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Morrissey interview in The Glasgow Herald (Nov. 2, 2002), by Mark Smith
posted by davidt on Wednesday November 20 2002, @08:30AM

 Elizabeth writes:

Here's the text of a short piece from The Herald on Saturday 2 November.

Heaven knows, he is miserable now.

A tidal wave of brain-dead Britneys has driven the morose Morrissey to new levels of depression. But his tour, and the promise of two albums, could save the day, says Mark Smith.



Morrissey is bored. Extremely, utterly, and overwhelmingly bored. He is sitting in his hotel room in Birmingham, the latest stop on his new tour of Europe, and is, among other things, attempting to deal with the vagaries of laundry and room-service orders that are never right. But it is not those irritations, today at least, that are responsible for his thoroughly fed-up state of mind.

The reason for the boredom is music, or, more specifically, modern music. It does absolutely nothing for the 43-year-old singer and lyricist, formerly of iconic 1980s band The Smiths, but now passionately solo. When he looks - and it's not often - all he sees is a windlashed wilderness populated by occasional braindead Britneys and Geris. It is a situation which depresses, angers, and, of course, bores him.

In The World is Full of Crashing Bores, one of several new songs which he has been unveiling coquettishly to his fans at the recent gigs, Morrissey makes those feelings blindingly clear. During the clashing, soaring sermon, he spits out at "lockjaw pop stars thicker than pigshit". The target isn't one pop star in particular - it is the entire music scene. "I find everybody incredibly lame, very, very lame," he says, exasperation in every consonant. "So it makes it impossible for me to read the music press, watch music television, and so forth. I just find it so irritating because it is all aimed at the lowest possible common denominator. Some of us out here are intelligent and we don't need everything to be reduced to a level of complete idiocy."

At this point in his career, it would seem Morrissey's antipathy to modern music is mutual. He has been without a record deal for five years and, although there have been on-and-off negotiations, as yet nothing has emerged. He says Sanctuary are trying hard to lure him, but that they are "not close". "I've been offered a couple of deals, but nothing very worthwhile. People are beginning to think I'm being stroppy and asking for the universe and I'm holding out for unspendable amounts of money, but it isn't true. I don't get approached."

The problem is Morrissey has one, maybe even two, albums waiting to go. "At the moment, there is nothing I can do about it. I must wait, and unfortunately, that wait is developing into a long time."

You would think that, what with all this boredom and frustration, Morrissey might sound like a bitter heckler bawling from the balcony. In fact, his complaints are delivered politely and convincingly in a cool voice, traces of Mancunian accent hovering at the edge of his syllables; his beautifully-formed sentences becoming instant lyrics to songs yet to be written. He hates his current position, but doesn't need to see his name in HMV's window to feel happy.

Much of his happiness comes from Los Angeles, where he has lived now for five years in the home once owned by the Hollywood actress Carole Lombard. He moved there "accidentally" but the city has ended up becoming essential to him for its unlikely beauty and its colourful Hispanic element; the negative, narcissistic side does not bother him. "In Paisley or Middlesbrough, you will find exactly the same thing: people who are obsessed with their own vanity and that's a worldwide disease. In LA, you just have to take things with many tongues in many cheeks."

Among other things, his time in LA is spent thinking ("for me, that's work") and writing his autobiography ("most people have made the index, but they'll be sorry about it"). The book, he says, is an act of catharsis, not revenge. "It's a question of setting a multitude of records straight and it's the only way I can do that." I ask him why he hasn't set the record straight on his relationships (that well-roasted celibacy chestnut). "I just feel, well just leave them [journalists] to it really. Why should they know everything?"

When he does fly back to Britain, he finds that, as the plane descends, his heart sinks. In the past, he has celebrated England, but now he is mostly disillusioned, due in large part to the domination of Labour and the Tories, the Scylla and Charybdis of politics. "I just wonder why England goes on with these two parties; they are both completely redundant and useless. For a country that is somewhat known for violence and strong reactions, politically they will just accept anything. Foot-and-mouth; salmonella - the British government are killing people and no-one seems to mind."

