Information AboutMorrisey |
Morrissey (born Steven Patrick Morrissey, on May 22 , 1959 ), is a singer and songwriter from Stretford , Manchester , England , who rose to prominence as the vocalist of the highly influential British rock group The Smiths . When the band broke up in 1987 , Morrissey began a successful solo career and has had the distinction of charting top ten British singles in three separate decades. Morrissey is often noted as one of the key pop lyricists of his generation, with many subsequent bands hailing his influence. Detractors usually describe his work as depressing, while fans point to the sardonic humour which underpins his songs' frequent references to alienation and failed love. He does not shy from controversy in his songs. Themes which he has touched on include Child Murder , Gang Violence , Domestic Violence , Prostitution , Racism , Drug Use , Homosexuality , Disability , Assassination , and Terrorism . A celebration of the Outsider is a constant theme in his work. He has been Stereotype d as appealing to shy Teenagers , and his work has been said to glorify Working-class Criminality . {Link without Title} BIOGRAPHY Early life Morrissey was born in Manchester, England , to Irish Immigrants Peter Morrissey and Elizabeth Dwyer, who had moved to England just before his birth. He has an older sister named Jackie. He grew up in the Working-class area of Stretford . He had a strong attachment to his mother, a librarian. He developed a number of interests and role models as a child that marked him out among his peers, including '60s Girl Groups and female singers such as Sandie Shaw , Marianne Faithfull , Cilla Black and Timi Yuro , the Kitchen Sink dramas of the late 1950s and early 1960s, playwright, novelist & poet Oscar Wilde , and Coronation Street's Elsie Tanner . The Moors Murders in the early 1960s had a large impact on him as a child. The song "Suffer Little Children" on The Smiths' debut album was one of Morrissey's responses to the crimes. In adolescence his athletic ability saved him from and The New York Dolls . Morrissey also formed the UK branch of the New York Dolls fan club. An early convert to Punk , he briefly fronted The Nosebleeds , writing several songs and garnering a New Musical Express review before the band broke up less than a year later. Billy Duffy , guitarist with The Nosebleeds, later found success with The Cult . The Smiths See Also: The Smiths Morrissey formed The Smiths in 1982 with guitarist Johnny Marr . The Smiths are viewed by many as one of the most influential bands of the 1980s Alternative Rock movement. Morrissey's Ambiguous Sexuality , provocative Iconoclasm , and lyrical compositions blended with guitarist Johnny Marr 's highly melodic songwriting to sell many recordings. The band became a success in the UK , Ireland , and Australia , and grew into a Cult Phenomenon in the United States Of America , where it did quite well on College Radio charts with songs such as "How Soon Is Now?" and "Panic." The band broke up in 1987 after Marr and Morrissey had a falling-out. The band's most productive period was from 1984 to 1987 when they released several successful albums, including '' The Smiths '', '' Meat Is Murder '', '' The Queen Is Dead '', and '' Strangeways, Here We Come ''. Solo career Overview Morrissey's subsequent career has also produced successful albums. In 1994 he achieved his first number 1 album with '' Vauxhall And I '' and emulated this success in 2006 with '' Ringleader Of The Tormentors '', from which the lead single, " You Have Killed Me ", reached number 2 in the UK charts, topping 2004's " Irish Blood English Heart " to become his highest charting single. Early solo years His first solo album came in 1988 in the form of '' Viva Hate ''. Morrissey teamed up with ex-Smiths producer Stephen Street (as well as Vini Reilly of Durutti Column ) so unsurprisingly the prevailing sound of the album is a jangle-pop similar to that of The Smiths. Viva Hate struck number 1 upon release, supported by such strong singles as " Suedehead " and " Everyday Is Like Sunday ". 1990's '' Bona Drag '' collected these early singles along with further non-album cuts such as November Spawned A Monster and Ouija Board, Ouija Board , many of which are considered amongst his best work. Mark Nevin's songwriting services were employed for the studio follow-up to Viva Hate, entitled Kill Uncle . The album continued in a similar musical vein, without ever really shining. The band he assembled for 1992's hit album '' Your Arsenal '' sharply renewed his sound and sales success with a fresh, American Rockabilly sound. Composition duties were split between guitarists Boz Boorer and Alain Whyte , who have been the core of Morrissey's band ever since. ''Your Arsenal'' was produced by former David Bowie guitarist Mick Ronson and it earned a Grammy nomination for best alternative