chance for a brief conversation! You were very lucky. People dont believe me either about meeting him, but then they hear from other people about the Bolweramma incident. So i can relate =)
[email protected] <H>
- Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 11:27:01 (PDT)



hey elsbeer & corey--fellow disappointers! :) why do people think Ferri is lying? I knew Moz was there 'cos Kenny saw him there too. Bryan told me lots of stuff about what Moz does in LA. Some of it is hard for people to believe, but I believe it all. :) I would never call Moz Steven though, that's a stupid name. If Moz sounds like a racehorse so be it.


thrilly
- Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 11:40:59 (PDT)



I thought the only person on earth allowed to call him Steven was his Mum.
The Girl Racer <[email protected]>
Chicago - Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 13:18:35 (PDT)



Well I guess it just grew on him in old age...what a guy...sheesh....I know it's gonna happen someday*l* well I hope so..when will it be my turn!?*L*
Corey <[email protected]>
- Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 13:38:15 (PDT)



not old age...eek...I just meant with age...our dear Steven isn't too old.*l*
Corey <[email protected]>
- Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 13:46:37 (PDT)



I didn*t say he was lying and the whole story was made up, it just sounds a little dodgy....maybe
elsberry <[email protected]>
- Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 14:16:52 (PDT)



Great moment for you. A night to remember. And some positive info. for a change . . . from THE source himself. And thanks for sharing . . . it's a pleasure to read a "chance meeting Moz" story that doesn't have a lot of hyperventilating spread throughout. Is that what it takes to make it more believable? Hmmm.
Nick Seriously
- Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 16:08:12 (PDT)



Are you referring to the Bowlerama (did I spell that right) in Eagle Rock? A friend of mine got in and met Morrissey there! I believe you AND Fernie!
Venus
- Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 17:02:43 (PDT)



Sometimes I do fantasize about running my hand along the bottom of his sharkskin suit before he draws me up closer to his body and looks at me with those eyes. They could be any color, but the intensity of his everyday gaze, which is already incredible and makes me blush, could only be a shadow compared to being drawn within inches of the end. I would murmur something and he would purr a laugh before brushing his face against mine and rest with his lips next to my ear and reply in a low growl....
mamma mia
beelzebub has a devil put aside for me - Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 17:46:35 (PDT)



fernando of the tall tales?

even if it's true or not, why do you all treat this matter as if this guy met Jesus Christ or something?
morrissey... let the guy just stay a performing artist, and not som guru of the sad and lonely... i mean just because you are doesn't mean that everyone else wants to hear about it. i am not trying to be an @#!!!, and if you got to know me you would realise i am pretty sad and lonely myself. but i am trying to make a point. whatever it was. but i changed my mind again. if i met morrissey i would ask him for a hug because his music makes me feel less sad and lonely.

love aaron

ps - perhaps that last gin & tonic was overdoing it...

Aaron <[email protected]>
Stockholm - Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 18:58:26 (PDT)



at first glance something was amiss. i am pleased to see that i am not the only suspicious one in the room. too much detail (the grey hair, etc.) for me. next week this fellow will be bummin' a smoke from johnny marr and chatting up bowie!
GO @#!!! IN YOUR HAT!

vincent
n.j. - Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 19:12:37 (PDT)



UNEQUIVOCALLY UNTRUE! GREY BEARD INDEED!

watching with a grin
loose angeles - Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 21:00:42 (PDT)



I guess the next record will be by 'Steven Morrissey'. Hm. I thought the dialogue in this story was too perfectly-remembered. It would be cool if it really happened, though.
i want to die
- Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 21:40:04 (PDT)



Hmmm...Moz with a grey beard. Sounds good to me, even if it is garbage...
Hellworthy
- Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 21:47:27 (PDT)



You know if I were that guy I would be all llike Morrissey can I shag you? lol J/k wow I would love to meet Morrissey he is my god! But oh well someday Im going to meet him!
Anna Serrano <[email protected]>
El Paso aka El Hell Hole, TX - Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 22:06:58 (PDT)



hmm..I am doubting the story now too....the part I doubt is the whole "do you think I should ask him to be on my next record?" or whatever and about alain....it's really fake...moz wouldn't say that....
Corey <[email protected]>
- Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 22:20:37 (PDT)



Ok from what i have read. mainly from all these comments posted i can respect if no one choices to believe my story. but it was true,even when i first told everyone i knew what had happened. even then it was hard for myself to believe, but i can not stress enough i swear my eno@#!!!er was real. and if you choose not to believe i can respect your thoughts. but it just kinda sucks cause i share my story cuase i'm proud to have, finally, met Morrissey and everyone calims it isn't true. i was there it was a real encounter, and am pround to say i met Morrissey.
Ferni Zavala
- Mon, Jul 12, 1999 at 23:44:36 (PDT)



Good for you. now everyone stop crying. Only the things I tell you will ever be real. There is no other way.
buddy <[email protected]>
- Tue, Jul 13, 1999 at 00:28:32 (PDT)



I've met Moz too, in san Francisco and in LA, and am familiar with his LA outings. While the story appears a bit otherworldly, what would someone benefit from lying here? Thanks for making us all jealous, but in a good way!
Josh <[email protected]>
- Tue, Jul 13, 1999 at 01:24:19 (PDT)



3 Things. 1-Would Morrissey really approach someone and brag about the fact that he's Morrissey? 2-Would he be hanging out in a place called "Al's Bar" (even if an old hero was playing)? 3-Would he EVER ask ANYONE to call him STEVEN?! Come on now!

