Morrissey is known for not holding back his opinions about other music artists. He’s straightforward and has strong tastes in music. Over the years, he has openly shared his negative opinions about many famous musicians.
His honest and often critical comments have made him a standout figure in the music industry, sparking discussions and sometimes controversy. Morrissey’s outspoken nature shows he values realness in music and doesn’t hesitate to point out what he sees as a lack of it in others.
The Cure
Morrissey has a longstanding feud with Robert Smith of The Cure. His disdain was evident when he said, “Robert Smith is just a whinger.” After The Cure released ‘Disintegration’, he sharply criticized it, calling the album “utterly disgusting” and labeling The Cure’s music as introducing “an entirely new depth to the word filth.” Despite his harsh words, Morrissey expressed regret in 2018, admitting, “I made some appalling comments about him 35 years ago… but I didn’t truly mean them.”
Lady Gaga
Morrissey’s critique of Lady Gaga is somewhat milder compared to others. Although he finds her personally charming, he criticizes her music for lacking substance. “I’ve encountered her and she’s genuinely lovely. It’s foolhardy to judge people by their public image, or even by the music they generate.” He added, “[she] offers nothing revolutionary. I appreciate the concept of women taking charge, but I’m weary of singers who can’t deliver a song without an army of frenzied dancers supplying the sensuality. It’s a blatant deception, and the antithesis of erotic.”
Kate Bush
In his younger years, Morrissey was never hesitant to express his views through letters. In one, he critiqued a friend’s taste in music, particularly targeting Kate Bush. He wrote, “Do you actually enjoy Kate Bush? I’m not shocked,” and continued, “The most complimentary thing I could say about her is that she’s intolerable. That voice! Utter drivel! You’ll come to realize, my boy.”
David Bowie
Morrissey once shared the stage with David Bowie and initially respected him. However, their relationship soured over time. In 2004, Morrissey commented, “Bowie is a machine. He lacks authenticity. I could reveal anecdotes… that would make ‘Let’s Dance’ a forbidden tune.” He also noted that Bowie’s change in persona was disingenuous, saying, “He now panders to people’s whims, which induces a collective yawn. He’s lost his relevance. His relevance was purely serendipitous.”
Madonna
Madonna has been a frequent target of Morrissey’s sharp tongue. In 1997, he remarked, “Madonna epitomizes everything ridiculous and objectionable. The desperate female.” He also criticized her performance at the 2015 BRIT Awards, telling the fan site True To You, “In 2015, we have MacDonna, who had a quiet 2014, but here she is, resurrecting her dismal career at the BRIT Awards, regardless of the fact that her music has absolutely zero connection to British life.”
Michael Bublé
Morrissey has been openly critical of Michael Bublé as well. In a frank discussion, he stated, “A fiery spirit is critical, without it, you become Michael Bublé: renowned yet hollow.” Bublé responded to the criticism with humor in a 2011 interview with The Sun, “It’s absurd. But I wasn’t upset. I was actually thrilled that he knew my name. Morrissey recognizes me. That’s so unbelievably cool.” Nevertheless, he admitted in 2013 to The Guardian that the comment was deeply cutting.
Kylie Minogue
In 2008, Morrissey scoffed at Kylie Minogue being honored with the OBE. During her performance at the Wireless Festival in Hyde Park, he sarcastically told the audience, “I’m ecstatic about the OBE,” and remarked, “I’m sure you’ll concur she truly earned it.” Minogue chose to ignore Morrissey’s sarcastic comments.
Elton John
Morrissey has also voiced his displeasure with Elton John, beginning in 1987. He told NME, “He’s always thrusting himself into the limelight, sharing his personal affairs. No one’s intrigued. He should disappear.” In 2002, during the documentary The Importance of Being Morrissey, he quipped, “I want Elton John’s head… which would be the sole case where serving meat wouldn’t equate to murder.”
Morrissey’s blunt assessments reflect his uncompromising stance on musical authenticity and personal integrity, traits he deeply values yet finds lacking in some of his contemporaries.
