Morrissey Debuts “Make Up Is a Lie” at OKC’s Criterion
This past Tuesday, Morrissey brought his North American Tour 2026 to Oklahoma City’s Criterion, delivering a memorable career-spanning performance to an appreciative audience.
The performance was the second show of the tour, and was actually a make-up date for a rescheduled performance last May. It also came fresh on the heels of news that his 14th solo studio album Make-Up Is a Lie is scheduled for release March 6th and marks his return to Sire Records.
Often described as a poet of pop music, Morrissey’s primary lyrical strengths center on wit, innovative phrasing, ironies and a remarkable ability to transform mundane details into poignant observations. His lyrics are intensely personal and employ a wit and dark humor that prevents them from becoming purely miserable. Rather, they seem a clever observation, strangely confessional, and unflinchingly human.
Over the course of the evening, Morrissey led his band through an absolute treasure trove of solo gems and Smiths gold. Standouts for me included “Suedehead”, “Everyday Is Like Sunday”, “Shoplifters Of The World Unite”, and “I Know It’s Over.” I also enjoyed the forthcoming album’s title track, “Make-up Is a Lie” which made it’s live debut just past the midway of the night’s set, and despite a few technical difficulties early on, rallied and looks to be a formidable addition to the setlist. There’s really something for everyone, and through it all Morrissey’s band is pretty much his secret weapon. Comprised of Jesse Tobias and Carmen Vandenberg on guitars, Juan Galeano on bass, Matt Walker on drums, and Camila Grey on keys, the band confidently delivered Morrissey’s vision sonically. The band is also featured on the forthcoming album, and Grey also co-wrote the new single.
I’ve always considered myself a fairly casual fan of Morrissey’s catalog, though recently I’ve found myself revisiting it with more frequency. I also had never seen him live, either solo or with The Smiths. When the original OKC date was postponed, I didn’t know what to expect.
As the new date approached, there were several dates that canceled, but the news on January 9th that a new album was forthcoming brought a healthy dose of optimism. The venue was packed, and the audience receptive and adoring. The performance was beyond my expectations. It was relaxed and fun, delivering a unique and impressive evening of music to Oklahoma City. I feel like I got the full experience.
Morrissey’s North American Tour 2026 continues and more information can be found here: https://www.morrisseycentral.com/
Setlist:
Morrissey 01-13-2026 The Criterion Oklahoma City, OK
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Billy Bud
Alma Maters
Shoplifters Of The World Unite
Suedehead
How Soon Is Now?
First Of The Gang To Die
Lost
Paint A Vulgar Picture
Life Is A Pigsty
I Know It’s Over
Make-Up Is A Lie (Live Debut)
Every Day Is Like Sunday
The Loop
Irish Blood, English Heart
Jack The Ripper
I will See You In Far-Off Places
E: Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me
