Over the weekend, a tribute concert for The Smiths took place in Illinois, with Boardwalk Empire's own Michael Shannon participating in the performance. Shannon was joined by a cluster of freinds including Dag Juhlin of The Slugs as well as musicians Jason Narducy, Gerald Dowd and Curt Morrison.
The two hour set at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois spanned The Smith's widely celebrated third album The Queen is Dead, playing the 1986 LP in its entirety along with fan favorite racks "How Soon is Now," "Shoplifters Of The World Unite," "Handsome Devil," and "Still Ill," reports Pitchfork.
Matt Walker, Morrissey's former drummer, was in attendance at the tribute show, reportedly in favor of Shannon's performance. Shannon claims Walker said, "I'm gradually supposed to take my clothes off" during the set, notes NME.
Best known for his portrayal of Nelson Van Alden on HBO's Boardwalk Empire, Shannon was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor based on his performance in Revolutionary Road. Aside from the acting world, Shannon dabbles as a musician, leading Kentucky band Corporal with his vocals. Corporal's first, self-titled album dropped in 2010.
"You're probably wondering what my favorite Smiths song is," Shannon said to the crowd. "And we're gonna play it for you. It requires a brass band," he said as Dowd led the band into a rendition of "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore," which wrapped up the night.
The Smiths Tribute Setlist:
'The Queen Is Dead'
'Frankly, Mr. Shankly'
'I Know It's Over'
'Never Had No One Ever'
'Cemetry Gates'
'Bigmouth Strikes Again'
'The Boy with the Thorn in His Side'
'Vicar In A Tutu'
'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out'
'Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others'
'Handsome Devil'
'How Soon Is Now?'
'Still Ill'
'Shoplifters of the World Unite'
'Hand in Glove'
'That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore'
