Morrissey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Morrissey
Morrissey in 2005
Background information
Birth name	Steven Patrick Morrissey
Born	(1959-05-22) 22 May 1959 (age 66) Davyhulme, Lancashire, England
Genres	Alternative rock indie pop indie rock jangle pop
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter author
Years active	1976–present
Labels	EMI/Parlophone Sire RCA Reprise Mercury Island Attack Sanctuary Decca Lost Highway Major Minor Liberty Harvest BMG Capitol

Steven Patrick Morrissey (born 22 May 1959), known simply as Morrissey, is an English singer and songwriter. He became famous as the lead singer and lyricist for the rock band The Smiths. The Smiths were active from 1982 to 1987. After the band broke up, Morrissey started a very successful solo career.

Morrissey's music is known for his deep voice and unique lyrics. His songs often explore feelings of being alone, use dark humor, and express anti-establishment ideas. He was born in Davyhulme, England, to Irish immigrant parents. He grew up in Stretford after his family moved due to old houses being torn down.

As a child, Morrissey loved books, realistic stories about everyday life, and pop music from the 1960s. In the late 1970s, he was briefly in a punk rock band called The Nosebleeds. He then worked as a music journalist and wrote books about music and film. In 1982, he formed The Smiths with Johnny Marr.

The band quickly became well-known after their first album, The Smiths. Morrissey was known for his distinctive hairstyle and clever, sarcastic lyrics. The Smiths released three more studio albums: Meat Is Murder, The Queen Is Dead, and Strangeways, Here We Come. They also had many hit singles. The band was praised by critics and gained a loyal fan base. However, disagreements between Morrissey and Marr led to The Smiths breaking up in 1987.

In 1988, Morrissey began his solo career with the album Viva Hate. This album and his next ones, Kill Uncle (1991), Your Arsenal (1992), and Vauxhall and I (1994), all did well on the UK music charts. They also produced several hit singles. He started working with Alain Whyte and Boz Boorer as his main co-writers. During this time, his public image changed to a stronger figure who sometimes used patriotic symbols.

In the mid-to-late 1990s, his albums Southpaw Grammar (1995) and Maladjusted (1997) also charted but were not as popular. He then moved to Los Angeles and took a break from music from 1998 to 2003. He made a successful return with the album You Are the Quarry in 2004. In the following years, he released more albums, including Ringleader of the Tormentors (2006) and Years of Refusal (2009). He also released his autobiography and his first novel, List of the Lost (2015).

Morrissey has had a big impact on music. He is seen as a key figure in the rise of indie pop, indie rock, and Britpop. In a 2006 poll, he was voted the second-greatest living British cultural icon. His work has even been studied in universities. He has also been a controversial figure because of his strong opinions. He supports vegetarianism and animal rights, and he has criticized royalty and politicians.

Early Life

Childhood: 1959–1976

Steven Patrick Morrissey was born on May 22, 1959, in Davyhulme, Lancashire. His parents, Elizabeth and Peter Morrissey, were Irish Catholics. They had moved to Manchester from Dublin a year before he was born. He also has an older sister named Jacqueline.

His first home was a council house in Hulme, Manchester. This area has since been torn down. Living there, he noticed that some people in Britain were not kind to Irish immigrants. In 1970, his family moved to another council house in Stretford.

Morrissey went to St Wilfred's Primary School. He did not pass his 11-plus exam, so he went to St Mary's Secondary Modern School. He did not enjoy school and felt like a loner. He was good at sports, though. He left school in 1975 without formal qualifications. He continued his education at Trafford College, where he earned three O-Levels in English literature, sociology, and the General Paper. In 1975, he visited an aunt in the U.S. His parents' relationship was difficult, and they separated in December 1976.

His mother, who was a librarian, encouraged his love for reading. He enjoyed feminist books and especially admired the Irish author Oscar Wilde. Young Morrissey was a big fan of the TV show Coronation Street, which was about working-class life in Manchester. He even sent script ideas to the show, but they were not accepted. He also loved A Taste of Honey, a play and film about working-class life in Salford. Many of his later songs used quotes from A Taste of Honey.

Morrissey once said that pop music was everything to him. He felt like the singers understood him. His first record was "Come and Stay With Me" by Marianne Faithfull. In the 1970s, he became a glam rock fan. He liked artists like T. Rex, David Bowie, and Roxy Music. He also liked American glam rock bands such as Sparks and the New York Dolls. He even started a fan club for the New York Dolls in Britain. Through them, he became interested in female pop singers from the 1960s, like Sandie Shaw and Dusty Springfield.

