Do You Remember When Morrissey From The Smiths And MTV Were In Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids is no stranger to big names coming through. John Cena was recently seen walking around town, Ross Lynch has been spotted popping into some vintage shops, and Mark Cuban stopped by a local business for some drinks. 

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Grand Rapids has welcomed big-name artists for many years, dating back to The Orbit Room. But even before then, one artist at the height of his game chose to make Grand Rapids the first stop on the press tour for his new album. It was such a strange choice that all the fans in line questioned the decision, and MTV News was on location to document everything.

Morrissey's "Your Arsenal" Tour 1992

Back in 1992, fans were still reeling from The Smiths' breakup and Morrissey's subsequent launch of his solo career. After releasing Viva Hate and Kill Uncle in 1988 and 1991, respectively, Morrissey was ready to release his third solo album, Your Arsenal.

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Morrissey has always been known to be a private person, rarely making public appearances. However, when it came time to promote his album, he wanted to escape the bigger cities. In his own words, he "wanted to go somewhere unusual."

Well, it doesn't get much more unusual than Grand Rapids, Michigan. Fans were lined up and brimming with excitement to meet Morrissey, and many were just as confused by his being there as MTV was. To say this was an event was an understatement.

Morrissey said events like these in an intimate setting in smaller towns, with fans there for his solo music is "new to him" and is "still taking some getting used to...because they actually want say something." Great observation, Morrissey. 

Vinyl Solutions, where this signing took place, is still opened and owner by the same gentleman from back in 1992, the only difference is it is now called Vertigo Records. 

We have reached out to him for comment.