He is also particularly furious at the government's attitude to animal rights. "You'll find the police always protecting the meat industry, but you'll never find the police protecting animal rights activists. As long as people can get money from animals, it's okay."

This passion for animal rights is something that has exercised Morrissey's mind since before the days of The Smiths. One of his greatest early songs, Meat is Murder, with its agonised omnivores and groaning chainsaws, led to thousands of Smiths fans throwing their beefburgers in the bin and it is just as important to Morrissey. "That song is incredibly important. I've never heard another song like it. Ever. Which is something odd to say about any song, since most songs have been heard in some form or another before."

He has heard "a million times" that the song has converted people to vegetarianism. "Which is why I continue with it because I think every night it does have an effect and if it is 45 people who reconsider then it's just the best thing that could happen to me."

As for future songs, they must continue to exist only in the ephemeral universe of a Morrissey gig. They are sung to a small world, and then they are gone. But an album will almost certainly emerge sooner or much later. Until then, Morrissey is still adjusting to his detached relationship with the music industry as someone might become used to a debilitating disease. Then he will be back. Bored, but never boring.

Morrissey is appearing at Barrowland, Glasgow, tomorrow.

 
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Morrissey interview in The Glasgow Herald (Nov. 2, 2002), by Mark Smith | Log in/Create an Account | Top | 56 comments | Search Discussion
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I would advise... (Score:1, Interesting)
that he stopped watching tv altogether (or in case he must, just to watch the cultural channels). I'd also recommend that he listened to Joy Division more often, in case he wants to hear some really serious music apart from his.
Ah yes maybe a shrink would help too - I must try one myself these days, must produce some effect to help us to deal with sadness, depression and general frustration. Anyway writing his autobiography is probably helping already.
He never sounded more human to my ears than in this short interview, even looks like he has the same problems that lots of people have.
Havfine -- Wednesday November 20 2002, @09:08AM (#49359)
(User #284 Info)
 "Have you forgotten how to love yourself?" Red House Painters
  • Re:I would advise... by Anonymous (Score:1) Thursday November 21 2002, @03:09AM
    • Re:I would advise... by Havfine (Score:1) Thursday November 21 2002, @03:44AM
        Morrissey on Joy Division (Score:2, Informative)
        I think Morrissey has always claimed not to understand the appeal of Joy Division, hasn't he ? In an interview in 1990 with Nick Kent for The Face he said:

        From http://arcane.morrissey-solo.com/moz/interviews/1990/deepend.htm [morrissey-solo.com]

        NK: What do you feel about New Order?

        M: I never, ever understood New Order. I don't feel hate, anger, jealousy or anything strong for them. But that's the problem! They just passed over my head. Or under it."

        NK: What about Joy Division, then?