Early Bands and Books: 1977–1981

After leaving school, Morrissey had several jobs. He worked as a clerk for the government, a salesperson in a record store, and a hospital porter. Eventually, he stopped working and claimed unemployment benefits. He used most of his money to buy tickets for concerts. He saw bands like Talking Heads, the Ramones, and Blondie. He was very interested in the alternative and post-punk music scene.

In November 1977, he met guitarist Billy Duffy. Morrissey became the singer for Duffy's punk band, The Nosebleeds. He co-wrote songs with them and performed as a warm-up act for other bands. However, the band soon broke up. Morrissey later said he "did not ever join" The Nosebleeds.

After The Nosebleeds, Morrissey briefly joined Slaughter & the Dogs. He recorded four songs with them. By 1981, he became good friends with Linder Sterling, the singer of the punk-jazz band Ludus. Her lyrics and singing style influenced him.

Morrissey wanted to be a professional writer. He thought about becoming a music journalist. He often wrote letters to music magazines. He was eventually hired by Record Mirror, a weekly music review publication. He also wrote several short books for a local publisher. In 1981, he released a 24-page booklet about the New York Dolls, which sold 3,000 copies. This was followed by James Dean is Not Dead, about the American film star James Dean. Morrissey loved James Dean and had many pictures of him in his bedroom.

The Smiths

Forming The Smiths: 1982–1984

In August 1978, Morrissey briefly met 14-year-old Johnny Marr at a Patti Smith concert. Years later, in May 1982, Marr visited Morrissey's house. He asked Morrissey if he wanted to start a band together. Marr was impressed that Morrissey had written a book about the New York Dolls. Morrissey said they got along "absolutely famously" and were very similar. The next day, Morrissey called Marr to confirm he was interested.

The band's first bassist, Steve Pomfret, left and was replaced by Dale Hibbert. Around this time, Morrissey decided to be known only by his last name. He also chose the band name "The Smiths." He told an interviewer it was "the most ordinary name" and he thought it was time for ordinary people to be seen.

They wrote their own songs and also covered "I Want a Boy for My Birthday" by The Cookies. In August 1982, they recorded their first demo. Morrissey took it to Factory Records, but they were not interested.

In late summer 1982, Mike Joyce became the band's drummer after a successful tryout. In October 1982, they played their first public show in Manchester. Hibbert, the bassist, was not happy with the band's style. Morrissey and Marr also disliked his bass playing. So, he was replaced by Marr's old school friend Andy Rourke.

After EMI turned them down, Morrissey and Marr gave a cassette of their songs to Geoff Travis of Rough Trade Records. He agreed to release their song "Hand in Glove" as a single in May 1983. The song was supported by DJ John Peel but did not make it onto the music charts.

After their first single, the band played their first big London show. They also got radio airplay and interviews in music magazines. Their next singles, "This Charming Man" and "What Difference Does It Make?", did better. They reached numbers 25 and 12 on the UK Singles Chart. With good reviews and radio sessions, The Smiths started to gain a dedicated fan base. In February 1984, their first album, The Smiths, reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart.

As the frontman, Morrissey was seen as different from typical pop and rock stars. He was described as "lanky, soft-spoken, with a quiff and glasses." The band's simple style was a contrast to the flashy New Romantics. Morrissey was serious about his music, which was often sad but also funny. This drew listeners into a deep connection with him. The Smiths were also seen as a political band. Morrissey was very critical of the Prime Minister at the time, Margaret Thatcher.

The Smiths' Growing Success: 1984–1987

In 1984, The Smiths released two more singles: "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" (their first UK top-ten hit) and "William, It Was Really Nothing". The year ended with a collection album called Hatful of Hollow. This album included singles, B-sides, and songs recorded for radio shows.

In early 1985, the band released their second album, Meat Is Murder. This was their only studio album to reach number 1 in the UK charts. The single "Shakespeare's Sister" reached number 26. "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore", the only single from the album, was less successful. "How Soon Is Now?" was first a B-side but later became a single in the UK in 1985, reaching number 24.

In 1985, the band toured a lot in the UK and the US while recording their next album, The Queen Is Dead. This album was released in June 1986 and reached number 2 in the UK charts. However, there were problems within the band. A legal issue delayed the album. Marr also felt stressed from the constant touring and recording. Rourke, the bassist, was temporarily fired in early 1986 but returned after two weeks. Craig Gannon joined the band for a short time as a rhythm guitarist.

