Posted on 06/10/2004 1:23:44 PM PDT by Hi Heels
Morrissey's Alleged Remark Sparks Outcry
Thu Jun 10, 1:13 PM ET
LONDON - Morrissey, outspoken lead singer of '80s rockers The Smiths, has sparked an Internet storm with reported comments about President George W. Bush (news - web sites).
AP Photo
The Manchester Evening News said Thursday it had received a record number of hits after reporting on its Web site that Morrissey, 45, had interrupted a Dublin concert Saturday with news of former President Reagan's death, adding that he wished Bush had died instead.
Morrissey's record company, Sanctuary Records, could not confirm the remarks.
"We do not have a recording of the gig, but as far as we can tell, Morrissey was just alerting the audience to the fact that Ronald Reagan (news) had died," the newspaper quoted the company as saying. "He then simply followed that up with his comment about George Bush, which was his own opinion. He is no stranger to controversy."
A newspaper spokeswoman said thousands of people, 90 percent from the United States, had contacted the site to complain. A few expressed support for the remarks.
Formed in Manchester in the early 1980s, The Smiths had a series of British hits and a large cult following around the world, with songs including "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" and "Shoplifters of the World Unite."
A longtime proponent of celibacy and vegetarianism who once wrote a song titled "Bigmouth Strikes Again," Morrissey drew criticism in the early 1990s when he appeared to flirt with right-wing British nationalism.
He now lives in Los Angeles and is touring Europe for the first time in a decade to promote his latest solo album, "You Are the Quarry."
I've always liked Morrissey's music, but after this little stunt I've come to the conclusion that he's an even bigger wanker than I had ever imagined.
Tell me about it. I just added another year to the count today, too.
Actually, he's straight. A camera crew stalked him a few years ago to find out.
Anyway, he's always been vocal about his political views. Doesn't anyone remember "Margaret On the Guillotine?" What's the big deal? He's entitled to say what he wants!
Morrissey is timeless. Regardless of any politial statements. EOT.
He was? Which ep?
You can't even spell Cavaricci. Geez.
I've never heard of this guy and I'm only 42. I was in college in the early 80's and somewhat hip - or so I thought.
Keep on. I'll report YOU for a hate crime.
Thanks for sharing.
Sure he is. And we're entitled to rag on him if he says something stupid or mean.
Why do people assume freedom of speech means freedom from ridicule?
Perhaps YOU should grow up.
I thought this Morrissey died a few years back, wasn't he with the Doors or some group like that?
When will musicians stop trying to be politicians or unpaid political commentators and get back to music?
I dont care if they stalk him every day for the rest of his life. He's a homo.
um... Morrison. Jim Morrison of the Doors.
I know. I was showing how little the presence or absence of Morrissey meant to me.
Sorry. I thought that at first, but then I thought maybe not.
Sarcasm is hard to portray over the internet.....
yep. a whiney old queeny.
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