T. H. Auden
Well-Known Member
This to do with Boz playing in drag as «Gaynor Tension» during the 2012 tour. Was it really his idea, or was it something that Morrissey ordered to humiliate him?
Ahhh better in context at least!View attachment 89988
(Zippo, Tokyo, 2012)
The rest of the band (eg Zippo or EbisuHall, 2012) were in "speedos"/pants, Boz wasn't.
Not difficult to think why really. If he was remotely self-conscious, the dress saves any perceived "humiliation" perhaps?
That said, he wore the outfit at gigs where the band were in t-shirts too (eg Les Ardentes, 2012), so highly likely to be for 'a bit of a laugh'. Yes "Morrissey bad", we get the mythology, but band/group dynamics are probably a bit more sophisticated than 'do this or you are fired'.
Both he and Lyn have referred to that onstage persona thereafter humorously, without the slightest hint that it was arduous or forced - not really indicative of a bad experience.
FWD.
("Gaynor Tension" was/is a drag artist from Australia and was active in 2012).
Interesting. I just checked it out on PJLM... I wasn't aware of this. Are there any known pics of him in drag during those shows? I couldn't find any on a quick Google search. I would love to see how he went about itForgot to mention:
Boz had dressed in drag at least twice on stage 20 years previously (Del Mar, CA. Halloween gig & Manchester Apollo, 1992).
Morrissey, himself, was being 'written on' in 1992 also.
FWD.
And in 1984 on Top of the Pops with "Marry Me"Morrissey, himself, was being 'written on' in 1992 also.
FWD.
Now he just get's written off.Forgot to mention:
Boz had dressed in drag at least twice on stage 20 years previously (Del Mar, CA. Halloween gig & Manchester Apollo, 1992).
Morrissey, himself, was being 'written on' in 1992 also.
FWD.
It’s totally possible that it was for a laugh, of course. More than possible, since Moz has a long-held love of drag and has spoken of their mutual obsession with Mrs Shufflewick – maybe it’s just Boz doing tribute? Who knows.Yes "Morrissey bad", we get the mythology, but band/group dynamics are probably a bit more sophisticated than 'do this or you are fired'.
Both he and Lyn have referred to that onstage persona thereafter humorously, without the slightest hint that it was arduous or forced - not really indicative of a bad experience.
FWD.
There's always the chance they were 100% happy with every costume that was chosen for themand loved it, but personally I found the idea of the band wearing a uniform that was chosen for them to be fairly demeaning. With those slogan T-shirts, they cease to even give the appearance of individuals with are simply mannequins for the 'boss man' to dress up. I know Morrissey is ultimately the only authority, and they are all hired goons who can be fired on a whim, but it's just not a good look, when 'The Lads' at least gave the appearance of being a real band. It's one step up in dignity from playing behind a lowered stage curtain, with Moz being the only one visible to the audience.There is literally nothing out there to suggest the band or Morrissey think drag or dressing up is degrading or humiliating.
I was never a huge Boz fan but I was even less of a fan after seeing him don the dress.This to do with Boz playing in drag as «Gaynor Tension» during the 2012 tour. Was it really his idea, or was it something that Morrissey ordered to humiliate him?
Whenever I saw the band in those outfits (not just Boz in drag but the loincloths, bras, slogan shirts etc) it always felt like Moz was having a laugh at their expense. Maybe he found it genuinely hilarious and harmless and thought everyone else did too, but it was a strange sight – Moz standing there in a normal suit, playing ‘dress up’ with the band. Boz, in his 50s and well overweight, wearing sequins… it was like watching Willy Wonka parade the Oompa Loompas, a power thing, and I found it uncomfortable.
That said, my sympathy for Boz is pretty limited. There is a point where any grown man should be able to say ‘no’ if they dislike something and he never did - never complained, never stood up for other band members booted out of Camp Moz, never refused to write those absurd emails to record execs on Moz’ behalf, etc. He did whatever he was told for years and years, the ultimate “company man” and then, quelle surprise, didn’t even get a ‘goodbye’ when he left. That’s the price you pay for sacrificing your integrity for a paycheck, as Jesse T will learn one day as well.