The band became unhappy with Rough Trade and signed a deal with a major label, EMI. This move was criticized by some fans. In early 1987, the single "Shoplifters of the World Unite" reached number 12. This was followed by another collection album, The World Won't Listen, which reached number 2. The single "Sheila Take a Bow" was their second UK top-10 hit.

Despite their success, personal differences, especially between Morrissey and Marr, led to the band breaking up. In July 1987, Marr left the band. Their fourth album, Strangeways, Here We Come, was released in September, but the band had already split. The album reached number 2 in the UK.

Solo Career

Early Solo Work: 1988–1991

Before The Smiths broke up, Morrissey started working with Stephen Street as his producer and songwriting partner. By September 1987, he began recording his first solo album, Viva Hate. The album cover featured a photo of Morrissey himself. In February 1988, EMI released the first single, "Suedehead", which reached number 5 on the British singles chart. This was higher than any Smiths' single. The second single, "Everyday Is Like Sunday", reached number 9. The album itself reached number 1 on the UK album charts.

Morrissey's first solo concert was in December 1988. It attracted huge crowds. After Viva Hate, he released two more singles, "The Last of the Famous International ..." and "Interesting ...", both reaching the top 10. He then worked with new producers and released "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" in November 1989.

He then started working on his first collection album, Bona Drag. It included six new songs and his recent singles. The album reached number 9 on the UK album chart. Two new songs from Bona Drag were released as singles: "November Spawned a Monster" and "Piccadilly Palare".

With a new songwriting partner, Mark E. Nevin, Morrissey created his second solo album, Kill Uncle. Released in March 1991, it reached number 8 on the album chart. The singles from this album, "Our Frank" and "Sing Your Life", did not reach the Top 20.

For his first solo tour, Morrissey put together a new backing band. He started the Kill Uncle tour in Europe. On the US part of his tour, he sold out Los Angeles' 18,000-seat The Forum in just fifteen minutes. This was faster than Michael Jackson or Madonna. During one show, David Bowie joined him on stage. He also toured Japan and Australia.

In the early 1990s, British music magazines became very critical of Morrissey. They sometimes spread false information about him. NME claimed his cancelled shows meant he disrespected his fans. Morrissey became less willing to talk to British music journalists. He was frustrated that they always compared his solo work to The Smiths. He felt his past was stopping his future.

Changing Image: 1992–1995

In July 1992, Morrissey released the album Your Arsenal, which reached number 2 on the album chart. This was the last album produced by Mick Ronson, whom Morrissey greatly admired. Your Arsenal showed Morrissey's sadness about what he saw as the decline of British culture. He felt that American culture was taking over. Some songs on the album, like "Certain People I Know", were about tough, working-class young people.

Your Arsenal was well-received by critics. Many called it his best album since Viva Hate. The first single, "We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful", was released in April 1992 and reached number 17. This was followed by "You're the One for Me, Fatty" and "Certain People I Know". From September to December, Morrissey went on a 53-date Your Arsenal tour. He used different backdrops on stage, including images of skinhead girls and famous figures like Elvis Presley. One of these shows was filmed and released as Beethoven Was Deaf.

By the time Your Arsenal was released, Morrissey's image had changed. He seemed to become a stronger, more confident figure. This new image was shown on the album cover, which featured a photo of Morrissey on stage with his shirt open.

In mid-1993, Morrissey co-wrote his fifth album, Vauxhall and I, with Whyte and Boorer. He said it was "the best I've ever made." The album was a success with both critics and fans, topping the UK album chart. One song from the album, "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get", was released as a single in March 1994 and reached number 8 in the UK. The single's cover showed images of Jake Walters, a young man who was living with Morrissey at the time. Walters introduced Morrissey to York Hall, a boxing venue in London, which Morrissey started to visit often.

That year, he also released a song called "Interlude", a duet with Siouxsie Sioux. This song was a cover of a Timi Yuro song.

In the autumn of 1994, Morrissey recorded five songs. In January 1995, the single "Boxers" was released, reaching number 23. In February 1995, he went on the Boxers tour. The stage backdrop featured a picture of the boxer Cornelius Carr. One of these performances was filmed and released as Introducing Morrissey. In December 1995, the song "Sunny" was released as a single. It was the first of Morrissey's singles not to chart. In 1995, a collection album called World of Morrissey was released.

