Morrissey vs. NME ...again

[Stupot]

I think you may find that the number of local or "native" slackers and spongers may slightly outnumber that of the poles.

You may not consider yourself racist and you're probably not, but you are seriously ill informed and rather ignorant.

[delboy]

i think moz and mctwatunus should sort it out in the ring... for charidee.

[Gemz]

These threads are always the bestest...

[SteveCrisis]

Mozza's flag waving was badly timed infront of skinheads giving Nazi salutes. A bit of a faux pas really...

But that was a moment steeped in irony as he had just finished performinmg National Front Disco which the skinheads thought was in favour of them, failing to hear/contemplate/understand the sarcasm embellished in the lyrics.

[Bigsby]

Looks like some Morrissey fans got their hands on Conor McNicholas' Wikipedia profile;

Conor McNicholas - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Classic!

[SteveCrisis]

Looks like some Morrissey fans got their hands on Conor McNicholas' Wikipedia profile;

Conor McNicholas - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

If it's in Wikipedia then it MUST be true!

[jester1470]

Morrissey Replies:

I abhor racism, and apologise - for speaking to NME

I grew up a chanting believer in the New Musical Express. Last week however, I was the victim of the magazine's agenda to cook up a sensational story

Morrissey

* I abhor racism, and apologise - for speaking to NME

On Friday of last week I issued writs against the NME (New Musical Express) and its editor Conor McNicholas as I believe they have deliberately tried to characterise me as a racist in a recent interview I gave them in order to boost their dwindling circulation.

I abhor racism and oppression or cruelty of any kind and will not let this pass without being absolutely clear and emphatic with regard to what my position is.

Racism is beyond common sense and I believe it has no place in our society.

To anyone who has shown or felt any interest in my music in recent times, you know my feelings on the subject and I am writing this to apologize unreservedly for granting an interview to the NME. I had no reason whatsoever to assume that they could be anything other than devious, truculent and unreliable. In the event, they have proven to be all three.

The NME have, in the past, offered me their "Godlike Genius Award" and I had politely refused. With the Tim Jonze inteview, the Award was offered once again, this time with the added request that I headline their forthcoming awards concert at the O2 Arena, and once again I declined it. This is nothing personal against the NME, although the distressing article would suggest the editor took it as such. My own view is that award ceremonies in pop music are dreadful to witness and are simply a way of the industry warning the artist "see how much you need us" - and, yes, the 'new' NME is very much integrated into the industry, whereas, deep in the magazine's empirical history, the New Musical Express was a propelling force that answered to no one. It led the way by the quality of its writers - Paul Morley, Julie Burchill, Paul du Noyer, Charles Shaar Murray, Nick Kent, Ian Penman, Miles - who would write more words than the articles demanded, and whose views saved some of us, and who pulled us all away from the electrifying boredom of everything and anything that represented the industry. As a consequence the chanting believers of the NME could not bear to miss a single issue; the torrential fluency of its writers left almost no space between words, and the NME became a culture in itself, whereas Melody Maker or Sounds just didn't.

Into the 90s, the NME's discernment and polish became faded nobility, and there it died - but better dead than worn away. The wit imitated by the 90s understudies of Morley and Burchill assumed nastiness to be greatness, and were thus rewarded. But nastiness isn't wit and no writers from the 90s NME survive. Even with sarcasm, irony and innuendo there is an art, of sorts. Now deep in the bosom of time, it is the greatness of the NME's history on which the 'new' NME assumes its relevance.

It is on the backs of writers such as Morley, Burchill, Kent and Shaar Murray that the 'new' NME hitches its mule-cart. But the stalled views of the 'new' NME sag, and readers have been driven away by a magazine with no insides. The narrow cast of repeated subjects sets off the agony, a mesmerizing mess of very brief and dispassionate articles unable to make thought evolve; a marooned editor who holds the divine right to censor any views that clash with his own.