album. Mid 1990s 1994 brought Morrissey back to number 1 in the UK, with '' Vauxhall And I ''. One of the album's highlights, " The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get " enjoyed chart success as a single, reaching number 6. The record endures as a fan favourite to this day. Further albums Southpaw Grammar and Maladjusted were uninspired, and were increasingly less well received both critically and commercially. Morrissey relocated from his Dublin home to Los Angeles in the late 1990s, partially to escape the attention of the British music press. He connected with the Hispanic community there and supposedly cut himself off from the British isles as he built a new life for himself in California . However, his 1931-built mansion (formerly owned by Clark Gable ) is now on the market as it seems Morrissey has tired of American life. Resurgence in the early 00s In June 2003, Sanctuary Records group announced a deal with Morrissey. He was given the one-time reggae label Attack Records as a platform to record new material and, reportedly, to sign new artists. Morrissey's album '' You Are The Quarry '' was released on May 17 , 2004 (but one day later in the US). Guitarist Alain Whyte described the work as a mix between '' Your Arsenal '' and '' Vauxhall And I '', and the album received strong reviews. The first single, "Irish Blood, English Heart" debuted on KROQ on March 22 , 2004 and was released internationally on May 10 , 2004 . The single reached No.3 in its first week of sales in the UK Singles Chart . This was the highest placing chart position for Morrissey in his entire career as both a solo artist and the lead singer of The Smiths (the 2006 release "You Have Killed Me" also debuted at No.3 in its first week in the charts). Also, the album is his most successful one, solo or with The Smiths. It has sold over a million copies. At a Dublin concert on June 5 2004 , Morrissey caused global controversy by announcing the death of former US President , Ronald Reagan ; then exclaiming he would have preferred it if George W. Bush had died. {Link without Title} With the release of "I Have Forgiven Jesus" in December 2004 , Morrissey became the only artist to score 4 top 10 hits in the UK singles chart that year. In 2005 a work of Musical Theatre based on Morrissey's song, ''Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others'', premiered at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith , London . Morrissey's latest album is titled '' where he will play on three consecutive Sundays. Other UK dates are at smaller venues, compared to previous UK tours. In March of 2006, Morrissey released a statement in which he announced he will not tour Canada in protest of the country's annual Seal Harvest , which started two days before he made the announcement. Not new to the world of Morrissey, this caused much controversy. Some comments were misunderstood; in particular some Canadians felt Morrissey was comparing Canadian citizens to Nazis. IMAGE AND POLITICS Feuds within the music industry Reputed to be uninterested in compromise or record company marketing principles, Morrissey has long suffered the consequences of operating as a quasi-outsider in the music industry. Though his large and loyal fan base follow his every move, his albums since 1996 had great trouble reaching a wider audience. Between 1999 and 2003 , Morrissey was unable to find a record contract at all (at least one that satisfied his demands). In 1996, The Smiths' drummer Mike Joyce sued Morrissey and Johnny Marr for outstanding royalties and won. The judge presiding over the case ruled that Morrissey was "devious, truculent and unreliable." As of April 2006, it is understood that Morrissey has paid none of the outstanding royalties to Joyce. In a 2002 tour, he famously said "bring me the head of Elton John." Morrissey has severely criticized fellow singers such as ends his days very soon in an M3 pile-up". Other targets of his disapproval have been Band Aid , Rap , Reggae (a criticism he later retracted, stating that he was being facetious and that he grew up partly on the classic singles released by the British reggae label Trojan in the early to mid-70's), Rave and teenage Pop Star s. Feuds with political leaders Morrissey has always been outspoken and is known for never holding back when disparaging political leaders he does not approve of. His most famous enemies have been The British Royal Family , former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher , current Prime Minister Tony Blair , and current US President George W. Bush . Morrissey's first solo album, “Viva Hate,” included a track entitled “Margaret on the Guillotine,” a Tongue-in-cheek jab at Prime Minister Thatcher. British police responded by searching Morrissey’s home and making him the subject of an official investigation. Many of the officers were said to be