Morrissey has once again taken aim at electronic duo Sparks, referring to them as “headless Palisades savages” in a fiery new social media post.
Although the former Smiths frontman once spoke highly of Sparks and even cited them as an inspiration, their relationship has soured in recent years, largely due to Morrissey’s political views.
In his latest Instagram post, Morrissey shared a collection of throwback images, including a handwritten letter from Sparks’ Ron and Russell Mael. The note reads: “Here’s the cassette of demos that we worked up in some very rough form. Hope that you enjoy them.” The Maels also mentioned their attempts to reach Morrissey: “Have been trying to phone you for about a week to let you know they were on their way, but without any luck.” They encouraged him to get in touch after listening to the demos.
However, instead of a nostalgic reflection, Morrissey used the caption to unleash a brutal jab at Sparks. “A nice note from Ron and Russell Mael – before they turned into headless Palisades savages who threw their old friends into hot molten lava for sexy kicks,” he wrote.
The rift between them became public in 2018 when Russell Mael expressed disappointment in Morrissey’s views, telling the Press Association, “I’m totally in agreement with anybody being disillusioned (with Morrissey) because I am as well.”
Mael went on to criticize Morrissey’s political stance: “It seemed so inconsistent, all these perspectives that he has on those various issues, just stupid, dumb kind of things. I obviously don’t agree with any of these things. They’re just so ill-conceived and wrong.”
Morrissey later addressed Mael’s remarks in a 2021 interview with his nephew. “I’m quite used to it,” he said, downplaying the criticism.
Reflecting on his past support for Sparks, he added, “I stood by Sparks for many years and I promoted them in my own humble way whenever I could, and they were famously people without opinions so I was surprised that they kicked me in the teeth. It came across as an almost fiendish ingratitude.”
With his latest comments, it’s clear that Morrissey hasn’t forgotten—or forgiven—the betrayal he feels from his former idols.