The editorial treatment given to my present interview with the 'new' NME is the latest variation on an old theme, but like a pre-dawn rampage, the effects of the interview have been meticulously considered with obvious intentions. It is true that the magazine is ailing badly in the marketplace, but Conor doesn't understand how the relentless stream of "cheers mate, got pissed last night, ha ha" interviews that clutter every single issue of the 'new' NME are simply not interesting to those of us who have no trouble standing upright. Strangely enough, my own name is the only one featured in the 'new' NME that links their present with the NME's distant past, therefore a Morrissey interview is an ideal opportunity with which to play the editorial naughtiness game.

This, regrettably, is what has taken place with this most recent interview, which, it need hardly be said, bears no relation in print to the fleshly conversation that took place.

I do not mean to be rude to Tim Jonze, but when I first caught sight of him I assumed that someone had brought their child along to the interview. The runny nose told the whole story. Conor had assured that Tim was their best writer. Talking behind his hands and in endless fidget, Tim accepted every answer I gave him with a schoolgirl giggle, and repeatedly asked me if I was shocked at how little he actually knew about music. I told him that, yes, I was shocked. It was difficult for me to believe that the best writer from the "new" NME had never heard of the song Drive-in Saturday; I explained that it was by David Bowie, and Tim replied "oh, I don't know anything about David Bowie." I wondered how it could be so - how the quality of music journalism in England could have fallen so low that the prime 'new' NME writer knew nothing of David Bowie, an artist to whom most relevant British artists are indebted, and one who singlehandedly changed British culture - musically and otherwise.

Tim's line of questioning advanced with: "What about politics, then ... the state of the world?" which, I was forced to assume, was a well-thought-out question. It was from here that the issue of immigration - but not racism - arose.

Me: "If you walk down Knightsbridge you'll be hard-pressed to hear anyone speaking English."

Tim: "I don't think that's true. You're beginning to sound like my parents."

Me: "Well, when did you last walk down Knightsbridge?"

Tim: "Um... Knightsbridge... is that where Harrods is?"

So, Tim was prepared to attack and argue the point without even being clear about where Knightsbridge actually is! The 'new' NME strikes again. Oh dear, I thought, not again. I chose to mention Knightsbridge because it had always struck me as one of the most stiffly British spots in London. I am sorry Tim, but you are not yet ready to interview anyone responsibly.

When my comments are printed in the 'new' NME they are butchered, redesigned, reordered, chopped, snipped and split in order to make me seem racist and unreasonable. Tim had told me about his friend who did not like the 1987 song Bengali in Platforms because the friend had thought the song attacked him on a personal level. I explained to Tim that the song was not about his friend. In print, the 'new' NME do not explain this, but attempt to multiply the horror of Tim's friend by attributing "these people" and "those people" quotes to me - terms I would never use, but are useful to the 'new' NME in their Morrissey-is-racist campaign because these terms are only used by people who are cold and indifferent and Thatcherite. All of the people I spoke to Tim about in the interview who are heroes to me and who are Middle Eastern or of other ethnic back grounds were of no interest to either Tim or Conor. Clearly, Tim had been briefed and his agenda was to cook up a sensational story that would give life to the 'new' NME as a must-read national if not global shock-horror story. Recalling how Tim asked me to sign some CD covers, I do not blame him entirely.

If Conor can provoke bureaucratic outrage with this Morrissey interview, then he can whip up support for his righteous position as the morally-bound and armoured editor of his protected readership - even though, by remodelling my interview into a multiple horror, Conor has accidentally exposed himself as deceitful, malicious, intolerant and Morrissey-ist - all the ists and isms that he claims to oppose. Uniquely deprived of wisdom, Conor would be repulsed by my vast collection of world cinema films, by my adoration of James Baldwin, my love of Middle Eastern tunings, Kazem al-Saher, Lior Ashkenazi, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, and he would be repulsed to recall a quote as printed in his magazine in or around August of this year wherein I said that my ambition was to play concerts in Iran.

My heart sank as Tim Jonze let slip the tell-all editorial directive behind this interview: "it's Conor's view that Morrissey thinks black people are OK ... but he wouldn't want one living next door to him." It was then that I realized the full extent of the setup, and I felt like Bob Hoskins in the final frame of The Long Good Friday as he sits in the back of the wrong getaway car realizing the extent of the conspiratorial slime that now trapped him.

