Information AboutMorrissey |
Steven Patrick Morrissey (born May 22 , 1959 ) is an English singer and songwriter from Manchester . He rose to prominence in the 1980s as the lyricist and vocalist of the English band The Smiths . When the band broke up in 1987, Morrissey began a successful solo career, racking up ten Top 10 singles in the UK. BIOGRAPHY Morrissey was born in Park Hospital, now known as Trafford General Hospital in Davyhulme , on 22 May 1959 to Irish Catholic Immigrants . His father, Peter Morrissey, was a hospital porter, and his mother, Elizabeth Dwyer, was a librarian. His parents had emigrated to England just before Morrissey's birth and, along with his elder sister Jackie, Morrissey was raised in Harper Street in Hulme , Manchester . In 1965, the family moved to Queens Square in Hulme near Moss Side . They moved to 384 Kings Road in the more salubrious suburb of Stretford in 1969, when many of the old terraced streets were being demolished. Morrissey has maintained a strong attachment to his mother throughout his life; his relationship with his father, however, suffered much strain over the years, and eventually became largely nonexistent. As a child, Morrissey developed a number of interests and role models that marked him out among his peers, including '60s Girl Groups , and female singers such as Sandie Shaw , Marianne Faithfull and Timi Yuro . He was also interested in the Kitchen Sink dramas of the late 1950s and early 1960s, Coronation Street's Elsie Tanner , as well as the playwright, novelist and poet Oscar Wilde . The Moors Murders of the early 1960s had a large impact on him as a child, causing him to later respond with the controversially received track " Suffer Little Children ". In adolescence, Morrissey's athletic ability saved him to a large degree from and The New York Dolls . 2006]] An early convert to Punk Rock , Morrissey briefly fronted The Nosebleeds , writing several songs and garnering a '' New Musical Express '' review before the band broke up less than a year later. In 1978, Morrissey briefly replaced Slaughter & The Dogs singer Wayne Barrett , recording four songs with the band before moving on (''MOJO Classic Magazine'', Volume 1 Issue 13, Page 22). THE SMITHS See Also: The Smiths In 1982, Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr formed The Smiths, widely regarded as one of the most influential bands of the Alternative Rock movement. They have been consistently acclaimed by the music press, most infamously the '' NME '', whose seeming obsession with the band earned them the nickname "The New Morrissey Express". Signature themes of The Smiths' work include Morrissey's darkly witty lyrics and Marr's melodic and thickly layered music. The band became a success in the UK , Ireland , and Australia , and grew into a Cult Phenomenon in the United States Of America , where the band became known on College Radio charts with songs such as "How Soon Is Now?" and "Panic." The band broke up in 1987 after Marr and Morrissey fell out over musical differences. Allegedly, Marr grew tired of the 60s pop fixation, didn't wish to perform cover songs of 60s British pop stars, and wanted to experiment with a wider array of styles in the Smiths' music. Morrissey grew even more rigid in his recording methods, often recording his vocals alone, after the music tracks had already been laid. The band released four proper studio albums and several compilations between 1984 and their breakup, including 1986's '' The Queen Is Dead ,'' which has been placed highly on a number of critical "Greatest Album" lists.http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5938174/the_rs_500_greatest_albums_of_all_time/3 SOLO CAREER 1987-1993 Following The Smiths' split, Morrissey's first solo album, '' Viva Hate ,'' came out in 1988. To create the album, Morrissey teamed up with former Smiths producer Stephen Street , Vini Reilly of Durutti Column , and drummer Andrew Paresi . The prevailing sound of the album is Jangle Pop , similar to that of the Smiths, though Reilly's guitar work adds more abrasive and atmospheric elements to the work. ''Viva Hate'' reached number one upon release, supported by such strong singles as " Suedehead " and " Everyday Is Like Sunday ." '' Bona Drag '' (1990) collected these early singles along with further non-album cuts such as " November Spawned A Monster " and " Ouija Board, Ouija Board ," along with the b-sides " Hairdresser On Fire ". Mark Nevin 's songwriting services were employed for the studio follow-up to ''Viva Hate,'' titled '' Kill Uncle .'' The album continued in a similar musical vein. The band Morrissey assembled in 1991 for his '' Kill Uncle '' tour went on to record 1992's hit album '' Your Arsenal .'' 