He hasn't got a record contract, he lost a heap of cash to his former Smiths bandmates in court - and he feels sorry for Michael Portillo. But Sean Smith finds Morrissey is happier and better dressed than ever.

Hello Gucci - transcript

Morrissey did about half an hour interview on Greater London Radio yesterday morning.

Discussed many things, but really railed against the judge on the Joyce trial.

Also jokingly commented that he decided to leave England permanently the minute Tiffany (from Eastenders) died and her lids closed "I was on the phone immediately to BA booking my flight".

And thanks to Peter Van San - Belgium for photos (3 total) of Morrissey signing stuff before entering GLR studios.

It's a small world and all that !!!

I went to see Moz at the T&C in Leeds last week, and he was in magnificent form. One of the many highlights was his verbosity. Hitherto, I have always found him to be rather terse and uncommunicative when it came to audience banter.

One song was dedicated to Leeds' best ever player. The crowd anticipated a football player's name, one or two shouted out "David Batty" and "Eric Cantona". Moz , smiled and paused for further effect, to add the answer , the playwright "Alan Bennett".

Last night as I walked through Leeds railway station I spotted Mr..Bennett sat waiting for a train. I approached him and offered apologies for disturbing him but thought that he may be interested to know that SPM namechecked him in this very city 48hours earlier.

He seemed graciously pleased and smiled when I told him the context of the reference.

The night, naturally, went downhill there on.

...There is going to be 2 shows in San Francisco now, probably not at the same venue. I had a lengthy conversation with the tour manager last night, and he filled me on lots of details. Morrissey wanted to do another show because the first one sold out so incredibly fast.

And how was it?

>From the BBC website:

"Andy Rourke, Fab, The Limelight, Thu 21 October

The Smiths bassist turns his hand to the decks at one of Belfast's most original and cool wee clubs to hang out in. No-one quite knows what to expect, but if I were a gambler, I'd put money on there being a few Smiths classics in there"