Move to Los Angeles: 1995–2003

After his contract with EMI ended, Morrissey signed with RCA. He recorded his next album, Southpaw Grammar, in France. It was released in August 1995. The album cover featured a boxer named Kenny Lane. It reached number 4 in the UK album charts but was not as impactful as his previous two albums.

In September 1995, Morrissey was a support act for David Bowie's tour in Britain. He became ill backstage at a show and had to go to the hospital. He did not return for the rest of the tour.

In December 1996, a legal case was brought against Morrissey and Marr by The Smiths' drummer, Mike Joyce. Joyce claimed he had not received his fair share of money from the band. The judge ruled in favor of Joyce. Morrissey appealed the decision but lost. He claimed the judge was biased against him. Morrissey lost another appeal in July 1998. He later said the legal fees cost him a lot of money.

Morrissey returned with Island Records in 1997, releasing the single "Alma Matters" in July, followed by his album Maladjusted in August. The album reached number 8 in the UK album charts. Its next two singles did not reach the top 30.

In 1998, it was reported that Morrissey no longer had a record deal. The following year, he went on the Oye Esteban Tour and was a main performer at the Coachella Festival in California.

Morrissey left Britain and bought a house in Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles. He rarely returned to Britain over the next few years.

In 2002, Morrissey went on a world tour. He played two sold-out nights at the Royal Albert Hall, where he performed new songs. During this time, a documentary called The Importance of Being Morrissey was filmed. It aired in 2003 and was his first major TV interview in Britain. He mentioned he was writing an autobiography and criticized reality music shows like Pop Idol.

Comeback: 2004–2009

In 2003, Morrissey signed with Sanctuary Records. He released his seventh solo album, You Are the Quarry, in May 2004. It reached number 2 on the UK album chart and number 11 in the U.S. The first single, "Irish Blood, English Heart", reached number 3 in the UK singles chart, his highest-ranked single ever. To promote the album, he appeared on TV shows and gave his first TV interview in 17 years. He also gave interviews to various press outlets.

Morrissey went on a world tour from April to November to promote the album. He celebrated his 45th birthday with a concert in Manchester. This concert was recorded and released as the DVD Who Put the M in Manchester?.

Morrissey was also asked to organize the Meltdown festival in London. He brought in artists like Sparks and Nancy Sinatra. He also performed at several UK music festivals, including Leeds, Reading, and Glastonbury.

Morrissey's eighth studio album, Ringleader of the Tormentors, was recorded in Rome and released in April 2006. It debuted at number 1 in the UK album charts. Morrissey called the album "the most beautiful—perhaps the most gentle—so far."

In December 2007, Morrissey signed a new deal with Decca Records. This included a Greatest Hits album and a new studio album. Greatest Hits reached number 5 in the UK album chart. "That's How People Grow Up" was the first single from Greatest Hits.

His ninth studio album, Years of Refusal, was released in February 2009. It reached number 3 in the UK Albums Chart. Critics praised the album, comparing it to his earlier successful works. "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris" and "Something Is Squeezing My Skull" were released as singles. Throughout 2009, Morrissey toured to promote the album.

In October 2009, Swords, a collection of B-sides, was released. On the second date of the UK tour for Swords, Morrissey collapsed on stage and was briefly hospitalized. After this tour, Morrissey was without a record company.

Later Studio Albums and Books: 2010–2019

In April 2011, EMI released a new collection, Very Best of Morrissey. Morrissey chose the songs and artwork for it. In June and July 2011, Morrissey played a UK tour. During his 2011 performance at Glastonbury Festival, Morrissey criticized the UK Prime Minister for not supporting a ban on wild animals in circuses. This was followed by shows in other parts of Europe. Morrissey's 2012 tour started in South America and continued through Asia and North America.

In January 2013, Morrissey was diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer, and some shows were rescheduled. On March 7, Morrissey was hospitalized again with pneumonia. A week later, the rest of his tour was cancelled. During his recovery, he spent time in Ireland.

In April, EMI reissued the single "The Last of the Famous International Playboys," which included three new live songs. In August, a film of Morrissey's concert at Hollywood High School was released in cinemas worldwide. This film, Morrissey: 25 Live, marked his 25th year as a solo artist. In July, Morrissey cancelled the South American part of his tour due to "lack of funding."

In October 2013, Morrissey's autobiography, titled Autobiography, was released. Its release caused some discussion because it was published as a "contemporary classic" by Penguin Classics at Morrissey's request. The book received mixed reviews. It entered the UK book charts at number 1, selling nearly 35,000 copies in its first week.

