That joke isn't funny anymore.
Fans of Morrissey were left in the lurch once again this past weekend when the British king of mope postponed yet another show, this time scheduled for White Oak Music Hall on Saturday, September 21. The reason? Tropical Storm Imelda — despite the fact that the White Oak lawn was prepped and ready to go. Not that anyone should be surprised. The man has cancelled or postponed hundreds of shows over his career, so much that there's a website devoted to tracking them.
It's the latest in a long line of insults towards fans, adding to his confounding alt-right views that have left many die-hard fans questioning their loyalty to the singer.
At this point you're better off buying a ticket for the lottery than to a Moz show. At least one of them cashes out from time to time.
Thankfully, we have a full slate of shows this week that won't get cancelled. CultureMap's biggest, best, and most notable shows of the week are as follows:
Phil Collins at Toyota Center
We can feel it coming in the air tonight. One of the biggest radio rock stars of all time, Phil Collins, makes his comeback appearance in Houston. The former Genesis drummer and successful solo artist is back after a long time off, seemingly finding his joy in making music again, with younger music fans rediscovering his work.
Collins is behind a string of massive hit songs and albums in the '70s and '80s, starting off with his former prog-rock-turned-mainstream-Genesis, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 2010. His solo career dwarfed the success of that band with several megahit albums, including 1981's Face Value and 1985's inescapable No Jacket Required. The hit songs are equally impressive, including "In the Air Tonight," "Take Me Home," "Groovy Kind of Love," and "Another Day in Paradise." This will be a fun, nostalgic trip.
Phil Collins plays Toyota Center, located at 1510 Polk St., on Tuesday, September 24. Tickets start at $50, plus service fees. Doors open at 7 pm.
CultureMap show of the week: The Who at Toyota Center
After the Rolling Stones proved their prowess as old British dudes who could still rock, The Who will show those in "My Generation" how it's done. Despite being down a rhythm section, following the deaths of drummer Keith Moon in 1978 and bassist John Entwistle in 2002, singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend are still going strong after 55 years on stage, showcasing why The Who is considered to be one of the most influential bands of all time and not just the group that kicks off the start of those CSI shows.
The Who was the antithesis to The Beatles and Stones in '60s rock music, helping launch several cultural shifts, whether it was the concept album in 1969's Tommy, mod culture around 1973's Quadrophenia, and arena rock. The group's hits were responsible for starting dozens of UK bands and showed that big riffs, a charismatic frontman, and intelligent songwriting will never die. The Toyota Center show will not only feature a string of hit songs, but will also feature an orchestra bringing the requisite dramatic backdrop to the proceedings.
The Who plays Toyota Center, located at 1510 Polk St., on Wednesday, September 25. Tickets start at $63, plus service fees. Reignwolf opens. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
The Jonas Brothers
The third huge act in three nights at Toyota Center, the Jonas Brothers are back in a big way. After splitting up due to creative differences in 2013, the trio that gained fame thanks to the Disney Channel only seemed to grow in popularity in their time away from each other, with Nick starting a successful solo and acting career and tying the knot with the actress Priyanka Chopra, Joe forming pop-rock band DNCE and marrying Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner, and Kevin, er, starring on reality TV.
But the brothers recently reconciled and immediately produced their first No. 1 hit, "Sucker," paving the way to a massive tour that sees their fans grown up with extra money to spend on tickets and merch. For many Millennials, this one will be a must-see.
The Jonas Brothers make their Toyota Center comeback, located at 1510 Polk St., on Thursday, September 26. Tickets start at $64.95, plus service fees. Olivia Somerlyn and Jordan McGraw open. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
The Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience at Cynthia Woods
Speaking of Game of Thrones, last year, CultureMap profiled Ramin Djawadi, the music composer of the epic swords-and-dragons fantasy show Game of Thrones ahead of his Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience concert series. At the time, we asked him if he thought he'd bring an updated show back on the road following the last, Emmy Award-winning season.
The answer is "yes," and the timing is perfect with Djawadi picking up yet another gold statuette for his Season 8, Episode 3 composition "The Long Night." This might be the last chance GoT fans get to say goodbye to their favorite characters at a concert that promises massive video screens, a full orchestra, dancers, and lots of pyro. No, it's not a heavy metal show, but it's pretty darn close.
The Game of Thrones Experience is at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, located at 2005 Lake Robbins Dr. in The Woodlands, on Friday, September 27. Tickets start at $25, plus fees. Gates open at 7 pm.
Zedd at Revention
This gig was a given. Following his well-received performance at this year's edition of RodeoHouston, Russo-German electronic music DJ and producer Zedd is back, and this time he'll be able to play a full set of his dance hits with plenty of room to move and groove.
Zedd is widely considered one of the world's best DJs, having worked with some of the biggest names in pop music, including Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, and Alessia Cara. And while this show will be much more intimate, expect more dance music diehards to be in attendance than the last gig held in the dirt and dust of NRG Stadium.
Zedd brings the heat to Revention Music Center, located at 520 Texas Ave, on Friday, September 27. Tickets start at $41, plus fees. Doors open at 7 pm.
CultureMap recommends: Meek Mill at Cynthia Woods
Call this one a second chance. Those who didn't see Philly rapper and the recently freed from parole Meek Mill, during James Harden's birthday bash weekend or Houston native Megan Thee Stallion at her sold-out show a few weeks back will get another chance to see both on the stacked bill in The Woodlands this weekend. They'll be joined by Future, YG, and Mustard putting this bill in the running for best hip-hop show of the year.
Meek Mill is largely famous for his legal fight that saw him facing a years-long prison sentence for a simple parole violation. The case garnered international attention and led to calls for criminal justice reform. He's also a pretty great rapper as shown on hits "Dreams and Nightmares" and "Ima Boss" featuring Rick Ross. But no one is hotter than H-town's rising star Megan Thee Stallion, whose "Hot Girl Summer" might be the song of the season.
Meek Mill is at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, located at 2005 Lake Robbins Dr. in The Woodlands, on Sunday, September 29. Future, Megan Thee Stallion, YG, and Mustard also appear. Tickets start at $25, plus fees. Gates open at 5:30 pm.
Rick Ross at HOB
The Miami native Rick Ross is a bit of throwback to '90s gangsta rap and early-2000 Dirty South sounds with showcases about drug slinging and gun popping, but he rode these dark tales to international fame, producing 10 Top 10 hit albums in a row filled with top-notch production (see the star-making "Hustlin'"). It's made him a much sought-after guest for other stars, including Kanye West, Drake, and DJ Khaled. Despite those egos, he might have the coolest persona in hip-hop, exuding a larger-than-life black Godfather presence. His latest is Port of Miami 2.
Rick Ross performs at House of Blues, located at 1204 Caroline St., on Monday, September 30. The Hunna opens. Tickets start at $38.50, plus fees. Doors open at 7 pm.
The Who headline Toyota Center on Wednesday, September 25.
