If British singer Morrissey ever tires of being a pop star, he'll do nicely at the Please Touch Museum. More than 20 people -- I lost count - rushed on stage throughout Thursday night's show at the Paramount Theatre on the boardwalk in Asbury Park to kiss, hug or shake hands with their idol.

The rush -- which included actress Chloe Sevigny ("Boys Don't Cry") -- ended the show a tad early when Morrissey couldn't finish a version of the Smiths' classic, "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out."

The 45-year-old Morrissey evokes that kind of response. The former Smiths frontman casts himself as an unlovable ogre who, oddly, is full of love -- a love that he'll never be able fulfill. Call him a pasty, well-coifed Shrek, if you will.

"Why did you stick me in self-deprecating bones and skin, Jesus," Morrissey asked Thursday night in a new song , "I Have Forgiven Jesus." "Do you hate me?"

Musically, Morrissey and his ultra-sharp five-piece band merged elements of indie rock, British music hall and rockabilly. Morrissey's voice is a melodious instrument that suggests a mournful, wanting passion.

The set was heavy on new songs from Morrissey's latest album, "Morrissey, You Are the Quarry," and ballads. The slow-tempo "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me," performed under the glitter of a shining disco ball, was especially moving, and new rockers such as "First of the Gang to Die" and "Irish Blood, English Heart" sparkled.

Morrissey has that showbiz appeal. Looking dapper in a blazer with velvet shawl collar, Morrissey performed in front of huge lighted letters that spelled "Morrissey," much like Elvis' '68 comeback special.

But it wasn't like Morrissey could do no wrong.

"I've come here tonight to say the wrong thing," Morrissey said at the beginning of the show. "And I will."

Later, when the geographically-challenged singer suggested that New Jerseyans are from Staten Island, it was meet with a round of good-natured boos.

"I told you I'd say the wrong thing," Morrissey pleaded. "What's wrong with Staten Island?"