Morrissey
Steven Patrick Morrissey (born 22 May 1959), known by the stage name of Morrissey from his surname, is an English musician, singer and songwriter. He helped form and sang lead for the English band The Smiths from 1982 to 1987. After the band's breakup, he went on to become a successful solo artist. Morrissey has had many Top 10 hits. In 2013 Morrissey released his autobiography. Morrissey is known for his support of animal rights.
Morrissey | |
|---|---|
 Morrisey, the lead singer of The Smiths in 2007 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Steven Patrick Morrissey |
| Born | 22 May 1959 Davyhulme, Lancashire, England |
| Genres | Alternative rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, vocalist, lyricist |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Labels | 1982–1987: Rough Trade/Sire 1988–1994: HMV/Sire 1995: RCA/Reprise 1997: Mercury 2003–2007: Attack/Sanctuary 2007– : Decca |
| Associated acts | The Smiths The Nosebleeds Slaughter & the Dogs |
| Website | It's Morrissey's World |
Early life
Born at Park Hospital in Davyhulme, Morrissey grew up as a Catholic as his parents were Irish Catholic immigrants. His parents had emigrated to England just before Morrissey's birth and, along with his only sibling (elder sister Jackie) they created a new life for themselves within the Manchester district of Hulme.
The Smiths
The Smiths were formed in early 1982 by Steven Morrissey and John Maher, a guitarist and songwriter, Maher later changed his surname to Marr to avoid confusion with the Buzzcocks drummer. During the five years of The Smiths, Marr and Morrissey produced four studio albums, one live album as well as nineteen singles, along with the two other band members, bass player Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce.
Each of their four albums The Smiths, Meat Is Murder, The Queen Is Dead and Strangeways, Here We Come charted in the top two of the UK Albums Chart, with Meat Is Murder charting at number one. Their live album Rank also peaked at number two in the album charts. To date seven compilation albums have been produced with an eighth due for release in November of this year.
Solo career
Following the split of The Smiths, Morrissey has produced and released nine studio albums under five different music labels. His ninth album, Years of Refusal, was released on 16 February 2009. The album got good reviews from music critics.
Solo discography
- Viva Hate (1988)
- Bona Drag (1990)
- 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)
Personal life
Morrissey has been vegetarian since he was 11 years old.[1]
Morrissey said in a statement posted on his website in October 2013, "Unfortunately, I am not homosexual. In technical fact, I am humasexual. I am attracted to humans. But, of course ... not many".
Health
In early 2013, Morrissey was diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer.[2] In March 2013, he had double pneumonia.[2] In June 2014, he had a respiratory infection.[2] In October 2014, he said that he has had treatment for cancer.[2]
Morrissey Media
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 during his performance at the Hop Farm Festival 2011
Morrissey Live at SXSW Austin in March 2006
References
- ↑ "Morrissey Interview". 21 July 2011.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Morrissey reveals cancer battle". ITV News.