Morrissey’s Album Woes
Morrissey says he’s been "gagged" about his new album, Bonfire of the Teenagers.
He recorded it between 2020 and 2021, but it’s been controversial because its title references the tragic Manchester Arena bombing during Ariana Grande’s concert in 2017. This incident took 22 lives and left a lasting impact on Manchester. The city adopted Oasis’ song “Don’t Look Back in Anger” as their anthem after the tragedy.
Morrissey told The Telegraph, “The Manchester Arena bombing was our 9/11.” He feels that understanding the attack’s full meaning is often seen as being guilty, which he finds derisive. He criticizes the command to not look back in anger as lacking social harmony.
He believes self-censorship means the "idiots" have won. There’s no arts media in England to discuss these issues, he adds. Genuine artists are held hostage by those who reject alternative opinions.
Fans might wonder why this happens.
Morrissey thinks being controversial means being smart. “We are still in the grip of idiot culture,” he said, claiming he’s among the first to be silenced since he relies on free speech. He wouldn’t change the title song because he wants to honor the murdered kids of Manchester.
No record label has agreed to release Bonfire of the Teenagers. Morrissey said, “Every major label in London has refused while admitting it is a masterpiece.” Label bosses fear backlash from The Guardian for supporting social awareness.
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This isn’t the first time Bonfire of the Teenagers has caused a stir. Miley Cyrus asked to be removed from the song “I Am Veronica.” Morrissey said she backed off due to a clash within his private circle. “Miley has backed off for reasons unconnected to me," he explained.
Announced in May 2021, the album was supposed to come out through BMG, but they dropped Morrissey in November 2020. He called it the best album of his life despite the worst year of his life.
Later, in October, Morrissey announced Capitol Records would release the album, featuring guests like Chad Smith, Flea, Iggy Pop, Andrew Watt, Josh Klinghoffer, and Cyrus. But after Cyrus left, Morrissey also cut ties with Capitol Records. Earlier this year, he bought back rights to two of his albums from Capitol.
Morrissey’s last album, I Am Not a Dog on a Chain, came out in 2020.
