Morrissey releases statement accusing the media of erasing him from The Smiths' history

He's not happy (again)

Morrissey live in concert
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 15th Jan 2024
Last updated 15th Jan 2024

Morrissey has issued a statement accusing the media of trying to delete him from parts of The Smiths’ history.

Writing on his official website Morrissey Central, 64-year-old Stephen Patrick Morrissey titled his post ‘Cancel Culture Begins at Home.’

Morrissey went to refute alleged claims in unnamed media publications that he wasn’t present at Rough Trade Records during a pivotal moment in The Smiths’ history.

"There is also an obvious media shift to delete me from being the central essence of The Smiths, but this cannot work because I invented the group name, the song-titles, the album titles, the artwork, the vocal melodies, and all of the lyrical sentiments came from my heart … and so it's a bit like saying Mick Jagger had nothing to do with the Stones,” Morrissey wrote.

The Smiths in 1984

“Several news sites now claim that the initial meeting at Rough Trade Records was with "Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke," even though Andy wasn't even a committed band member at that point. The meeting, of course, was Morrissey and Marr. Even Geoff Travis has now suddenly decided that he "can't remember who was with Johnny," even though Geoff looked me squarely in the eye on that very day and said "we'd like to release Hand In Glove immediately," and he then more importantly said to me that his name was Geoff with a G, not Jeff with a J. The hounds are snapping!

“Hand in glove, I stake my claim! I'll fight to the last breath! "

Smiths bassist Andy Rourke sadly passed away aged 59 in May 2023 following a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer.

Johnny Marr hits the road in April 2024 with very special guest Gaz Coombes.

Marr will open his UK tour at Newcastle O2 City Hall on Tuesday 2nd April and wrap up at Nottingham Rock City on Sunday 14th April.

The Spirit Power Tour also visits Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Cardiff, Bristol, London and Brighton.

Tickets are on sale from Absolute Radio Tickets RIGHT HERE.

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