In January 2014, Morrissey signed a two-album deal with Capitol Music. His tenth studio album, World Peace Is None of Your Business, was released in July. Before its release, he toured the US in May but was hospitalized in Boston in early June, cancelling nine tour dates. After a UK tour, he did another US tour, including a concert with Blondie at Madison Square Garden. In August, Capitol Music ended their contracts with Morrissey. In October, he shared that he had received treatment for a health issue.

In September 2015, Penguin Books published Morrissey's first novel, List of the Lost.

In November 2017, his eleventh studio album, Low in High School, was released. He played two shows at Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl. Morrissey's first UK tour since 2015 began in Aberdeen and ended in London.

In November 2018, Morrissey released a cover of The Pretenders' "Back on the Chain Gang". In May 2019, Morrissey performed for seven nights at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway. This was before the release of his twelfth studio album, a covers album called California Son.

Recent Albums and Projects: 2020–Present

Morrissey released an 11-track album, I Am Not a Dog on a Chain, in late March 2020. The first single, "Bobby, Don't You Think They Know?", featured soul singer Thelma Houston.

In November 2020, Morrissey's deal with BMG ended and was not renewed. Morrissey performed a series of shows in Las Vegas in July 2022. He also completed tour dates in the UK and Ireland.

His fourteenth solo album, Bonfire of Teenagers, was planned for release in 2023. However, this plan was cancelled. The album features musicians like Chad Smith and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and guest singers Miley Cyrus and Iggy Pop. On November 15, it was announced that Bonfire of Teenagers would not be released as planned. Morrissey said the album's future was up to the record label.

On November 25, 2022, the album's first single, "Rebels Without Applause", was released. On December 23 and 24, Morrissey announced he had left his management companies and was no longer working with Capitol Records. He also said that Miley Cyrus had asked for her vocals to be removed from the album. He later confirmed in February 2023 that Capitol would not release Bonfire of Teenagers. He suggested the album had been "sabotaged."

On December 8, 2022, Morrissey announced he would record a new album in January and February 2023, titled Without Music the World Dies. On February 20, 2023, he announced the album was finished. He offered it to any record labels or investors willing to release it.

In 2024, "Interlude," his duet with Siouxsie, was re-released on vinyl for Record Store Day.

In August 2024, Morrissey claimed he and Marr received an offer to tour as The Smiths in 2025. He said he accepted, but Marr did not respond. Marr later clarified that he had registered The Smiths' trademark to protect the band's name, not to tour with a different singer. He also said he signed an agreement to share ownership of the name with Morrissey, but Morrissey had not yet followed up.

Artistry

Lyrics

Mark Simpson called Morrissey "the anti-pop idol." Music journalist Johnny Rogan said Morrissey's work often looks back at a "lost, painful past." Morrissey's lyrics have been described as "dramatic, bleak, funny stories about difficult relationships." They often use dark humor and self-criticism.

Many of his lyrics do not mention the gender of the singer. This allows both male and female listeners to connect with the songs. Simpson felt his lyrics often showed "the essential absurdity of gender." The Smiths' lyrics often focused on the idea of Englishness. Morrissey's lyrics have shown dislike for many parts of British society. This includes the government, the royal family, and meat-eating.

Performance Style

Morrissey's singing voice is very unique. Simpson believed Morrissey's work reflected the style of "Northern Women" from northern England. He was influenced by singers like Cilla Black and Sandie Shaw. However, he sang with "clear English diction" rather than a strong Manchester accent. He is also known for his unusual deep voice.

When performing on stage, he often swings his microphone cord around. Rogan said Morrissey showed "a power onstage which I have seldom seen from any other artiste." He also said Morrissey "oozes charisma."

In November 2022, during a show in Los Angeles, Morrissey finished his set after only 9 songs and left without notice. The show was cancelled due to "unforeseen circumstances." Some fans thought the weather might have been too cold for him.

Personal Life

Morrissey has always kept his personal life very private. He lives in Los Angeles in the US and also has homes in Italy, Switzerland, and the UK. In 2017, Los Angeles declared November 10 "Morrissey Day." His friends call him "Morrissey," and he dislikes the nickname "Moz." His mother, Elizabeth Anne Dwyer, passed away in August 2020 at age 82.

Morrissey has described himself as a lapsed Catholic and has criticized the Catholic Church. In 1991, he said he believed in an afterlife. Morrissey is a cousin of Irish football player Robbie Keane. He is also a fan of boxing. Morrissey has shared that he has clinical depression and has sought professional help for it.