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 earned a Grammy nomination for best alternative album. Mid 1990s 1994 brought Morrissey back to number one in the UK, with '' of Siouxsie & The Banshees . Further albums '' Southpaw Grammar '' and '' Maladjusted '' were less well received critically and commercially. These albums included the songs "Reader Meet Author" and "Trouble Loves Me," both of which are still occasionally included in live set lists. Morrissey relocated from his Dublin home to Los Angeles in the late 1990s, partially to escape the attention of the British music press. He enjoyed a surprise connection with the Latino 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 ) was sold in 2006 and he currently resides in Rome . Resurgence in early 2000s 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 to sign new artists. Morrissey's album '' You Are The Quarry '' was released on May 17 , 2004 (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 ," was released internationally on May 10 , 2004 . The single reached number three 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 number three in its first week in the charts). Also, it has sold over a million copies, making the album his most successful one, solo or with The Smiths. At a Dublin concert on June 5 2004 , Morrissey caused controversy by announcing the death of former US President , Ronald Reagan and stating that he would have preferred it if the current President, George W. Bush , had died. Morrissey comments spark Bush fire With the release of "I Have Forgiven Jesus" in December 2004, Morrissey along with McFly became the only artists to score four top-10 hits in the UK singles chart that year. In August of 2004, Morrissey was slated to headline a week-long set of shows on Craig Kilborn 's '' The Late Late Show ''. Morrissey did not perform every night of the weeklong series due to a throat illness. He did, however, perform the following week. Morrissey's latest album is titled '' Ringleader Of The Tormentors '', which debuted at number one in the UK album charts. The album cover is an allusion to the iconic Deutsche Grammophon record cover logo and design, with Morrissey posing as a violinist after the classic photos of Jascha Heifetz or Yehudi Menuhin . Recorded in Rome , it was released internationally on April 3, 2006, and one day later in North America . The album was produced by Tony Visconti , who has also worked with T. Rex and David Bowie . The subsequent 2006 international tour included more than two dozen gigs in the UK, including concerts at the London Palladium on three consecutive Sundays. Just prior to the album's release, Morrissey was photographed in Rome by Bryan Adams for the cover of ' Zoo Magazine '. On 9th January 2007, the 2007 the BBC ruled this out, and stated Morrissey would not be part of Britain's Eurovision entry. No Morrissey entry for Eurovision , BBC News, 23 February 2007 No eurovision for Morrissey In a recent interview on BBC Radio 5 with Tony Visconti , the producer stated that his new project would be " The Next Morrissey Album ", though that this would not be forthcoming for at least a year. In August 2007, it was reported that Morrissey's residencies at on a 50 date world tour. 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 (or 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 famously 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. Morrissey expressed bitter displeasure with the ruling on the track, "Sorrow Will Come in the End," from 1997's '' Maladjusted ''. Morrissey has severely criticized fellow singers such as "ends his days very soon in an M3 pile-up". , 2007 . In 1994 Morrissey came under fire from Manic Street Preachers ' bassist and lyricist Nicky Wire . Wire was responding to comments Morrissey had made about the British National Party 's right to Freedom of Speech, and referred to Morrissey as a "sad old bitter man" who would "do anything to get press" and who just likes irritating people. Manics' co-lyricist Richey James Edwards added that Morrissey was evidently scared of his own statements as he wasn't prepared to discuss them with anyone and didn't have a logical argument to back up his comments. 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-1970s), Rave and teenage Pop Star s. Views on political leaders Morrissey has always been politically outspoken, and the figures he has criticized include the British Royal Family , former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher , former Prime Minister Tony Blair , and 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 carrying out an official investigation, while Simon Reynolds , who had interviewed Morrissey for '' Melody Maker '', was even questioned about the ''tone'' in which Morrissey had made certain remarks about Thatcher. It has been said that many of the officers were embarrassed at the absurdity of the situation, some even asking for Morrissey's autograph.3 Morrissey once said in an interview in 1984 that "She is only one person. She can be destroyed. It is the only remedy for this country at the moment." Morrissey’s follow-up single "Interesting Drug" 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 statement urging American voters to vote for John Kerry for President :
