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Morrissey is an English singer and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the indie rock band The Smiths in the 1980s. He is known for his distinctive voice, witty and often provocative lyrics, and his outspoken views on various social and political issues. He has also had a successful solo career since the breakup of The Smiths in 1987, releasing several albums and singles that have charted well in the UK and other countries. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important artists in alternative music, and has influenced a diverse range of musicians, such as Radiohead, Oasis, The Killers, and Lana Del Rey.
Origins
Morrissey was born Steven Patrick Morrissey on 22 May 1959 in Manchester, England, to Irish immigrant parents. He grew up in a working-class and Catholic family, and was a shy and lonely child who developed a love of literature, music, and film. He was especially fascinated by the 1950s American pop culture, and idolized figures such as James Dean, Elvis Presley, and Oscar Wilde. He also wrote poetry and letters to music magazines, expressing his opinions and criticisms.
He formed his first band, The Nosebleeds, in 1976, but they soon disbanded after a few gigs. He then pursued a career in music journalism and wrote several books on music and film, such as The New York Dolls, James Dean Is Not Dead, and The Importance of Being Morrissey. He also became friends with Johnny Marr, a young guitarist who shared his musical tastes and ambitions.
Breakthrough
Morrissey and Marr formed The Smiths in 1982, and recruited bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce to complete the line-up. The band soon gained a loyal following and critical acclaim for their distinctive sound, which combined Marr’s jangly guitar riffs and Morrissey’s crooning vocals and poetic lyrics. The band released four studio albums and several singles, such as “This Charming Man”, “How Soon Is Now?”, “The Boy with the Thorn in His Side”, and “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”. The band’s songs dealt with themes such as alienation, sexuality, love, death, and politics, and often reflected Morrissey’s personal experiences and views. The band also had a strong visual identity, featuring images of Morrissey’s idols and icons on their record sleeves and posters.
The Smiths were one of the most popular and influential bands of the 1980s, and are considered to be the pioneers of indie rock and Britpop. However, the band also faced some difficulties and controversies, such as legal disputes, drug problems, and internal conflicts. Morrissey and Marr had different musical directions and aspirations, and their relationship deteriorated over time. The band broke up in 1987, after the release of their final album, Strangeways, Here We Come.
Masterpiece
Morrissey launched his solo career in 1988, with the release of his debut album, Viva Hate, which was produced by Stephen Street, who had worked with The Smiths. The album featured a more diverse and eclectic sound, and included some of Morrissey’s most acclaimed songs, such as “Suedehead”, “Everyday Is Like Sunday”, and “Late Night, Maudlin Street”. The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and number 48 on the US Billboard 200.
He followed it with several more albums and singles in the 1990s, such as Kill Uncle (1991), Your Arsenal (1992), Vauxhall and I (1994), Southpaw Grammar (1995), and Maladjusted (1997). These albums showcased Morrissey’s musical evolution and experimentation, as he incorporated elements of rockabilly, glam rock, and electronic music. He also collaborated with various musicians and producers, such as Mark E. Nevin, Mick Ronson, Alain Whyte, and Boz Boorer. He also changed his image and style, adopting a more muscular and masculine look, and using patriotic and provocative symbols and gestures.
However, his solo career also faced some challenges and criticisms, as he struggled with record labels, media, and fans. He also faced some controversies and accusations, such as racism, sexism, and animal rights activism. He also moved to Los Angeles, and became more reclusive and isolated from the British music scene.
Legacy
Morrissey made a comeback in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the release of his seventh album, You Are the Quarry, in 2004, which was produced by Jerry Finn, who had worked with Blink-182 and Green Day. The album featured a more pop-oriented and accessible sound, and included some of Morrissey’s most successful songs, such as “Irish Blood, English Heart”, “First of the Gang to Die”, and “Let Me Kiss You”. The album was a huge success, reaching number two on the UK Albums Chart and number 11 on the US Billboard 200. The album also received positive reviews from critics and fans, and won several awards, such as the Brit Award for Best British Male Solo Artist and the NME Award for Best Album.
He followed it with three more albums and singles in the 2010s, such as Ringleader of the Tormentors (2006), Years of Refusal (2009), and World Peace Is None of Your Business (2014). These albums featured a more rock and metal sound, and included some of Morrissey’s most political and controversial songs, such as “The Youngest Was the Most Loved”, “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris”, and “Istanbul”. He also performed at various festivals and venues, such as Glastonbury, Coachella, and the Hollywood Bowl.
Morrissey is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important artists in alternative music, and has influenced a diverse range of musicians, such as Radiohead, Oasis, The Killers, and Lana Del Rey. He has also been recognized as a pioneer and a visionary of indie rock and Britpop, and a voice of the outsiders and the misfits. He is a true legend of music and culture, and a source of inspiration for many.