Animal Rights Advocacy

Morrissey is a strong supporter of animal welfare and animal rights. He has been a vegetarian since he was 11 years old. He explained his vegetarianism by saying, "if you love animals, obviously it doesn't make sense to hurt them." In 2015, Morrissey announced that he became a vegan. He said he only eats bread, potatoes, pasta, and nuts.

Morrissey supports People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). PETA honored him with an award in 2005 for his support. He appeared in a PETA advertisement in 2012, encouraging people to spay or neuter their pets. In 2014, PETA created a cartoon in his honor, featuring his song "I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday."

In January 2006, Morrissey caused discussion when he said he understood why people might use violence against fur farmers or animal testing scientists. He said it was because they use violence themselves. He has criticized people who promote eating meat. He also criticized the British royal family for their involvement in fox hunting.

In 2006, Morrissey refused to include Canada in his world tour. He supported a boycott of Canadian goods to protest the country's annual seal hunt. He called it a "barbaric and cruel slaughter." In 2018, he changed his approach. He decided to donate to animal protection groups in the cities where he performed. He also invited these groups to set up stalls at his concerts.

In a 2010 interview, Morrissey said that "you can't help but feel that the Chinese are a subspecies" due to their "horrific" treatment of animals. His interviewer noted that Morrissey is very firm in his beliefs about animal rights.

At a concert in Warsaw in July 2011, Morrissey compared animal suffering to human tragedies. His comments, referencing the 2011 Norway attacks, were seen as insensitive by some. He later explained that if people are horrified by human killings, they should also feel horror at the murder of any innocent being.

In February 2013, the Staples Center agreed to make all vendors in the arena vegetarian for Morrissey's performance. This meant closing down McDonald's vendors. Morrissey called it a "victory for the animals." Later that month, Morrissey cancelled a TV appearance after learning that the show's other guests were from Duck Dynasty, a reality show about hunting. Morrissey called them "animal serial killers."

In September 2014, he called an Australian politician's plan to kill 2 million invasive cats "idiocy."

Morrissey faced controversy in 2019 when he banned all meat products from a venue where he was performing in Houston. Other musicians criticized this ban.

Political Opinions

British Politics

The Smiths were seen as a very political band. Morrissey was described as being "pro-working class, anti-elite and anti-institution." This included all political parties, the government, and the royal family. Because his comments don't fit one political idea, it can confuse people.

Morrissey has always had strong anti-royalist views. He has fiercely criticized the British monarchy. In a 1985 interview, he said he always "despised royalty." In a 2011 interview, he said he was a republican. He called the British royal family "benefit scroungers." In a 2012 interview, he spoke against the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, calling it a "celebration of what? 60 years of dictatorship."

Morrissey's first solo album included a song called "Margaret on the Guillotine," which was a jab at Margaret Thatcher. The police even investigated him because of the song's lyrics. After Thatcher's death in 2013, Morrissey called her "a terror without an atom of humanity." His album You Are the Quarry includes the song "Irish Blood, English Heart," which criticizes political parties and royalism. During the Iraq War, he called George W. Bush and Tony Blair "insufferable, egotistical insane despots." In 2010, he supported Johnny Marr's statement that Prime Minister David Cameron was not allowed to like The Smiths.

European Union

In 2013, Morrissey said he "nearly voted" for the UK Independence Party. He admired its leader, Nigel Farage, and supported his views against the UK being part of the European Union. In 2019, Morrissey said Farage "would make a good prime minister."

In October 2016, he praised the UK's vote on EU membership as "magnificent." He felt the BBC had unfairly criticized supporters of the Leave campaign. In 2019, he argued that the result of the EU vote should be respected. He said he found "absolutely nothing attractive about the EU."

Race and Other Views

Morrissey has faced accusations of racism since the early 1990s. These accusations came from his comments, actions, and songs. He has always denied being racist. He even won a legal case against a British music magazine, NME, which had to apologize.

Some people accused Morrissey of racism for mentioning the National Front, a far-right political party, in his 1992 song "The National Front Disco." However, others argued that the song was ironic and felt sorry for the party's supporters. NME also accused him of racism for using images of skinhead girls and wrapping himself in a Union flag during a 1992 performance. But these actions also led to him being booed by some neo-Nazi skinheads who thought he was taking their culture.

Morrissey sued NME over a 2007 article that criticized him. The article claimed he said British identity was disappearing because of immigration. His manager called the article a "character assassination." The legal dispute was settled in June 2012, with NME issuing a public apology.

