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Sunday, May 20, 2012

MORRISSEY AT THE KAKAAKO WATERFRONT PARK AMPHITHEATER


MORRISSEY
KAKAAKO WATERFRONT PARK AMPHITHEATER

I had to do some talking and promise a few bribes to get my wife and daughter to go to a Morrissey concert with me.  I grew up listening to the Smith's in the 80's when Morrissey was something of a cult figure and rock god.  I can remember pounding a few brews and closing my eyes listening to his melodic tunes.  Always wanted to see him in person and really did not think it would ever happen in Hawaii.  But Steven Morrissey did come to our little Island after only waiting 20 years.  Just days after his 53rd birthday Morrissey did a show on Maui and one on Oahu.  The Oahu show was held at the Kakaako Waterfront Park Amphitheater which I did not know existed until this night.  The amphitheater is located on a small hill overlooking the ocean just minutes from downtown Honolulu.  There is plenty of parking (free and paid) around the venue.  You can bring something to sit on but that is about it.  No chairs, coolers, outside food or beverages allowed.  There are three or four food tents selling pizza, fried chicken and vegetarian things.  Better to eat before or after the event.  The entrance process may take some patience.  We arrived an hour before the show to find a long line waiting to get in.  The process takes time because they actually card everyone in attendance.  Those over 21 are given a wrist band that allows them to purchase alcohol and sit on the left of the amphitheater.  Those under 21 or with families are seated on the right side.  There is a double orange fence and security guards separating the two sides.  Roughly two thirds of over 21 on the left and one third of space on right with the under 21 crowd.  I got a over 21 wrist band and walked over to purchase a beer.  Had to finish it before returning to the under 21 side.  There were a lot of beer taps and bars serving just about everything.  A 12 oz brew set me back $7.  I pounded it and went back to the family.  Kind of liked the under 21 side.  It was not crowded and very mellow.  We laid out our blanket and stretched out without anyone really close to us.  Loved this venue and will return again for more concerts.  It is better than the Waikiki Shell because there are no sound restrictions.  In Kakaako you can turn up the volume and rock.  And rock Morrissey did.  I loved the concert.  Morrissey's voice is still there and he can reach the notes and melodies that made the Smith's one of the most influential bands in Great Britain.  When Morrissey sang "Everyday is like Sunday", I got goose bumps and thanked the lord for this night.  I looked over and both my girls were under blankets sleeping. 
VIDEO BELOW.

MORRISSEY STILL HAS THE VOICE.  HE TOOK
OF HIS SHIRT AND THREW IT INTO THE AUDIENCE

LONG LINE TO ENTER THE KAKAAKO PARK AMPHITHEATER 

AMPHITHEATER OVERLOOKS THE OCEAN

ORANGE FENCE SEPARATES OVER 21 FROM UNDER 21

TERRACED OUTDOOR SEATING ON GRASS

GREAT PLACE TO SEE A CONCERT

AMPHITHEATER HOLDS AROUND 7,000 PEOPLE

THANKS FOR COMING BACK TO HAWAII MORRISSEY!

VIDEO OF MORRISSEY LIVE
"EVERYDAY SEEMS LIKE SUNDAY"

4 comments:

  1. This was a great review from a great show. Wished he would have played a little longer... but had an awesome night.

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  2. Found your blog while looking up Outrigger Canoe Club, lol... Drew! I had no idea you were a Morrissey fan! I was trying to get Evan to go with me (he loves 'How Soon is Now'), but he wouldn't budge. :(

    Anyway, hugs to you, Shirley and Keli!

    ~andrea

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  3. Aloha Drew,
    I realize the Maestro's show was 9 years ago but came upon this site and was glad I did...Thank You for the incredible details and "blow by blow" description of the concert.
    I am a dedicated fan of both Smiths and Moz and waited a lifetime to see him. He actually played at Aloha Tower in 1992, of course I was stuck at work and thought he would never come back to Hawaii. In the 40 years I've lived in Hawaii, we've been fortunate to have some musical icons play there (Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Elvis, Rolling Stones (twice),The Police, and I can go on, but when Mozzer announced his intention to play Hawaii...I was not gonna miss this one...and brother I can relate about bribes, promises and more bribes with the family also.
    I was located center stage, towards the right,right behind the VIP area..he was so close, I was just mesmerized that my fav of fav musical icon was right there.
    Not bragging, have seen almost everyone live in Honolulu, not any bands before 1981,when I moved to Oahu, but this show and because of Morrissey was absolute, I can't even think of a word for it. Heavenly...who knows, who cares.
    Nevertheless, again thanks for documenting the event and keep on rocking in the free world 🌎
    Best Regards,
    Robert

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  4. P.S. Didn't know your a local boy,and do good eats...sux getting old,ya 4get da kine fast...anywho sorry if I sounded like I was preaching to the choir about icons playing on Oahu...we probably were at most of the same shows either at the Blaisdell or Aloha Stadium and smaller venues here. Anywhat, have Happy Holidays and to be continued

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