        M: I saw them just before 'the death' and I was astonishingly unmoved. As were the audience, I might add. To me, it's all just... legend.
        Almodis <almodisNO@SPAMhotpress.com> -- Thursday November 21 2002, @05:51AM (#49447)
        (User #4664 Info)
         ...the Crime they styl'd 'Anonymity.' That is, I left messages posted publicly, but did not sign them. -- Thomas Pynchon
        [ Parent ]
      • Re:I would advise... by Spineless Swine (Score:1) Friday November 22 2002, @08:32AM
The Life of Morrissey... (Score:1)
For many years I've often thought he had a book in him...and not just an autobiography. At any rate, I'm sure whatever he choses to write it will be filled with his ever so charming Mancunian humour.
J. Razor -- Wednesday November 20 2002, @09:31AM (#49360)
(User #724 Info)
 I'm Alone
Morrissey's autobiography? (Score:1)
My heart fluttered when I read of Morrissey writing an autobiography. That is so great...I wonder how it is coming along...It will be nice to read such an insight to his life and career...Yay....
morrissey_81 -- Wednesday November 20 2002, @09:36AM (#49361)
(User #852 Info | http://www.geocities.com/morrissey_81 )
 "All the things you said, so meaningful, they are all, so suddenly meaningless..."
    Mark Smith (Score:1)
    My first thought was mark E smith. Oh well. Man, two albums, one can hope.
    Rowdy Yeats -- Wednesday November 20 2002, @09:39AM (#49364)
    (User #3877 Info)
      Hurry and write Mr. Morrissey! (Score:0)
      That was a really good article, my heart fluttered too when I read about him writing his own book. It will be a best seller! Well, at least on this website.
      Anonymous -- Wednesday November 20 2002, @11:12AM (#49372)
      Yay! (Score:0, Troll)
      My love will finally reveal that I am his one and only true love. *sigh*
      Anonymous -- Wednesday November 20 2002, @12:58PM (#49385)
      • Re:Yay! by Anonymous (Score:0) Saturday November 23 2002, @03:20PM
        UK Press Subeditors (Score:0)
        Its good to know that the art of coming up with original headlines is alive and well
        Anonymous -- Wednesday November 20 2002, @02:03PM (#49389)
          Morrisseys House ??? (Score:1, Insightful)
          All right everybody that loves Moz knows he lives in Los Angeles, at Carole Lombards old house. How many of you Californians have tried to visit this man at his house? I bet he gets no privacy!
          Stay Away(That means you Ambitious Outsiders),
          Private Eye
          Anonymous -- Wednesday November 20 2002, @02:34PM (#49392)
          good article (Score:1)
          I liked this article particularly as he raised some good points about most of todays music being very lame and indeed very tame.
          flowers -- Wednesday November 20 2002, @07:09PM (#49413)
          (User #6922 Info)
           I want to start from before the beginning...
          No, he's dating voluptuos blondes (Score:1)
          Why do they keep on with this 43 year old stuff? A 43 year-old man is not old, especially an artist; what do they need, the Hanson kindergarten?
          And what's all this celibacy crap? Are these journalists all morons, or do they take us for utter idiots? I, for one, don't need any press statement, "ladies and gentlemen, I have the honour of informing you that I am...". One look at the man is enough for me, as I know very well that the most handsome, rebellious and fascinating men are...
          Tadzio -- Thursday November 21 2002, @07:54AM (#49458)
          (User #7236 Info)
          A tidalwave of braindead Britneys? (Score:2, Insightful)
          According to the article they brought Morrissey to new levels of depression. Odd. I thought the tidalwave of manufactured pop in the early 80s was one of the reasons The Smiths started in 1982, and one of the reasons why they were succesful. A tidalwave of braindead pop musicians can only be a good thing for Morrissey as it raises the demand for genuine artist.
          Johan de Witt <johandewitt2@yahoo.com> -- Thursday November 21 2002, @09:01AM (#49462)
          (User #4231 Info)
            There is some music that Moz likes!! (Score:0)
            Of course, there is some current musiz Moz likes. It is probably impossible to think there is not one current song he does not like. If I had the chance to interview him, I would pull it out of him. I highly suspect he is a closet U2 fan for one thing. I forget what award he presented but he called them sexy (tongue in cheek most likely) but none the less. Go ahead and bash U2 now but these two points are almost unarguable: the Edge has come up with some of the most interesting (often formulaic yes) guitar riffs in rock history (at the very least explored some unique sonic territory) and Bono (although sometimes bland or chessy) has written some of the most beautiful lyrics in rock history. A Sort Of Homecoming comes to mind....

            I am sure there are some songs he likes out there but it would go against his style to admit it. What a great breakthrough for him, BTW, to say he is happy. This way he wins in the end regardless of what happens in his career :)

            Oh, and my opinions are always right.