Morrissey's 2010 statement, where he described the Chinese as a "subspecies" in relation to their treatment of animals, was widely criticized as racist.

In October 2017, he supported Anne Marie Waters, an activist who speaks against Islam. In April 2018, he endorsed Waters' new far-right party, For Britain. He even wore a party badge during some performances. This support led to his album California Son being removed from some train stations and stores. In June 2018, Morrissey confirmed his support for Waters and For Britain. He said she believed in British heritage and freedom of speech. He also criticized how anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson was treated.

In June 2019, Morrissey again denied accusations of racism. He said, "Everyone ultimately prefers their own race—does this make everyone racist?" Other musicians have commented on his political views. Nick Cave defended Morrissey's right to freedom of speech.

In January 2023, Morrissey published a statement on his website. He denied being far-right and clarified his political stance. He said he recognizes realities, even if they horrify him. He believes in hearing different opinions to form rational views.

American Politics

At a concert in Dublin in June 2004, Morrissey commented on the death of Ronald Reagan. He said he would have preferred if George W. Bush had died instead. Morrissey openly criticized the war on terror. He called Bush "the world's most famous active terrorist."

During a January 2008 concert, Morrissey said "God Bless Barack Obama" and criticized Hillary Clinton. In 2015, he accused Obama of not doing enough to stop police brutality. He supported Clinton in the 2016 United States presidential election, but later criticized her. He praised Bernie Sanders as "sane and intelligent." Morrissey called Donald Trump "Donald Thump" and accused him of not caring about the victims of a shooting in Orlando, Florida. In a 2017 interview, when asked if he would kill Trump if he could, he said he "would, for the safety of the human race." He later said the United States Secret Service questioned him about his comments on Trump.

Impact and Legacy

Morrissey is often called a very influential artist, both in his solo career and with The Smiths. The BBC has called him "one of the most influential figures in the history of British pop." NME named The Smiths the "most influential artist ever" in a 2002 poll, even above The Beatles. Rolling Stone noted that his unique vocal style and lyrics "redefined the sound of British rock."

Morrissey's fans are known for being extremely dedicated. Music magazines consider him "one of the most influential artists ever." His fans have been described as among the most devoted in pop and rock. Simpson highlighted an example where young men asked Morrissey to sign their necks, then had the autographs tattooed.

Morrissey became a gay icon soon after gaining fame. He has a large gay fan base.

Morrissey also has many fans in Hispanic communities, especially in Mexico and among Mexican Americans. His music connects with these communities because it is similar to traditional Mexican music, which often deals with romance and sad ballads. Morrissey's popularity among Hispanics became widely known after he toured Latin America for the first time in 2000. Morrissey has often acknowledged his Mexican fan base. In a 1999 concert, he said, "I wish I was born Mexican." He released the song "Mexico" in 2004. A tribute band called Mexrrissey performs Morrissey covers translated into Spanish. The 2018 Marvel film Ant-Man and the Wasp includes a scene where a character mentions that his grandmother's jukebox "only played Morrissey" because of Latinos' love for his music.

Several fan websites exist for Morrissey. In April 2018, Morrissey launched his own website, Morrissey Central.

Influence

Morrissey is regularly called an influential artist. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him among "The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time" in 2008. His "rejection of convention" in his vocal style and lyrics is why he "redefined the sound of British rock." His lasting influence comes from his wit and how his lyrics can be interpreted in many ways. He appeals to young people who are often thinking deeply about themselves.

Journalist Mark Simpson calls Morrissey "one of the greatest pop lyricists." He also argues that after Morrissey, there could be no more pop stars. This is because Morrissey's deep knowledge of pop music and his ambition to turn it into great art exhausted the form.

In 2006, Morrissey was voted the second greatest living British icon in a poll by the BBC. The All Music Guide to Rock states that Morrissey's focus on English identity greatly influenced later artists. Journalist Phillip Collins called him a major influence on modern music. In 1998, he received an Ivor Novello Award for his outstanding contribution to British Music. In 2004, Q magazine gave him its best songwriter award.

Scholars have also studied Morrissey's work. Gavin Hopps, a literary scholar, wrote a book comparing Morrissey to famous writers like Oscar Wilde.

He is seen as an important innovator in the indie music scene. In 2004, Pitchfork Media called him "one of the most singular figures in Western popular culture." A Los Angeles Times critic wrote that Morrissey "patented the template for modern indie rock." Many bands at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival would not sound the same without him. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic writes that The Smiths and Morrissey "inspired every band of note" in the Britpop era, including Suede, Blur, and Oasis. Other major artists like Jeff Buckley and Thom Yorke have also been influenced by Morrissey.