During the interview Tim asked if I would support the Love Music Hate Racism campaign that the NME had just written about and my immediate response was a yes. I had shown my support previously by going to one of their first benefit gigs a few years ago and had met some of their organizers as well - as having signed their statement. Following the interview I asked my manager to get in touch with the NME and to pledge my further support to the campaign as I wanted there to be no ambiguity on where I stood on the subject. This was done in a clear and direct email to Conor McNicholas on the 5th of November which went ignored and last week we found out that it had never even been presented to anyone at the campaign as that would obviously not have suited what we now know to be the NME's agenda. I am pleased to say that we have now had direct dialogue with Love Music Hate Racism and all of our UK tour advertising in 2008 will carry their logo. We will also be providing space in the venues for them to voice and spread their important message, which I endorse.

Who's to say what you should or shouldn't do? The magazine's publishers, IPC have appointed Conor as the editor of the 'new' NME, and there he remains, ready to drag them into expensive legal battles such as the one they now face with me due to Conor's personal need to mis-state, misreport, misquote, misinterpret, falsify, and incite the bloodthirsty. Here is proof that the 'new' NME will twist and pervert the views of any singer or musician who'd dare step into the interview ring. To such artists, I wish them well, but I would advise you to bring your lawyer along to the interview.

My own place, now and forevermore, shall not be with the 'new' NME - and how wrong my face even looks on its cover. Of this, I am eternally grateful.

Guardian Unlimited: Arts blog - music: I abhor racism, and apologise - for speaking to NME

[get lost]

The man is a Genius!!

[Guest Jake Wifebeater]

I dont think what i have said is racist an i definatly aint a racist...

Yes, it is.

Yes, you are.

[all_his_engines]

That blog of Morrissey's is rather interesting - for all the wrong reasons.

He's totally shifted the focus from "anti-immigration" to "racist" - two quite different things. In other words, by saying he's not a racist he's distracting people from the anti-immigration comments that he appears to have actually made. By successfully defending himself against a far more serious accusation (one which - as far as I know - was not directly levelled at him by the NME), he takes attention away from the rather ignorant comments he seems to have made regarding the dilution of what he sees as the British national identity.

Of course he's not a racist, that's a preposterous accusation! The question is what his views are on immigration - a wholly different thing.

[Jamie]

Thanks for posting that. It's boosted my opinion of Mozza. Not so much because it's convinced me that his views on immigration aren't a bit dubious, but as it demonstrates his skill as an eloquent, arch and intelligent entertainer, and someone to rile at your peril, but definitely not a moral compass. If you check the actual Guardian article you'll see that Morrissey has quoted the judge in his case v. Joyce and Rouke (refering Moz) in describing the NME as "devious, truculent and unreliable". If nothing else he's certainly got a sense of humour.

To anyone who has shown or felt any interest in my music in recent times, you know my feelings on the subject and I am writing this to apologize unreservedly for granting an interview to the NME. I had no reason whatsoever to assume that they could be anything other than devious, truculent and unreliable. In the event, they have proven to be all three.

Guardian Unlimited: Arts blog - music: I abhor racism, and apologise - for speaking to NME

[Guest bluesxman]

While Morrisey's retort is as well written as would be expected from a man with such high songwriting ability, it begs the obvious question - if he held the NME in such low regard even before they doctored the interview, why did he give the interview in the first place? A last ditch attempt to gain interest from a younger audience?

Also he nicely skirted around the comment about hearing little English speaking in Knightsbridge, that was never elaborated on.....

Anyway I'm sure The Smiths back catalogue will continue to interest new generations and maybe some suckers will then purchase his solo stuff. If you get it cheap enough most of his albums have at least a couple of great songs amongst the cack.

[Gemz]

Yes, it is.

Yes, you are.

Hold on a minute...

Its bad enough our own people nae working when they are perfectly capable of it. But people from other countires coming over and not working is even worse and your quite happy with? Is that what ur saying...

