5 days ago
Motley crew of Morrissey fans camp outside 3Arena ahead of Dublin gig
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A motley crew of Morrissey fans have camped outside the 3Arena for two nights to make sure they're front and centre for the enigmatic crooner's Dublin gig tonight.
The former Smiths frontman has legions of devoted fans — and has since he partnered up with Johnny Marr, Mike Joyce, and Andy Rourke to form The Smiths in the early 1980s. After a successful few years together, the band split at the end of the decade, and Moz went solo.
He is taking to the stage at the old Point Depot on Saturday night. And outside the arena, the pavement has been transformed into a vibrant camp by a devoted legion of followers.
One of them is Chris Forrester, from Chorlton in Manchester, who has travelled across the Irish Sea to secure his coveted spot at the barrier. And for him and his fellow devotees, the two-day wait feels more like a pilgrimage.
'I travelled with my Welsh friend Sophie from Manchester Airport,' he explained. 'We got here on Thursday evening for a show on Saturday.
"We've been scouting out the venue since we landed." The group gathered outside is truly global, with fans from London, Cardiff, Vienna, Barcelona, New York, Tokyo, and Chris' own Chorlton among their ranks.
Chris told us how they have kept busy during the wait. He said: 'We're currently sat outside the venue dodging the rain, hiding red wine in Starbucks cups, talking about things we think are heady, and playing Dobble.'
For Chris, Moz's pull is indescribable, but he does know he is proud to be present for a gig in his ancestral home - as Morrissey was born to Dublin emigrants in Manchester. 'I don't think I can explain what Morrissey means to me easily,' he admits.
'I'd need a psychoanalyst for that, to tell me why I sleep on the pavement to be at the front row. Morrissey has called us 'the art deco people', although I'd say I'm more of a brutalist.
"I suppose I just want to be there. I feel lucky to be on the planet at the same time as Mozza and want to make the most of that.
"It sounds lofty, I'm sure - but it's the only way I can describe it. Especially at a Dublin show, like a homecoming for the Irish son, and coming from Irish roots myself it feels special being here.
"I think it's important to say how much we and I love M and how much he means to us." And the queue outside the 3Arena is a testament to Morrissey's enduring appeal.
'The multi-generational fan pool shows his appeal to people of all ages,' Chris added. 'We have fans here who saw him in The Smiths, and fans who are Gen Z.'
This queuing is no anomaly, as similar scenes have unfolded at previous gigs. In 2022, the Manchester Evening News reported fans queuing for 24 hours outside Manchester's Apollo arena, braving the elements for a chance to be close to the stage.
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