embarrassed at the absurdity of the situation, some even asking for Morrissey's autograph. Not to be outdone, Morrissey’s follow-up single included the B-side “Such a Little Thing Makes Such a Big Difference,” whose lyrics end with a caustic “Leave me alone, I was only singing/You have just proved again, most people keep their brains between their legs.” In October 2004 , Morrissey released a politically charged statement urging American voters to vote for John Kerry for President . Morrissey's statement was, ''"With all my heart I urge people to vote against George Bush. Jon Stewart would be ideal, but John Kerry is the logical and sane move. It does not need to be said yet again, but Bush has single-handedly turned the United States into the most neurotic and terror-obsessed country on the planet. For non-Americans, the United States is suddenly not a very nice place to visit because US immigration officers — under the rules of Bush — now conduct themselves with all the charm and unanswerable indignation of Hitler ’s SS . Please bring sanity and intelligence back to the United States . Don’t forget to vote. Vote for John Kerry and get rid of George Bush!"'' This statement appeared on his official website and was accompanied by a photograph of him wearing a t-shirt that was designed and made by a fan and given to him before a concert on 22 October 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia. {Link without Title} In February 2006, Morrissey said he had been interviewed by the FBI and by British intelligence after having spoken out against the American and British governments. Morrissey was quoted as saying, "The FBI and the Special Branch have investigated me and I've been interviewed and taped and so forth. They were trying to determine if I was a threat to the government." {Link without Title} Racism accusations Morrissey was maligned during much of the 1990s by accusations of Racism . The accusations were derived from ambiguous lyrics in songs such as " Bengali In Platforms " and "National Front Disco". They also stemmed from Johnny Rogan 's biography of the singer, which claimed he had once said "I don't hate Pakistanis, but I dislike them immensely" in his late teens (whilst acknowledging one of his closest friends was a black woman at the time.) A trigger for much of the criticism was Morrissey's performance at the first Madness re-union show at Finsbury Park, London where he appeared draped in the Union Jack . Coinciding with the event, he also stated in the press that he was "thrilled that many of his new fans were Skinhead s". At the concert however, the skinheads who constitute Madness' fanbase booed him off the stage by throwing objects and verbal abuse. However, Scottish journalist Thomas Nimmo, leapt to the defence of the singer, and put forward the idea that "he was attempting to reclaim the flag from the far right." The harshest attacks came from the NME music paper who made him Persona Non Grata for more than a decade. (Such had been the NME's fanatical love affair with Morrissey and The Smiths in the 1980s and early 1990s, the paper was jokingly called the New Morrissey Express). Morrissey and the NME ended their feud in 2004. Evidence against the racism allegations include his longstanding support for anti-racist organisations and causes, such as the were to hate anyone, it would be me. I would be top of the list." {Link without Title} One song cited by the NME as proof of Morrissey's racism was "Asian Rut" from 1991, which vividly describes the murder of an Asian man by white racists. However, with lines such as "it must be wrong/three against one?" {Link without Title} Morrissey appears to be quite obviously sympathising with the victim in the song, not the perpetrators. In 1999 he condemned the rise of Austrian far-right politican Jorg Haider , stating "This is sad. Sometimes I don't believe we live in an intelligent world." {Link without Title} In 2004 he signed up to the explicitly anti-fascist Unite Against Fascism statement. {Link without Title} In the 2004 song "America Is Not the World" Morrissey sings "Where the president is never black, female or gay Until that day, you've got nothing to say to me" {Link without Title} In the 2006 song "I Will See You In Far Off Places" Morrissey appears to empathise with the Middle-Eastern victims of American bombing campaigns. Animal rights Morrissey has been a and a supporter of PETA . In recognition of his support, PETA honored him with the Linda McCartney Memorial Award at their 25th Anniversary Gala on September 10 , 2005 . {Link without Title} Morrissey has in the past worn leather shoes noting "there is simply no sensible alternative" to leather shoes. In 1986, at a time high quality non-leather shoes were not available, Morrissey stated, "I find shoes difficult to be ethical about - one just can't seem to avoid leather. One is