John In NJ <[email protected]>
Trenton, NJ - Tue, Jul 13, 1999 at 07:49:20 (PDT)



1-no
2-yes
3-maybe

Johnny Marr <[email protected]>
Southern California - Tue, Jul 13, 1999 at 08:30:02 (PDT)



I sort of believe it. I had a weird dream the other night I was in a car with Morrissey and I was telling him how cool Saint Etienne is. Are you sure you weren't dreaming? If it is real, then good for you. I have never met a star I really liked in person.
jonecakes
- Tue, Jul 13, 1999 at 10:20:23 (PDT)



Any more sweet bedtime stories Ferni?
Yeah right!!
And how disrespectful you imagined yourself acting towards GOD!

Disappointed
- Tue, Jul 13, 1999 at 13:04:28 (PDT)



I read a fan encounter way back from '92 where Moz asked to be called Steven. That's no surprise. Al's bar? Why the hell not? Sylvain Sylvain was playing and 3 sources have told me he was there. What's the big surprise? Would Morrissey say he was at one of his own shows? He says that kind of stuff all the time. When Jed the Fish was telling Moz about a Smiths concert Mo-man said, "I was there." Duh. But the gray beard? haha, good one. :)
bored outta my mind
san de gringo - Tue, Jul 13, 1999 at 15:25:31 (PDT)



Reading this I know that my decision was right NOT to tell anyone that I once met Moz and had a 20 sec. conversation with him. Nobody would have believed me, so I enjoy this little thing on my own.
man with no name
- Tue, Jul 13, 1999 at 17:21:56 (PDT)



When I saw moz at the phoenix theater in petaluma CA, I overheard his rodies calling him steve! now isn't that discusting?
Dan Ger
- Wed, Jul 14, 1999 at 12:12:06 (PDT)



I believe you....

I think it's a case of the old saying 'don't throw your pearls before the swine'. Although the majority of fans out there seem to believe you and appreciate your fantastic experience, there are alot of swines who will let their jealousy blind them into ugly cynicism. Jealousy is all it is.

I wish I could meet Morrissey!!

Bec
London - Wed, Jul 14, 1999 at 14:48:26 (PDT)



I don't see why this is so hard for some of you to believe. In what way would it benefit him to lie. and don't you think if he was really going to lie he would've said something like, "Morrissey invited me over to his house" Now I could understand if people didn't believe that
Jae <[email protected]>
- Wed, Jul 14, 1999 at 16:27:32 (PDT)



ahh.I want to believe...and I am letting myself...I just find some of the things hard to swallow...humm
Corey <[email protected]>
- Wed, Jul 14, 1999 at 17:45:00 (PDT)



Yes I am actually jealous. For those in the know, where in LA is Morrissey? Maybe he has a computer I could fix.
On another note, I much prefer David Sylvian. His new cd is great and his others are not bad either. That haircut from Japan is gone too.

Not many people here knew you had to warm the teapot first......

Spiral Stairs
- Thu, Jul 15, 1999 at 00:18:20 (PDT)



could it be that Morrissey himself commented all the way from "loose angeles"?
Corey <[email protected]>
- Thu, Jul 15, 1999 at 07:16:52 (PDT)



Ah, please. Sounds like a load of someone's boredom. I agree w/ the comment that questioned the validity of the alleged statement by Moz:
"...call me Stephen." Remember: "Stephen is dead."

Joseph <[email protected]>
- Thu, Jul 15, 1999 at 09:05:14 (PDT)



Well, I'm sorry to see you assaulted this way. So, what makes these people arbitrarily decide what celebrity meet-up they choose to believe?

Many other people have posted things and most probably didn't get the sort of backlash this got. It's not like anyone here can get inside the mind of Morrissey and decide if that was a very Morrissey thing for him to do. I can understand him keeping very quiet until he had some sort of proof so that people wouldn't think he was a nutcase. Maybe you people can easily discuss something like that and broadcast it everywhere, but there are others that don't like being pestered for potentially being a fruitcake.

Maybe he also thought that telling everyone before there was some sort of newspaper article would be like giving dirty gossip, but changed his mind after he saw it. It also helps the credibility issue in having someone like David Tseng post it if there were media references.

So, voila. It's not a bad thing for someone not to make a huge fuss over something like this.