            - Red Hill
            Anonymous -- Thursday November 21 2002, @03:35PM (#49485)
            Did y'all here the news about Moz & Pam Anders (Score:0)
            I can't believe my hears, but today on my favorite country station they said Pamela Anderson and Morrissey are having Thanksgiving together.(Because they are both vegetarians) I hope David post the details of this event soon.
            Anonymous -- Thursday November 21 2002, @09:13PM (#49508)
            Gimme a break. (Score:0)
            Mainstream music lame? No shit?! Mainstream music is ALWAYS lame. Moz, I love you and all but please don't act like you're going to save us from the drudgery of pop music for godsakes. I know plenty of bands that are doing great things: The flaming lips, mercury rev, coldplay, travis, neutral milk hotel, grandaddy, interpol, and on and on. Quite being old farts, put down your billboard magazines, and turn on your local college station.
            Anonymous -- Friday November 22 2002, @07:47AM (#49521)
              Yawn! Here we go again... (Score:1)
              This whole winge and moan routine is getting old. Personally, I'm "beginning to think he's being stroppy and asking for the universe and holding out for unspendable amounts of money."

              If it walks like a duck...
              sadlad -- Friday November 22 2002, @12:57PM (#49588)
              (User #5434 Info)
                Aye! (Score:1)
                The new pop music will always suck! That's why I don't listen to it, nor do I even turn on my television anymore....well, I do watch VH1 Classic and MTV2 and X-Files re-runs, but who in the right mind doesn't? ;)
                Anonymous-shnonymous <eyes_painted_red@yahoo.com> -- Saturday November 23 2002, @02:53PM (#49720)
                (User #6230 Info | http://opendiary.com/entrylist.asp?authorcode=A128747 )
                 Anything is hard to find when you will not open your eyes.
                  The Moz Who? (Score:0)
                  Morrissey is starting to sound like a communist or the Middle Eastern Muslims. He is sounds like he is starting to hate everything western. The only way for him to get his words of wisdom out is to sell records. He has obviously forgotten his way back to the top and needs to be pointed in the right direction. GIVE US SOMETHING to believe that you haven't become sunk in the lost valley of drunken flappy pop stars. Sort your business between you, your shark lawyers and blood draining record companys or your the new generations will start refering to you as, "Morrissey who?". To be living in Los Angeles for 5 years and they best we get is dinner with Vanity Queen herself Pamela Anderson. What can I expect now and a cameo appearance on VIP? With the Mozz's, every hair in place wearing eye liner, style. Maybe you should go back to london and find your roots that made us all love you. Los Angeles isn't a place for that, you'll get lost in fast fashion, white boy rappers and massive forehead blonde bimbo's.

                  From I remember you, but many people don't --J
                  Anonymous -- Sunday November 24 2002, @06:44AM (#49764)
                  Surely that claim belongs to Saint George? (Score:0)
                  Hmm, although your eloquence in outlining the shortcomings of Scots is startling, in defence of the Scots, at least they have the sense to know their limitations.

                  Not like the English, who insist on allowing themselves to be embarrassed repeatedly in a masochistic fashion at Cricket.

                  The only effort they seem to put into the Ashes these days is thinking up reasons (which become more pathetic with the passing years) as to why the Ashes should remain in England, when they've had no real claim on them for the last decade.

                  Never mind, as the frequent occurences of football hooliganism show, they can always gain solace in the fact that they're good at fighting. A very laudable claim to fame, and one which I'm sure Morrissey approves immensely. At least his celibacy is a choice.
                  Anonymous -- Sunday November 24 2002, @05:08PM (#49788)
                  [ Parent ]
                    Re:William Wallace is a POOF (Score:0)
                    As a ginger, skirt wearing, occasionally drunken Scot, I must beg to differ with your opinion, since in my experience of being a teacher in both Scotland and England, I've found that literacy is far better in Scotland, as is fighting. Most english thugs aren't thugs unless they have 20 mates to back them up, unlike in Scotland where they charge in regardless. And it's not a skirt, it's a kilt, worn because there isn't enough room in a conventional pair of trousers for our big knobs. As for football, we're reasonable, and on the up, unlike the English who have no real sense of their position in world football, and seem to adopt the tactic that if their press says they'll beat a team, then they will.(Apart from Macedonia, obviously, and Sweden, oh and Greece, and that country to the North of them last time they played...er...what they are called again?....)
                    Anonymous -- Wednesday November 27 2002, @05:55AM (#49965)
                    [ Parent ]
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