Morrissey To Play In Tehran?

Steven Patrick Morrissey has always marched to the beat of his own drummer. While Dee Snider and David Coverdale were hairspray fucking raucous crowds in the late 80s, the former Smiths frontman was quietly pleasing art house fans with thought-provoking and literary referenced performances. Now, the eccentric singer is ready to take his message to a new audience: the Middle East.

According to NME, Morrissey is in talks with Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance to play a concert in Tehran. I’m sure ex-British Prime Minister Tony Blair is thrilled. Good for Morrissey. If the gig receives approval, it will likely take place in June and feature a performance by Arab pop star Kazem al-Sahir. Even if an Iranian permit isn’t granted, a series of concerts will go forward throughout the Middle East.

A more politically centered journalist might call this potential performance an immoral exhibition for our enemies, but I think a little cultural exchange is what’s needed. I applaud Morrissey for his forward thinking, and I hope thousands show up to bask in the brilliant singer’s glory.