trapped, ultimately." However, it was reported in the April 2006 issue of SPIN Magazine that Morrissey wears expensive high quality, non-leather shoes In January 2006, Morrissey gained controversy after pledging his support for the Terrorist tactics of the Animal Rights Militia , and claiming "I understand why fur-farmers and so-called laboratory scientists are repaid with violence - it is because they deal in violence themselves and it's the only language they understand." {Link without Title} . Morrissey also attacked people who are involved in the promotion of eating meat, and specifically Jamie Oliver and Clarissa Dickson-Wright , the latter already being targeted by animal extremists for her stance on fox-hunting. In response, Dickson Wright stated “Morrissey is encouraging people to commit acts of violence and I am constantly aware that something might very well happen to me.” Morrissey has also been criticized by British government officials, some of whom suggested that Morrissey should be investigated by the police for inciting violence. {Link without Title} On March 27, 2006, Morrissey released a statement {Link without Title} that he will not include any dates in Canada on his Ringleader of the Tormentors world tour in protest of the country's annual Seal Harvest which he described as a "barbaric and cruel slaughter". Reaction to Morrissey's statement and further boycott of Canadian goods was angry and swift amongst many Canadian fans and non-fans alike. A number took exception to his claim that by permitting the hunt "Canada has placed itself alongside China as the cruelest and most self-serving nation." Many other fans, however, approved and respected Morrissey’s decision in joining the boycott. Sexuality In the eighties, Morrissey announced that he was Celibate . Many believed him to be gay due to The Smiths sexually ambiguous lyrics. Indeed, Morrissey became something of a Gay Icon . Morrissey neither confirms nor denies. Songs such as "This Charming Man", "Handsome Devil", "Swallow On My Neck", "Hand in Glove", "Roy's Keen" and "Dear God Please Help Me" can be interpreted as having lyrics that discuss gay longing and romance. Morrissey has always been reluctant to speak of his private life, but this has only served to fuel speculation. Journalist Richard Smith wrote that most Smiths' songs could only be read as homosexual, and urged Morrissey to Come Out Of The Closet . However, Morrissey himself said in an early 1990s Rolling Stone article, "I'm gay? Well, that's news to me." When asked to 'set the record straight' in the 2003 British Channel 4 Documentary "The Importance of Being Morrissey" he simply stated, "I don't see any 'crooked record'. People think they know, think they understand. I don't really care what people think -- it makes no difference to me. And I'm not hiding anything." He has remained tight-lipped on the issue, adding to an enigma which has greatly contibuted to his allure for over 20 years. However he did admit, in a 2006 NMW interview, to no longer being celibate. "It's all within the songs," he has often claimed - the lyrics from 2006's Ringleader Of The Tormentors indicated that "it's" also within the hips. He has also stated that he is in love with something, not someone - see the Uncut Magazine Interview for more information. INFLUENCE IN POPULAR CULTURE Douglas Coupland 's book ''Girlfriend in a Coma'' is named after a Smiths song, and several barely concealed Smiths lyrics and song titles are scattered through the book. A choice quote is one of the characters saying something they didn't mean to, and exclaiming, "Bigmouth strikes again!" "''The Wrong Boy''" by Willy Russell is based on a teenager who is obsessed with the Smiths and throughout features letters to Morrissey. References to The Smiths feature heavily. The British Comedian Harry Hill paid tribute to Morrissey on a 1999 episode of the ITV Television programme Stars In Their Eyes , with a slapstick performance of The Smiths' second single ''This Charming Man''. Morrissey later voiced his displeasure upon watching the archive footage when he made an appearance on ''Friday Night with'' Jonathan Ross in May 2004. He also paid tribute to him on Harry Hill's TV Burp with a weekly feature "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" which featured the Morrissey song as its theme and again in 2006 by swapping the theme of Eastenders with "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now". Swedish author and Morrissey fan Peter Birro claims that track "Angel, Angel, Down We Go Together" saved him from committing suicide. TRIVIA
DISCOGRAPHY
BIBLIOGRAPHY Before gaining widespread recognition with The Smiths, Morrissey (then still with Forename ) wrote a number of booklets on his favourite Cultural subjects, Music and Film .
Other books by or about Morrissey
EXTERNAL LINKS Official websites Video
Fansites
Morrissey's band
|
|
|