Why is Morrissey so despised?

[Floogal]

Basically the question is in the title. It seems he is quite unpopular, but he does also seem to have a cult following. I like the Smiths big hits and some of his solo stuff. He's a witty lyricist, but to be honest, not as good as Ian Dury, Jarvis Cocker or Shaun Ryder! All I know about him outside of music is he was a staunch Brexiteer (despite not living here anymore). Also there's speculation about his sexuality, some say he's bisexual others say he's asexual. Also I know he's a staunch vegetarian

All of the above plus he sent a wreath when one of the Kray twins died. Twat.

All that stuff is awful. Seems I was right not liking him all along then.

He's a wind-up merchant, an agent provocateur. It's a thoroughly unpleasant part of who he is, but he says a lot of the things he does purely because he knows it will provoke a reaction, and this keeps him somewhat relevant.

There's no doubt that he does hold some pretty awful views, but I don't think he's remotely bothered by what people actually think of him, but people know now that he's a guaranteed soundbite, so I think they give him a platform on the basis that any publicity for them is good publicity.

If you listen to the Smiths era lyrics, it's abundantly clear the cynicism isn't just naked, pure cynicism. There is a constant sarcasm and black humour, and I think some of that is lost on people who just assume it's miserable and offensive for the sake of it. It clearly isn't.

I hate the music but like the politics.

He's a dickhead and I can well believe he's asexual in that he struggles to find anyone willing to have sex with him. However he's an awesome musician and The Queen Is Dead is a masterpiece. When did we start thinking that pop stars are role models?

Not sure I'd confess to being a racist who thinks the Chinese people are a subspecies myself, tbf.

I think he stopped being relevant a long time ago and that's what kick-started him into showing his true colours.

I was at university in Manchester (and lived on the same road as Salford lads' club briefly) in the mid 80s so very much the Smiths era and everyone knew the jaded cynicism was a theatrical device even then.

I don't think it's fair to assume everyone who doesn't like him because he's a racist twat doesn't "get him" tbf.

I think most people "get" him perfectly well. If someone shows you what they are, then believe them.

This is an interesting read

www.theguardian.com/music/2019/may/30/bigmouth-strikes-again-morrissey-songs-loneliness-shyness-misfits-far-right-party-tonight-show-jimmy-fallon

I was at university in Manchester (and lived on the same road as Salford lads' club briefly) in the mid 80s so very much the Smiths era and everyone knew the jaded cynicism was a theatrical device even then

So was l. I lived in Hulme💪no one thought like this. It was 1984, and we thought they were amazing, and Manchester’s own.

I was 1984 as well. ❤️

He was in his mid-20s when The Smiths broke up. He was misanthropic then. He's a 60-something, curmudgeonly misanthrope now.

It doesn't mean he is untalented.

See also Van Morrison. He's a right, cantankerous cunt.

He's a nasty piece of work, and has a track record of borderline racist comments as long as your arm.

The thing that randomly tipped me over the edge to realise that his opinions have no value whatsoever was when he implied that Kate Middleton didn't really have HG because it was too early in her pregnancy. Thanks for your expertise Moz.

https://amp.theguardian.com/music/2012/dec/12/morrissey-royal-family-nurse-death

The Simpsons episode about Morrissey pretty much nails the situation. He hated it.