What a idiot...its us that paying for it...or maybe you dont work either...

8-)

[Guest Jake Wifebeater]

But people from other countires coming over and not working is even worse and your quite happy with? Is that what ur saying...

What a idiot...its us that paying for it...or maybe you dont work either...

8-)

More bollocks. Why is it worse for someone from abroad to be over here and not working? Doesn't make one iota of difference, someone out of work is someone out of work. Then again, it stops people like you using the "stealing our jobs" argument, so you have to think of something else.

And don't bother trying the "you don't work either" trick, woman. Since you're fishing, I'm a Criminal Justice Worker and the vast majority of my boys (and girls) are on benefits and,you'll never believe this, not one single one of them is Polish! D'you believe that, huh? Out of this huge, festering whirlpool of Eastern European scrounging and defrauding that's going on, every single client I work with is Scottish! Time you took your head out of your arse, you come across as "a idiot". Boing!

[Stupot]

More bollocks. Why is it worse for someone from abroad to be over here and not working? Doesn't make one iota of difference, someone out of work is someone out of work. Then again, it stops people like you using the "stealing our jobs" argument, so you have to think of something else.

And don't bother trying the "you don't work either" trick, woman. Since you're fishing, I'm a Criminal Justice Worker and the vast majority of my boys (and girls) are on benefits and,you'll never believe this, not one single one of them is Polish! D'you believe that, huh? Out of this huge, festering whirlpool of Eastern European scrounging and defrauding that's going on, every single client I work with is Scottish! Time you took your head out of your arse, you come across as "a idiot". Boing!

Nice one. Most Poles are religious, family orientated, hard working and know that Marxists are not to be trusted. What's not to like?

[delboy]

and the polish bread they sell in morrison's is ace when its toasted!!!

[Gemz]

More bollocks. Why is it worse for someone from abroad to be over here and not working? Doesn't make one iota of difference, someone out of work is someone out of work. Then again, it stops people like you using the "stealing our jobs" argument, so you have to think of something else.

And don't bother trying the "you don't work either" trick, woman. Since you're fishing, I'm a Criminal Justice Worker and the vast majority of my boys (and girls) are on benefits and,you'll never believe this, not one single one of them is Polish! D'you believe that, huh? Out of this huge, festering whirlpool of Eastern European scrounging and defrauding that's going on, every single client I work with is Scottish! Time you took your head out of your arse, you come across as "a idiot". Boing!

Yes as a matter of fact i think its very very very wrong that people are in our country claiming benifits and not working...when we are paying for it...

Stealing our jobs...when did i ever say that? Polish people are actually doing the jobs that people here dont want too. A freind of mine who is in the fish industry has employed mainly Polish workers now...based on the fact that these people are queing up to get into work in the morning....unlike the locals who he struggles to get out their bed...this is not somethin i mentioned at all...so BOING back you absolute clown...

When you say 'none of my boys and girls' (that makes you sound a bit silly actually) are Polish...does that not mean they would have to be a criminal before they come and see a 'Criminal Justice' worker...when did i ever mention criminals...

My Polish work friend has just read this whole post an is almost pissing herself laughin...even she says its a issue the amount of poles not workin...its givin the good hard working ones a bad name...

P.S The polish lass that serves up our lunch in the canteen just announced she is pregnant the day...she has been here 4 months working part time...how convenient...she also told me her sister aint going back to work after having her baby as she does better on benifets...

Sorry folks but you wont manage to change my mind on this one...

8-)

[Little Leftfielder]

Although I've never met you Gemz, I can hear your voice saying these words....like a North East Vicky Pollard

Yes as a matter of fact i think its very very very wrong that people are in our country claiming benifits and not working...when we are paying for it...

Stealing our jobs...when did i ever say that? Polish people are actually doing the jobs that people here dont want too. A freind of mine who is in the fish industry has employed mainly Polish workers now...based on the fact that these people are queing up to get into work in the morning....unlike the locals who he struggles to get out their bed...this is not somethin i mentioned at all...so BOING back you absolute clown...

