A ‘Sweet & Tender’ Tribute To The Smiths

Last night I made my way down South to Anaheim, CA to see a couple of coverbands in concert. Now, I’m not a big fan of coverbands but I’ve been so curious to see The Smiths/Morrissey coverband Sweet & Tender Hooligans live in concert that I couldn’t resist making the trek to see them last night. I’ve been listening to The Smiths almost every single day for the past 6 months so, yeah, I’ve been on a definite kick lately. Hooligans performed last night with Strangelove, a Depeche Mode coverband and I have to tell you … they both put on fantastic shows. I had a blast! I snapped some photos and shot some video to give you a taste of last night’s superfun concert.

Now, my big problem with coverbands is how difficult it is for me to keep a straight face when they try to be so … authentic. I’ll admit it, I was smirking my ass off when Strangelove took the stage but they really did win me over. The band did look like Depeche Mode and the lead singer did sound a bit like Dave Gahan. I really enjoyed their set. My guess is the big 24 oz. PBRs I was drinking helped a bit but, yeah, I had a blast. The real stars of the show last night, tho, was Sweet & Tender Hooligans:

Lead singer Jose Maldonado not only looks like a Mexican Morrissey but he really does sound like him — a lot — when he sings. Watch these videos and tell me that Maldonado doesn’t sound almost exactly like Morrissey …

The Boy with the Thorn In His Side:

Panic:


Suedehead:


There Is A Light That Never Goes Out:


I can’t even tell you how impressed I was. Nothing will ever truly replace The Smiths but since that band will likely never, ever reunite and play together again … well, the Sweet & Tender Hooligans are a pretty fantastic replacement. I’ve been a fan of Maldonado‘s radio show Breakfast with the Smiths: The World of Morrissey and I’ve really been curious to see his coverband live in concert. I’m so glad I went to the show last night … it was really, really fun. I deffo plan to see the guys in concert again. If you get the chance to check them out, I urge you to do so … it’ll be the next best thing to seeing The Smiths live in concert ;)

Today will be a nice, relaxing Xmas Eve for me. I’m battling a bit of a cold so I plan on sleeping and being lazy. Tonight, I’m hoping to make it out to the LA Dead danceparty Frostbite. I’ve yet to find a suitable City Club replacement here in LA so … maybe I’ll find one for Xmas.

Happy Xmas, y’all!!!