Suzanne <[email protected]>
non c'e male - Thu, Jul 15, 1999 at 16:30:49 (PDT)



Oh my dears,
maybe it all said and done here
maybe it is bull@#!!! I am talking about
but I try to, try to say and ask:

does it matter if he said things like
"Call me Steven, bblllllubbbb.or so...?.
People who know it better in their own ways of knowing him so well make me nervous
I am shakin, mother, steven
....
and by the way...hiho:
does it matter if the story is true or wrong?

but: "it really matters" if we we all so happy to hear something about the MOZ..

and now we all envying someone like fernando or so....
and ask if it happens or if not -
but you know - it does not matter - anymore

BUT: we should be satisfied enough about reading
so many words from so many ones about ONE
by quoting their own versions about ONE life, about moz. Oh my dears..
In fact. and dont be angy with me, it is good to hear so many voices, united in following the ONE called MOZ,. MOZZER, or Steven, or PAT or S.P.M.,................or..?

vaya con Morrissey
Fends

Oliver Fends <[email protected]>
Cologne - Thu, Jul 15, 1999 at 16:54:48 (PDT)



Ferni, if you ever read the comments again, i really would like to talk to you, if it is at all possible please e-mail me.
I Believe You

Curious <[email protected]>
- Thu, Jul 15, 1999 at 17:46:55 (PDT)



hi all

this whole discussion is a worry!

look, i have no idea what moz would say to me if i happened to encounter him in a stray bar, but "call me steven" wouldn't be out of the picture, now would it? it is his name after all and he does use his first name now and then, doesn't he?

ciao julie

julie <[email protected]>
oz - Fri, Jul 16, 1999 at 08:31:00 (PDT)



I believe this story. Truly, what is the point of lying? Congratulations on your encounter....and why is it so strange to remember the details, anyway?

Though I've never spoken to Morrissey personally I have had a couple encounters w/ him and I remember the details, the look in his eye, etc. Why? Because for anyone who truly feels a connection with him, the moment they are granted is precious.

One would be a dolt NOT to remember it all, and have the conviction to write it down in one's journal to preserve the feelings of the moment. Whose to say our dear friend Ferni didn't write it all down for posterity, thus easing his clarity of memory.

Cease the jealousy and be happy Morrissey is willing to make connections with his fans when he happens upon them. One day it could be you!

Amy Beth <[email protected]>
Columbus, Ohio - Sat, Jul 17, 1999 at 09:00:55 (PDT)



Thanks for the great story!

Mike Head
Denver - Sat, Jul 17, 1999 at 12:52:43 (PDT)



I would pay a pretty penny to hear mos say, "Moz? hmmm Moz is that spelt with one Z or two Z's?" *l* It cracks me up everytime and puts a smile on my face....hehe....
Corey <[email protected]>
- Sat, Jul 17, 1999 at 18:57:20 (PDT)



oops...I typed "Mos" by mistake....just stating that before someone else does*l*
Corey <[email protected]>
- Sat, Jul 17, 1999 at 18:58:37 (PDT)



Sometimes the mask has to drop...and the real Stephen comes shining through.

I touched his hand from the front of the Wolverhampton Civic Hall gig in 1988.

Do I get a prize??

J

James <[email protected]>
UK - Wed, Jul 21, 1999 at 10:10:15 (PDT)



This was a nice little story......
I was just waiting for Robert Smith to come knocking at the door as the "Big bad Wolf"....

So So LAME!

Confused
- Wed, Jul 21, 1999 at 12:40:23 (PDT)



CREATIVE WRITING 101 AT IT'S WORST!
FLESH RAMPAGE
n.j. - Wed, Jul 21, 1999 at 18:39:58 (PDT)



Are you guys all jealous or what's up with you?? Why shouldn't this have happened... I think it's great!
HollyG <[email protected]>
D - Thu, Jul 22, 1999 at 05:30:59 (PDT)



OK, Flesh Rampage, if you are so smart, then what is wrong with his story? I'm expecting a full report. Since I noticed you were in New Jersey, and not in L.A. because airfare was probably a little too expensive for you to meet anyone, I'll bet that's your main problem with it.

Suzanne
in the juke box - Sun, Jul 25, 1999 at 20:43:39 (PDT) | #52



This story is not true. Allow me to point out the anomolies;
1. A major Morrissey fan spots a lookalike at the bar, but forgets about it. He even later walks right up to the Morrissey doppelganger and stands close enough to block his view, but still doesn't realise he is standing in front of Morrissey.
2. Morrissey would not be stood "at the bar". He would be skulking in the shadows, and he probably wouldn't be alone - he's a security freak.
3. The dialogue is too accurate. Also some of the things which he claims "Morrissey" to have said just don't ring true; "It was great meeting and talking with you Fernando". I don't think so.

Someone asked why would Fernando make up such a story. Well, because he wants to be linked and associated with his idol. By getting his story told on the internet it adds creedence to it. Not only can Fernando point to his BAM magazine, he can now say "...and the fact that I met him is on the internet too...".

I'll finish by saying that I had an encounter with Johnny Marr at a La's gig in Manchester in the late 80's. If I told you the story, you would know I was telling the truth, because I would be describing a real event. It would ring true. But this tale doesn't. That's the way the cookie crumbles kids.

AB
Manchester, England - Sat, Jul 31, 1999 at 17:01:31 (PDT) | #53





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