Army of Moz

Online Morrissey fan group Mozarmy is set to stage a charity event at an inner city Manchester nightclub on May 26th, 2013 in order to raise money for the Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home. 

There isn’t a person on Earth with a working knowledge of popular culture who would dispute the fanaticism of Morrissey/The Smiths followers. But far from sitting in the solitude of their dark bedrooms listening to the songs that saved their lives, modern day Morrissey fans have evolved with the times to ensure they stay connected with their hero’s music and, more importantly, each other.

Smiths and Morrissey fans around the globe have embraced a virtual Twitter group called Mozarmy like a second family. The online fan collective, founded by London-based Scot Julie Hamill (@marriedtothemoz), brings together like-minded music fans sharing a common obsession with all things Morrissey and The Smiths. Julie is the perfect leader for such a group, as her riveting ’15 Minutes’ interview series with Morrissey/Smiths collaborators proves (juliehamill.com).

Perform a Twitter #Mozarmy search and you will discover lyric trade-offs, witty banter, news updates, the weekly Mozarmy quiz, picture swapping and possibly some virtual romance between far-flung Moz disciples perched on opposite sides of the world.

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This unique fan club is set to take their commitment to the next level by staging a unique Morrissey/Smiths night with special guests in legendary Manchester venue Star & Garter on May 26th, 2013.

The night is not only a chance for virtual friends to discover whom among them is real, but it will also feature appearances and entertainment by noted artists and Morrissey/Smiths associates as well as raise funds for local animal charity the Manchester & Cheshire Dogs’ Home.

Manchester legend and Smiths/Morrissey photographer Kevin Cummins will be taking photos on the evening, broadcaster/performer and Morrissey fan Amy Lamé is hosting a special quiz while former Morrissey drummer Andrew Paresi and bassist Jonny Bridgwood will be making appearances.

More surprise guests to be confirmed closer to the event.

Tickets are available for £12 (+ fee) from mozarmymeet-estw.eventbrite.com

For more information contact Julie Hamill via contact@juliehamill.com

First Annual Mozarmy Meet

Star & Garter Manchester

Sunday May 26th, 2013

8pm – 4am

Who am I that I come to be here?

Time for a quick poll. What consumes the attention of a FGV most?

Choices for answers:

1. Eating vegan food    2. Traveling    3. Morrissey

Well done to the readers who put a circle around all three answers. Let me take you on a little journey as a reward for your astuteness. Hold on as we take in the delights of Rome, Morrissey in concert and vegan gelato.

A few weeks ago I took a trip to a far off place to see Morrissey in concert. It was my first time in Italy and Rome certainly left a huge impression on me. The city was gorgeous of course, but the immense wealth harnessed and displayed by organised religion left a rather sour taste in my mouth.

The remedy for this was to find my way to Gelarmony, a gelato outlet with an entire case of vegan options. From an overwhelming range of flavours, I was able to whittle my choice  down to just three plus a healthy dose of vegan soya cream on top.

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Walk on with hope in your heart

My passion for veganism and my love of Morrissey often intersect, but not usually in such a meaningful manner as they did a few weeks ago.

When I heard world wide web whispers of a vegan fair taking place in the Midlands town of Wolverhampton, I went through my usual Morrissey tragic routine of recalling the significance this UK city holds for lovers of the Mancunian legend. As any Morrissey fanatic worth their weight in NME-related litigation would know, over 20 years ago the artist bestowed the honour of his first solo gig upon Wolverhampton. The Smiths had recently been consigned to pop history and Morrissey wanted to show the world he was ready to tread the boards once again.

The fact that a vegan fair was taking place in this historically-significant (for Moz fans) city was almost enough to get me there. What I found out next sealed the deal and got me leaving the south and travelling north (no horses were harmed).

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Oh hear my voice

Have you ever sat there in front of your laptop/computer/smart phone/tablet and drawn a complete blank when wondering what a FGV sounds like? Live in ignorance no more!

This weekend marks my first foray into being a radio show guest. The wonderful, charming and talented Jose Maldonado is graciously allowing me to keep him company during his weekly show dedicated to all things Smiths and Morrissey.

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