Morrissey Plays The Smiths’ ‘Paint A Vulgar Picture’ Live for the First Time in 29 Years

Morrissey has performed The Smiths’ ‘Paint A Vulgar Picture’ live for the first time in nearly three decades, delivering a rare moment for longtime fans.

The former Smiths frontman kicked off his 2026 solo tour in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, January 10. The show followed the recent release of the title track from his upcoming album Make-Up Is A Lie, which is set to arrive on March 5.

Early in the 18-song set, Morrissey surprised the crowd by dusting off ‘Paint A Vulgar Picture’, a deep cut from The Smiths’ fourth and final studio album Strangeways, Here We Come.

The song is a biting critique of the music industry, taking aim at record labels for their “sickening greed” and the way artists’ legacies are exploited after death. The lyrics famously mock the endless cycle of reissues and repackaging:
“Re-issue, re-package, re-package / Re-evaluate the songs / Double pack with a photograph / Extra track, and the tacky badge.”

Prior to this performance, Morrissey had not played the track live since 1997, making its return after 29 years especially notable.

Despite its rarity in live shows, ‘Paint A Vulgar Picture’ has remained a cult favourite among fans and is often praised for its sharp lyrical commentary.

Morrissey’s 2026 tour continues across North America, with future dates expected to blend material from his solo catalogue with select songs from The Smiths’ era.