Sparks, the 70s-originating band consisting of brother duo Russell and Ron Mael, has long been fetishized and adored by Morrissey, unwavering in his devotion to their output as a longtime influence (he even wrote a letter to NME Magazine when he was just fifteen to offer his commendations for the band–for in typical Morrissey fashion, he was the type to write his assessments of music in a generally surly manner to then send off in the post). Unfortunately, Sparks doesn’t feel quite the same loving and admiring feelings toward their “protégé.” Alas, these remarks had to come on this, Morrissey’s fifty-ninth birthday.
It was Russell in particular who had a lot to sound off on about Morrissey’s controversial remarks regarding British politics, halal meat and ISIS, the viewpoints of which can be traced back to last year when he remarked of the terrorist attack during an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena (the date of which also happened to coincide with Moz’s birthday, where he was celebrating–as much as Morrissey can–in his hometown when the attack occurred), “Sadiq Khan says ‘London is united with Manchester,’ but he does not condemn Islamic State–who have claimed responsibility for the bomb. The Queen receives absurd praise for her ‘strong words’ against the attack, yet she does not cancel today’s garden party at Buckingham Palace–for which no criticism is allowed in the Britain of free press.”
The lashing tone of his words stood apart from the emotional outpourings from others, including his fellow Mancunian and ex-bandmate Johnny Marr (which translates to j’en ai marre for Morrissey). But this was only the start of Morrissey’s return to being overly incendiary–except this time, his comments aren’t going to ever allow him to be seen as “This Charming Man”–even by his most pious fans. In many senses, it is the same problem plaguing Kanye West of late. For though one still can’t help liking the music, it’s all very tainted by the knowledge of the person’s character behind the words. It almost feels unfathomable that there was ever a time when the artist could be separated from the civilian. As Russell noted,
I’m totally in agreement with anybody being disillusioned [with Morrissey] because I am as well. 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. It’s just a pity. When you’re a fan of somebody you want to be a fan in all sorts of ways. You may be like ‘I still really like the music, but the person, I can’t agree with their stance.’ I’m like all the people that don’t understand what is in his mind. I don’t understand.
Message received loud and clear. One just wishes it didn’t have to assault the highly sensitive Morrissey on a birthday he’s likely not been looking forward to. Or maybe is, considering his lust for death, rather than life (as Lana seemingly possesses). In any event, Sparks has been building to this break from Morrissey ever since the song and video below was released in 2008.
