Morrissey claims he can’t release music as freedom of speech is “criminalised” in England
Former The Smiths frontman Morrissey has claimed he’s unable to release new music due to an alleged lack of freedom of speech in the United Kingdom.
Since 2022, Morrissey has been in dispute with Capitol over the release of his long-awaited solo album, Bonfire of Teenagers. Over the last two years, the singer has issued various statements on his website criticising the record label, and at a recent show in New Jersey, Morrissey aired his grievances to the crowd in attendance.
On November 13th, Morrissey took to the stage at the Performing Arts Center in New Jersey as part of his current North American solo tour. According to APP, in the middle of the show, he shared: “As you know, nobody will release my music anymore. As you know because I’m a chief exponent of free speech. In England at least, it’s now criminalised.”
Morrissey continued: “You cannot speak freely in England. If you don’t believe me, go there. Express an opinion, you’ll be sent to prison. It’s very, very difficult.”
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Bonfire of Teenagers was recorded between 2020 and 2021 but remains on the shelf. In an interview with The Telegraph in September, Morrissey claimed that a major reason was due to the content of the title track, which was written about the Manchester bombing in 2017 at an Ariana Grande concert.
Tragically, 22 lives, including many children, were taken due to the act of terror. In the song, Morrissey sings of a fan being “vapourised” and also criticised the grieving people of Manchester for being united by the Oasis track ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ in mourning, who he labels as “morons” on the track.
He told the publication: “The Manchester Arena bombing was our 9/11. But, in this sad country of ours, to understand the full meaning of the attack is to be guilty, and this is why the ‘don’t look back in anger’ command always struck me as derisive and not at all words of social harmony.”
Furthermore, Morrissey alleged: “Every major label in London has refused Bonfire of Teenagers whilst also admitting that it is a masterpiece. And although there is nothing insulting or antagonistic in the title track, label bosses say they are worried that The Guardian would make their lives hell if they supported any such social awareness.”
In April, Morrissey purchased the rights to Bonfire of Teenagers from Capitol. Therefore, he could feasibly share the album as an independent artist, if no label is interested in picking it up. However, as of yet, there is no release date for the record, and it remains unknown whether the LP will ever see the light of day.
Bonfire of Teenagers was produced by Andrew Watt, who has since helmed records by Ozzy Osbourne and The Rolling Stones’ long-awaited 2023 album, Hackney Diamonds. It reportedly features guest appearances from Iggy Pop and Flea. Miley Cyrus also recorded a feature on the record but asked for it to be removed.
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