Morrissey on why “The Smiths do not end”: “It was always about a refusal to surrender to enemy propaganda”
Morrissey has looked back at the legacy of The Smiths, and said that the band’s popularity has not come to an end as it was all about “a refusal to surrender to enemy propaganda”.
The singer and former frontman of the iconic ‘80s group reflected on the impact their music had on culture in a new blog post, shared on his official website Morrissey Central.
In the update, he wrote to fans about how the legacy the members forged came as a result of taking “risks”, and through their ability to stand up against “enemy propaganda” – something which he says is just as relevant today as it was 40 years ago.
“I am well aware of the Smiths’ rise in recent years, and their affirmed position in our cultural heritage,” he began. “It proves how taking risks can work beautifully … and if you don’t take risks when you make music then what the hell are you doing making music? “
He continued: “I am incredibly grateful to anyone who walked out to buy, or who stayed in to download, Smiths’ music. The musicians are considered to be those who make the change, but the consumer plays an equal part by having faith.
“We’re all in this together. It was always about a refusal to surrender to enemy propaganda – something I still face today just as much as I faced it in 1983, 84, 85, 86 and 87. The Smiths do not end.”
The update comes as the frontman has been at the centre of controversy for his political stance in recent years. Back in 2019, he made headlines after being seen sporting a For Britain badge while on tour in the US, before also wearing one while performing on Jimmy Fallon on US TV.
Before then, he was on the receiving end of backlash after he discussed accusations of racism and alleged connections between Halal meat and ISIS. He also referred to Hitler as ‘left wing’ and said that London Mayor Sadiq Khan “can not talk properly”. He later issued a statement in which he said he “despised racism and fascism” and voiced his support for Muslims, while also advocating For Britain.
These all further soured his relationship with former bandmate and singer, songwriter and guitarist Johnny Marr, who has repeatedly emphasised that he doesn’t see eye to eye with Morrissey.
The two, who were bandmates in The Smiths for six years, released four albums together: ‘The Smiths’ (1984), ‘Meat Is Murder’ (1985), ‘The Queen Is Dead’ (1986), and ‘Strangeways, Here We Come’ (1987).
Back in 2019, Marr spoke to NME about whether or not he was worried about people viewing the music and legacy of The Smiths differently given the controversy surrounding Morrissey’s political beliefs and statements.
“I don’t think you can change history,” he said. “I’ve said that before. I’m not worried. It’s got nothing to do with my world or my life. The songs are out there for people to judge, relate to and hear. I think that’s all going to be forgotten in a few weeks, as these things inevitably are – for better or worse. It’s always been that way. I understand the issue, but I’m used to stuff coming and going.”
Later, in early 2022, Johnny Marr opened up further about his spat with Morrissey, saying that he felt he had to “defend [himself]”. It came after Morrissey asked Marr to stop mentioning him when giving interviews.
The comments shared in the new update on Morrissey Central align with those the vocalist published in February, when he posted a blog entitled ‘CANCEL CULTURE BEGINS AT HOME’, and went on to claim that he was being deleted from being the “central essence” of The Smiths.
In the update, he hit out at former bandmates and associates, quoting their debut single ‘Hand In Glove’, by writing: “I stake my claim! I’ll fight to the last breath!”
His political stance has also had an impact on his career as a solo artist too. Back in October, he accused the CEO of Capitol Records of trying to derail his solo career. He was locked in battle with Capitol for a number of years, after his album ‘Bonfire Of Teenagers’ went unreleased, despite being completed in 2021.
The album had been slated for a 2023 release on Capitol, but Morrissey later said he had “voluntarily withdrawn from any association with Capitol Records”. He also revealed that Miley Cyrus, who recorded backing vocals for the track ‘I Am Veronica’ in 2020, had asked to have her vocals removed from the song.
‘Bonfire Of Teenagers’, meanwhile, is thought to feature guest spots from Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith and Flea, as well as Iggy Pop. Speaking last year about the album’s turbulent path to being released, he said: “It’s been quite traumatic and quite sad because when you record something, you want it to be available immediately and it was very much of the time. For me, it was a very personal thing and the fact that it hasn’t been released has been torture.”
Back in April, Morrissey said he had bought back the rights to two of his albums following the dispute. More recently the singer announced details of a re-issue of his 1993 live album ‘Beethoven Was Deaf’, which arrived on July 26, and teased “two special event concerts” with fans.
At the start of this month, he announced a North American tour for later this year, which starts on Halloween. It comes following him cancelling two California shows celebrating the 20th anniversary of his 2004 album ‘You Are The Quarry’, due to “physical exhaustion”. Visit here for remaining tickets.
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Liberty Dunworth
NME