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 said "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, it didn't take them long to realise that I am not." Interviewed by the FBI A controversial etching on the 12" vinyl record, ''Strangeways, Here We Come'' said, " Guy Fawkes was a genius." Fawkes was infamous for the 1605 Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament. {Link without Title} Accusations of racism in 1992]] Morrissey was maligned during part of the 1980s and much of 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 once, in his late teens, wrote "I don't hate Pakistanis, but I dislike them immensely"; however, no substantiating source is provided. A trigger for much of the criticism was Morrissey's performance at the first Madness '' Madstock! '' reunion concert at Finsbury Park , London , in 1992, in which he appeared on stage draped in the Union Flag , a symbol often associated with nationalism and hence with Far Right groups in Britain. As a backdrop for this performance, he chose a photograph of two female Skinhead s. The NME responded to this performance with a lengthy examination of Morrissey's attitudes to race, claiming that the singer had "left himself in a position where accusations that he's toying with far-right/fascist imagery, and even of racism itself, can no longer just be laughed off with a knowing quip" ''New Musical Express'', 22 August 1992. The Smiths' "Panic", released July of 1986, fades out with the refrain "hang the DJ, hang the DJ, hang the DJ..." This lyric is regarded by some to be associated with the song's earlier line, "because the music that they constantly play says nothing to me about MY life". Rogan's biography reports that initial critical response to this content was interpreted as distaste for the increasing influence of Rap and R&B over popular music at the time. Another song cited by NME ( New Musical Express ) as possible proof of Morrissey's racism was "Asian Rut" from 1991, which vividly describes the murder of an Asia n man by white racists. Others have said that with lines such as "it must be wrong / three against one?" Morrissey appears to be siding with the Asian victim. Critics of the racism allegations point to Morrissey’s involvement in organizations such as Amnesty International and almost performing at an anti- Apartheid concert. http://www.nndb.com/org/761/000051608/ http://foreverill.com/interviews/post87/eighties.htm Morrissey has also been quoted as saying "If I am racist then the Pope is female. Which he isn't," and "If the National Front were to hate anyone, it would be me. I would be top of the list." Though, he qualified that by saying that far-right rage "is simply their anger at being ignored in what is supposed to be a democratic society."4 In 1999 Morrissey commented on the rise of Austrian far-right politician statement. http://www.uaf.org.uk/aboutUAF.asp?choice=4 Animal rights Morrissey is a vegetarian and has been since he was 11 years old. Morrissey explained his vegetarianism by saying "If you love animals, obviously it doesn't make sense to hurt them." Morrissey is an advocate for Animal Rights and a supporter of People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA). In recognition of his support, PETA honoured him with the Linda McCartney Memorial Award at their 25th Anniversary Gala on September 10, 2005.[http://www.peta25.com/gala-morrissey.asp?c=00m Morrissey used to wear Leather , stating in 1986 that "there is simply no sensible alternative" to leather shoes. He has also said "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 now wears fake leather shoes. In January 2006, Morrissey attracted criticism after stating he accepts the motives behind the Terrorist tactics of the Animal Rights Militia , saying "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."http://true-to-you.net/questions_with_answers_from_morrissey Morrissey has criticised people who are involved in the promotion of eating meat, specifically Jamie Oliver and Clarissa Dickson Wright — the latter already targeted by some radical animal rights activists 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.” A spokesperson for British opposition leader (and Morrissey fan) David Cameron suggested that Morrissey should be investigated by the police for inciting violence.http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article788698.ece On March 27, 2006, Morrissey released a statement that he would not include any concert dates in Canada on his world tour that year — and that he supported a Boycott of all Canadian goods — in protest of the country's annual Seal Hunt , which he described as a "barbaric and cruel slaughter". http://true-to-you.net/morrissey_news_060327_02 Sexuality Morrissey's sexuality has been a matter of debate. Throughout much of Morrissey's career he maintained in interviews that he was , who was homosexual. However, Morrissey frequently points out to interviewers who chose to ask him as to his sexuality that the question is irrelevant to his music and the interview or responds with a witty retort which can be read into either way. The persona that emerges from Morrissey's songs, however, is not that of a person who lacks interest in sex. Rather, sexuality pervades his lyrics, which frequently depict a person who longs for sexual and physical intimacy with others, but finds his attempts to express his sexuality constantly frustrated by barriers such as shyness, insecurity or rejection by potential sexual partners — and for whom celibacy is consequently an involuntary matter of circumstance rather than a personal choice. {Link without Title} DISCOGRAPHY See Also: Morrissey 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
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