Colin Meloy of The Decemberists recorded an EP of Morrissey covers. He said Morrissey's songwriting had an interesting mix of sadness and humor. Brandon Flowers of The Killers has also expressed his admiration for Morrissey. Noel Gallagher called Morrissey "the best lyricist I've ever heard."

A 2017 film about Morrissey's early years, titled England Is Mine, was released. It stars Jack Lowden as Morrissey.

Awards and Nominations

Brit Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
1995	Himself	Best British Male	Nominated
2005			Nominated

GAFFA Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2005	Himself	Årets Udenlandske Sanger	Won
2007			Nominated

Grammy Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
1993	Your Arsenal	Best Alternative Music Album	Nominated

Ivor Novello Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
1998	Himself	Outstanding Contribution to British Music	Won

Lunas del Auditorio

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2007	Himself	Best Foreign Rock Artist	Nominated

MOJO Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2004	Himself	Icon Award	Won
2005		Inspiration Award	Nominated

Meteor Music Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2005	Himself	Best International Male	Won
2010			Nominated

NME Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
1984	Himself	Best Songwriter	Won
1985			Won
		Best Dressed	Won
		Best Haircut	Won
		Best Male Singer	Won
1986			Won
		Most Wonderful Human Being	Won
1987			Won
		Best Male Singer	Won
1988		Favourite NME Cover Of 1988	Won
		Most Wonderful Human Being	Won
		Best Solo Artist	Won
1989			Won
1990			Won
1991			Won
1992			Won
2005			Nominated
		Hero of the Year	Nominated
2006	Morrissey: Who Put the M in Manchester	Best Music DVD	Nominated

PLUG Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2006	Morrissey: Who Put the M in Manchester	Best Music DVD of the Year	Nominated

Pollstar Concert Industry Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result	Ref.
1987	The Smiths	Small Hall Tour of the Year	Nominated

Q Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
1994	Himself	Q Songwriter Award	Won
2004	"Irish Blood, English Heart"	Best Track	Nominated

Rober Awards Music Poll

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2013	"Satellite of Love"	Best Cover Version	Nominated
2014	Himself	Comeback of the Year	Won

Personnel

Current members

• Jesse Tobias – guitar (2004–present)
• Matt Walker – drums (2007–2020, 2024–present)
• Solomon Walker – bass (2007–2014, 2021, 2024–present)
• Camila Grey – keyboards (2023–present)
• Carmen Vandenberg – guitar (2023–present)

Discography

The Smiths

• The Smiths (1984)
• Meat Is Murder (1985)
• The Queen Is Dead (1986)
• Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)

Solo

• Viva Hate (1988)
• Kill Uncle (1991)
• Your Arsenal (1992)
• Vauxhall and I (1994)
• Southpaw Grammar (1995)
• Maladjusted (1997)
• You Are the Quarry (2004)
• Ringleader of the Tormentors (2006)
• Years of Refusal (2009)
• World Peace Is None of Your Business (2014)
• Low in High School (2017)
• California Son (2019)
• I Am Not a Dog on a Chain (2020)
• Without Music the World Dies (TBA)
• Bonfire of Teenagers (unreleased)

Images for kids

• 

  Morrissey in 2005

• 

  Morrissey's family home (second from left) in Queens Square, Hulme, which was demolished in the 1960s. His aunt lived beside them in the end property

• 

  Morrissey idolised American film actor James Dean and published a book about him.

• 

  A typical shirt worn on stage by Morrissey in the 1980s, on display at the Barcelona Hard Rock Café

• 

  In the 1990s Morrissey sold out The Forum in Los Angeles in fifteen minutes

• 

  The York Hall boxing venue, which Morrissey frequented in the mid-1990s

• 

  Morrissey performing in 2006

• 

  Morrissey Live at SXSW Austin in March 2006

• 

  Morrissey Live at SXSW Austin in March 2006

• 

  As a solo performer, Morrissey typically featured older imagery as his stage backdrop, as seen here at a 2011 performance in Berlin

• 

  Morrissey in 2006

• 

  Morrissey performing in 2011

• 

  Morrissey during his performance at the Hop Farm Festival 2011

• 

  Morrissey performing at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2018

• 

  Morrissey performing in 2023

See also

In Spanish: Morrissey para niños

• List of animal rights advocates