When you say 'none of my boys and girls' (that makes you sound a bit silly actually) are Polish...does that not mean they would have to be a criminal before they come and see a 'Criminal Justice' worker...when did i ever mention criminals...

My Polish work friend has just read this whole post an is almost pissing herself laughin...even she says its a issue the amount of poles not workin...its givin the good hard working ones a bad name...

P.S The polish lass that serves up our lunch in the canteen just announced she is pregnant the day...she has been here 4 months working part time...how convenient...she also told me her sister aint going back to work after having her baby as she does better on benifets...

Sorry folks but you wont manage to change my mind on this one...

8-)

[Guest Jake Wifebeater]

Yes as a matter of fact i think its very very very wrong that people are in our country claiming benifits and not working...when we are paying for it...

Stealing our jobs...when did i ever say that? Polish people are actually doing the jobs that people here dont want too. A freind of mine who is in the fish industry has employed mainly Polish workers now...based on the fact that these people are queing up to get into work in the morning....unlike the locals who he struggles to get out their bed...this is not somethin i mentioned at all...so BOING back you absolute clown...

When you say 'none of my boys and girls' (that makes you sound a bit silly actually) are Polish...does that not mean they would have to be a criminal before they come and see a 'Criminal Justice' worker...when did i ever mention criminals...

My Polish work friend has just read this whole post an is almost pissing herself laughin...even she says its a issue the amount of poles not workin...its givin the good hard working ones a bad name...

P.S The polish lass that serves up our lunch in the canteen just announced she is pregnant the day...she has been here 4 months working part time...how convenient...she also told me her sister aint going back to work after having her baby as she does better on benifets...

Sorry folks but you wont manage to change my mind on this one...

8-)

Goodness me, how dare people who are out of work claim benefits to try and have some money to survive, the selfish, selfish bastards! Why can't they just starve to death quietly so as not to cost anyone else anything?

You never said anything about stealing our jobs, but this twisted rationale you're employing is the logical progression from it. If it's not stealing our jobs, it's the other old chestnut about the UK being a soft touch for benefit cheats.

Yes, a Criminal Justice Worker supports people who have been through the Criminal Justice system in one form or another, well spotted, clever girl. And you're suggesting benefit fraud, which is indeed a crime...

Your Polish friend is as closed-minded as you are, then. I don't think any unemployed friends of mine are giving me, a fellow Scot, a bad name. I don't begrudge them anything, either.

Bloody hell, she's only been here 4 months, how dare she have sex! How is it convenient? I can't think of anything less convenient than having a mewling, squawling, incontinent ankle-biter crawling around making the place look untidy. And if someone's better off on benefits, it's a bit stupid to blame them for choosing not to work, isn't it? Anyone would do the same. If you're going to blame anything, blame the fucked-up system for being that way. Oh, and the personal insults are a nice touch, kinda suggests you're losing the argument if you feel the need to personalise it.

I'm not trying to change your mind, I'm simply enjoying picking apart your impotent anger towards one of the few social groups worse off than yourself. Still, the abused always kick downwards...

[Gemz]

If you're going to blame anything, blame the fucked-up system for being that way.

For the love of the baby jesus...can you not read...

'I BLAME THE GOVERMENT FOR THIS NOT THE FOREIGNERS'...stated in my first post...

I think you have a wee chip on your shoulder about somethin else on this forum...

8-)

[all_his_engines]

Well, this thread seems to have gone spectacularly off topic.....

[french_disko]

Well, this thread seems to have gone spectacularly off topic.....

It's all the Poles' fault.

[Gemz]

It's all the Poles' fault.

OMG WTF U RACIST...

8-)

[Guest Jake Wifebeater]

For the love of the baby jesus...can you not read...

'I BLAME THE GOVERMENT FOR THIS NOT THE FOREIGNERS'...stated in my first post...

I think you have a wee chip on your shoulder about somethin else on this forum...

So rant about the government a bit more then...

[SteveCrisis]

Morrissey's taken-out-of-context-racial-slurs aside, I've just got my ticket to see him at the Ediburgh Playhouse in Feb