Five stars
It may seem like a normal Saturday night but for the bequiffed masses outside the Hydro it promises to be something special.
After a four year touring absence, Morrissey, voice of the shy, disenchanted, lonely and world weary, has finally returned to deliver his latest gospel to his devoted followers.
The cavernous and, for tonight only, meat-free Hydro may seem like an odd choice, his previous Scottish shows were performed in more intimate venues, but his fans are just delighted to be in the same arena as their hero again.
Against a backdrop of the Queen giving the middle finger and a picture of Kate Middleton and Prince William captioned United Kingdumb, the Mozfather makes up for lost time, launching straight into the Queen is Dead, a decision that causes the crowd to descend into screams of euphoria.
The flowing blouses may be gone but it's still the same disgruntled and defiant Mozza.
Suedehead, Staircase at the University and the title track from his new album World Peace is None of your Business quickly follow, sending the audience into a frenzy.
The crowd are hanging on Mozza's every word and a declaration of support for Scottish independence is met with rapturous applause.
Although tracks from his new album are occasionally less eloquent than his back-catalogue, songs like Kiss Me A Lot and Istanbul show glimpses of Morrissey's lyrical prowess and sit well beside gems like Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before and Everyday is Like Sunday.
The set is littered with new tracks, including One of our Own, Neal Cassady Drops Dead, The Bullfighter Dies and I'm Not a Man, but its Mozza's early solo songs and work with The Smiths that receive the biggest reception.
What She Said is lapped up by the crowd, while Meat is Murder provides a somber moment before Mozza leaves the stage.
Returning for an encore, Mozza tells the crowd that "whether you take the high road or the low road, I love you" before ending the night with Speedway.
Love him or loathe him, the Mancunian wordsmith knows how to put on a show. It's definitely been worth the wait.
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