MORRISSEY has celebrated his 50th birthday with a show in his hometown.
The Urmston born singer performed at the Manchester Apollo to a standing ovation, before telling the crowd it had been "50 gruesome years".
Then he launched into The Smiths' classic 'This Charming Man'.
He played a set which included a series of singles from his solo career as well as songs by The Smiths and the audience said Morrissey was on a high and constantly joking with the crowd and shaking hands.
A surprised 'Happy Birthday' song preceded the start of 'Girlfriend In A Coma', with guitarist Boz Boorer leading the way and the crowd more than willing to join in.
Morrissey joked: "I'm not 50, I'm forty ten," before adding: "Did you rehearse that? It sounds like you did."
The crowd, which included comedians Alan Carr and Jo Brand, laughed as the singer kept them entertained wiith jokes and funny anicdotes.
Still finding time to take a stab at the music industry, Morrissey introduced 'The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores' by saying: "I've been waiting for a time when someone says no to a Brit Award, says no to the phoney Mercury Music Prize and until that day the world is full of crashing bores."
But the night was one of celebration and closing the show with fan favourite 'First Of the Gang To Die', there was still time for one more standing ovation before Morrissey and his band left the stage.
Morrissey played
'This Charming Man'
'Irish Blood, English Heart'
'Black Cloud'
'How Soon Is Now?'
'All You Need Is Me'
'How Can Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel?'
'Girlfriend In A Coma'
'I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris'
'Let Me Kiss You'
'Ask'
'Something Is Squeezing My Skull'
'One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell'
'Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself?'
'The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores'
'I Keep Mine Hidden'
'When Last Time I Spoke To Carol'
'Best Friend On The Payroll'
'Sorry Doesn't Help'
'Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others'
'The Loop'
'I'm OK By Myself'
'First Of The Gang To Die'
