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MASHANTUCKET, Conn. - Morrissey may have left his groundbreaking alternative 1980s rock band The Smiths behind years ago, but that foundation remains for the eccentric singer.

Morrissey, 49, performed Saturday night at MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods, which was a surprising venue for him to play and attracted a mixed crowd, many younger fans standing, while others relaxed in their seats.

Although around for just five years, The Smiths were quite prolific and are still recognized as one of the most influential British bands of the 1980s. Without talented guitarist Johnny Marr, Morrissey's own music suffers, of course.

But the esteemed poet, who might as well be called the King of Pessimism for his moody yet witty lyrics, still has that distinctive voice.

Considered one of the most significant singers of his generation, Morrissey is out with his third solo album this decade, "Years of Refusal," and several songs in the show were off that to accompany the array of Smiths numbers and tunes from his fairly successful solo career. The concert opened with "This Charming Man," The Smiths second single and off the acclaimed "Hatful of Hollow" from 1984.

Morrissey and his band of several years, featuring three guitarists, a keyboardist and drummer, didn't waste anytime sounding off the new material, with "Black Cloud" and "When I Last Spoke To Carol."

One of The Smiths most famous songs, "How Soon Is Now?" ignited the crowd.

Another new song, "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris," was followed by "Irish Blood, English Heart," "Let Me Kiss You," "How Can Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel?," "Seasick, Yet Still Docked," "The Loop," "I Keep Mine Hidden," and "The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores," which ended with the hitting of a gong.

After The Smiths hit "Ask," there was "Best Friend On The Payroll," "Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself," the new "One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell," and "Death Of a Disco Dancer" off 1987's "Strangeways Here We Come" and which showcased some instrumental mini-solos.

The show ended with a set of three new tunes, "Sorry Doesn't Help Us," "Something Is Squeezing My Skull," and "I'm OK By Myself" that was heavy on bass.

A disappointment to many, the encore was cut short at the start of a song, apparently by an electrical problem, and Morrissey and the band walked off stage without much of an explanation or apology.

Many fans, undoubtedly, found the set list lacking, with no Morrissey songs such as "Last of the Famous International Playboys" and "Suedehead," and the absence of other Smiths' songs such as "Big Mouth Strikes Again" and "Sheila Take a Bow."

Morrissey actually had his start in the music field writing reviews. He and The Smiths were influenced by David Bowie and The New York Dolls, of which he was president of their UK fan club at one time.

Morrissey played at the House of Blues in Boston Sunday night. STEPHEN PETERSON can be reached at 508-236-0377 or at speterson@thesunchronicle.com.