Mike Joyce, drummer for the iconic band The Smiths, has offered his perspective on the ongoing public discourse surrounding former bandmate Morrissey's political views. Joyce also discussed the complex relationship he shared with Morrissey and the lasting impact of The Smiths' music.
Key Takeaways
- Mike Joyce acknowledged Morrissey's differing political opinions, describing him as 'very angry about a lot of things.'
- Joyce discussed the fan dilemma of 'separating art from the artist,' stating he understands why some cannot listen to The Smiths' music.
- He reflected on his 'unusual relationship' with Morrissey, noting a consistent distance despite mutual respect for his talent.
- Joyce confirmed a reconciliation with Johnny Marr following Andy Rourke's death, ending a decades-long feud.
- Morrissey has announced his intention to sell his business interests in The Smiths due to 'malicious associations.'
Joyce Addresses Morrissey's Political Stances
Mike Joyce recently sat down for an interview ahead of the release of his autobiography, The Drums. During the discussion, he addressed the controversies surrounding Morrissey's political leanings, which have drawn significant media attention and fan backlash over recent years.
Morrissey's public statements have sparked debate, particularly his comments in 2016 supporting Brexit as 'magnificent' and calling Nigel Farage a 'liberal educator.' Further controversy arose in 2018 when he expressed support for the far-right party For Britain, founded by Anne Marie Waters.
In 2019, Morrissey appeared on a late-night show wearing a badge featuring the For Britain logo. These actions have led to a segment of fans and critics questioning whether they can continue to engage with The Smiths' music.
"From what I’ve gleaned, he’s certainly got very different politics to mine," Joyce stated. "But that’s his opinion. He just seems very angry about a lot of things."
The Challenge of Separating Art from the Artist
The debate over whether to separate an artist's work from their personal views or actions is not new, but it has intensified around Morrissey. Joyce acknowledged this dilemma, recognizing that some fans find it impossible to overlook Morrissey's political affiliations.
"Of course, I hear it – people saying, ‘I can’t listen to the Smiths. I can’t separate the art from the artist.’ If that’s how you feel, that’s fine," Joyce commented. He added that while he personally listens to the music from a different perspective, he respects individual choices.
Did You Know?
The Smiths formed in Manchester in 1982 and released four studio albums before disbanding in 1987. Their music continues to influence countless artists across various genres.
Johnny Marr, The Smiths' guitarist, also shared his views on the matter in a 2019 interview. At that time, Morrissey's music faced bans from some record stores due to his support for For Britain. Marr expressed little concern about a new generation of fans missing out on the band's music.
"No. I don’t think you can change history. I’ve said that before, I’m not worried," Marr said. "It’s got nothing to do with my world or my life. The songs are out there for people to judge, relate to and hear."
Marr suggested that such controversies often fade over time, allowing the music to stand independently. This sentiment underscores a common belief among some artists and fans that the creative output should transcend personal opinions.
An "Unusual Relationship" with Morrissey
Joyce's autobiography promises a 'no-holds-barred' account of The Smiths, offering a unique perspective from someone who describes himself as the band's biggest fan. In his recent interview, he shed light on his dynamic with Morrissey during their time together.
He described their relationship as "unusual," noting that Morrissey "hardly spoke to me" during the band's formation. Despite this distance, Joyce maintained a degree of admiration for Morrissey's talent.
"I don’t want it to sound like I didn’t like Morrissey. He was fucking great. Very funny bloke, cutting humour. But it was such an unusual relationship. There was a distance. I accepted we were just very different people."
This insight suggests a professional respect despite personal differences, highlighting the complex internal dynamics that often exist within influential musical groups.
Reconciliation with Johnny Marr and Royalty Disputes
Beyond the political discussions, Joyce also confirmed a significant personal development: the end of his decades-long feud with Johnny Marr. The two musicians had not spoken properly since Joyce successfully sued Marr and Morrissey in 1996 over The Smiths’ royalties, winning £1 million in damages.
Their reconciliation occurred at a private service in Manchester last May, marking a year since the death of bassist Andy Rourke from pancreatic cancer. Joyce explained that the occasion transcended their past conflicts.
A Band's Enduring Legal Battles
The Smiths' post-breakup history has been marked by legal disputes over royalties. Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke sued Morrissey and Johnny Marr, claiming they were denied a fair share of the band's earnings. Joyce won his case in 1996, receiving a larger percentage of royalties.
"I knew Johnny was going to be at Andy’s service and I thought: ‘This isn’t about me or Johnny, it’s nothing other than Andy’," Joyce recalled. "With that in mind, I was quite comfortable about seeing Johnny. It wasn’t tough when I saw him, it was just unusual, as I hadn’t spoken properly to Johnny for years and years. But we had a good chat there."
This meeting signifies a powerful moment for fans, showing that even deep-seated disputes can be set aside in the face of shared loss and respect for a fallen bandmate. The reunion at Rourke's memorial underscores the profound impact Rourke had on all members of The Smiths.
Morrissey's Future and The Smiths' Business Interests
In a separate development, Morrissey recently announced his decision to sell all of his business interests in The Smiths. He cited feeling "burnt out by any and all connections" to Marr, Rourke, and Joyce, expressing a desire to live "disassociated from those who wish me nothing but ill-will and destruction."
This announcement, made on his website, was met with a "colossal response," leading to the email address for offers being swiftly switched off. The move indicates Morrissey's desire to sever ties with the financial and legal aspects of the band's legacy.
Morrissey also recently revealed that he "politely declined" an invitation to perform at Reform UK’s party conference, further highlighting his continued engagement with political themes while maintaining a certain distance from formal affiliations. His autobiography, The Drums, is now available for pre-order, with HMV offering a limited hardback edition signed by Mike Joyce.