Steven Morrissey
Full Name and Common Aliases
Steven Patrick Morrissey, commonly known simply as Morrissey, is a name that resonates deeply within the realms of music and popular culture. Often referred to by his last name alone, Morrissey has also been affectionately dubbed "Moz" by his fans. His distinctive voice and poignant lyrics have made him a cultural icon, particularly within the alternative rock scene.
Birth and Death Dates
Steven Morrissey was born on May 22, 1959. As of the latest available information, he is still alive and continues to influence the music industry and beyond.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Morrissey is a British musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the influential band The Smiths, which was active during the 1980s. Beyond his work with The Smiths, Morrissey has also enjoyed a successful solo career, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in the music world.
Early Life and Background
Born in Davyhulme, Lancashire, England, Morrissey grew up in a working-class Irish Catholic family. His parents, Elizabeth and Peter Morrissey, emigrated from Dublin to Manchester before his birth. The cultural and social environment of Manchester during the 1960s and 1970s played a significant role in shaping Morrissey's worldview and artistic sensibilities. As a child, he was introverted and found solace in literature, film, and music. Morrissey was particularly influenced by the works of Oscar Wilde, which would later permeate his songwriting with themes of wit, melancholy, and social commentary.
Major Accomplishments
Morrissey's major accomplishments are closely tied to his tenure with The Smiths and his subsequent solo career. The Smiths, formed in 1982 with guitarist Johnny Marr, quickly became one of the most influential bands of the 1980s. Their music, characterized by Marr's jangly guitar riffs and Morrissey's introspective lyrics, resonated with a generation disillusioned by the political and social climate of the time. Albums like "The Queen Is Dead" and "Meat Is Murder" are considered classics, and songs such as "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" and "This Charming Man" remain iconic.
After The Smiths disbanded in 1987, Morrissey embarked on a solo career that further showcased his unique voice and lyrical prowess. His debut solo album, "Viva Hate," released in 1988, was a commercial success and included hits like "Suedehead" and "Everyday Is Like Sunday." Over the years, Morrissey has released numerous albums, each contributing to his legacy as a distinctive and influential artist.
Notable Works or Actions
Morrissey's body of work is extensive, with notable albums both with The Smiths and as a solo artist. His lyrics often explore themes of alienation, love, and societal critique, delivered with a blend of humor and pathos. Beyond music, Morrissey is known for his outspoken nature and has been involved in various social and political causes. He is a staunch advocate for animal rights and has been a vocal critic of the meat industry, famously refusing to perform at venues that serve meat.
Impact and Legacy
Morrissey's impact on music and culture is profound. As the frontman of The Smiths, he helped define the sound of alternative rock and inspired countless artists across genres. His solo career further solidified his influence, with his distinctive voice and lyrical style continuing to resonate with new generations of listeners. Morrissey's willingness to address controversial topics and his unapologetic individuality have made him a figure of both admiration and debate.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Morrissey is widely quoted and remembered for his incisive and often provocative lyrics, which capture the complexities of human emotion and societal issues. His ability to articulate feelings of longing, despair, and defiance in a way that is both relatable and thought-provoking has earned him a devoted following. Quotes from his songs and interviews often reflect his sharp wit and critical perspective, making them memorable and frequently cited. Morrissey's enduring influence on music and culture ensures that his words continue to resonate, offering insight and inspiration to those who encounter them.
Quotes by Steven Morrissey
Steven Morrissey's insights on:
Everybody was sorta going to sleep twards the end of 1983, and I felt that they had to be woken up!
I am adrift. At 21, penniless in a world of plausible excuses, I am alone with my goals. These are difficult years, and if anything loving lay ahead I was already paying a large enough price. At my lowest in these years of signing on, I do not fit in anywhere with the family philosophy, and these days set the tempo of the times- even for the days when the sun re-enters the room. Travestied or not, you must just get through it.
Lou Reed is unimpressed by applause, and lives a life detached from custom. His stare is cold and his romanticism is brutal. His songs are half-sung melodies of menace. He might drop dead any second, and is therefore the real thing. Examined ravenously like a museum exhibit, Lou Reed is evidently spiked to excess, and strangely loveable.
I see the world, it makes me puke, But then I look at you and know, that somewhere there’s a someone who can soothe me.
The Smiths is right there, insubordinates of an accidental moment in days when there is no sign anywhere of independent artists or a disconnected view.
The rhino is now more or less extinct, and it’s not because of global warming or shrinking habitats. It’s because of Beyonce’s handbags.