I CAN NOT WAIT to read this. Who ever thought this would happen? Fantastic!!!

if this is true then this could be fantastic! i bet He'll do it in such a way that the mystery'll still be there and you can guarentee that mike joyce will try and put some sort of court order on it! oooo i'm so excited!

ooooh, i wonder who will voice the talking book version? he wouldn't would he? i can but dream. I will read this the day i get it and won't sleep until i've finished it. I wouldn't come to this site until you've read it either as there will be loads of spoilers no doubt.

I can't wait either. I hope it's released soon.

I don't doubt Moz's literary prowess when penning songs, but is he good enough for a large book?

That intro he wrote for 'Under The Influence' was quite nice though.

book signing!!!

They'll expect a lot of dirt for two million

The whole deal with Morrissey is that you don't know what he's thinking. That was how he ran rings around Jonathan Ross (quite an achievement). This could go two ways, either he tells all and the mystery will cease or it'll it'll be another wishy washy biography. Having said that Morrissey has never failed at anything he's ever done...Ill buy it.

i must agree with an earlier poster about the content. for 7 figures, ANY publisher, penguin inparticular, will want something new and not rehashed..... just be warned that even though he has started writing (which we kind of already knew), it will be at least a year before this is on the shelves. that is my conservative guess... probably nearer to two years....

The possibility of Morrissey releasing his Autobiography gives me mixed emotions.
Yes, I'll buy it straight away, and read it in one night... but what then?
I'll find out things that have made me curious for the last 20 years, and he will finally put an end to plenty of rumours.
But on the other hand, I'm not sure that I want those answers.

Some things are really best left unsaid.

I've never read anything outside of Calvin and Hobbs in my life, but I will read this!

Congrats in advance Morrissey, for turning me on to the written word!

Now that Moz may be closing the final chapters, in the event of any last-minute writer’s block, the following could jog him back to customary super-creativity (or at least bring a smile!)…

These are metaphors from actual GCSE essays:

His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a tumble dryer.
McMurphy fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a paper bag filled with vegetable soup.
Her hair glistened in the rain like nose hair after a sneeze.
Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.
He was as tall as a six-foot-three-inch tree.
The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease.
The politician was gone but unnoticed, like the full stop after the Dr.
On a Dr Pepper can.
The thunder was ominous sounding, much like the sound of a thin sheet of metal being shaken backstage during the storm scene in a play.
The red brick wall was the colour of a brick-red crayon.
Even in his last years, Granddad had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long it had rusted shut.
The door had been forced, as forced as the dialogue during the interview portion of Family Fortunes.
Shots rang out, as shots are want to do.
The plan was simple, like my brother Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work. (I think this was written by Gary Neville!! )
The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.
Oh, Jason, take me!" she panted, her breasts heaving like a student on 31p-a-pint night.
He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck either, but a real duck that was actually lame. Maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.
Her artistic sense was exquisitely refined, like someone who can tell butter from "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter."
She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up.
It came down the stairs looking very much like something no one had ever seen before.
The ballerina rose gracefully en pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a lamppost.
The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a
Formerly surcharge-free cashpoint.
It was a working class tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with their power tools.
He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a dustcart reversing.
She was as easy as the Daily Star crossword.
She grew on him like she was a colony of E. coli and he was room-temperature British beef.
She walked into my office like a centipede with 98 missing legs.
Her voice had that tense, grating quality, like a first-generation
Thermal paper fax machine that needed a band tightened.
It hurt the way your tongue hurts after you accidentally staple it to the wall.

On one hand, it would be nice to read the autobiography and bask in his wit and writing style. On the other hand, maybe he'll answer questions we've all wanted to know and some we'd rather not? Personally, I like the mystery of not knowing his extra-personal life and being in love with his public persona. It's sort of like when people say you shouldn't meet your heroes; they might let you down after all those years you adored them for their public work like music or movies or television.

I'm really torn, but I will buy and read the book with trepidation and not visit Morrissey-Solo out of fear of spoilers!

Now if only Damon Albarn would write his memoirs... (He says, tongue firmly in cheek and stuck there with caramel.)

a's side

b's side

and the truth

morrissey is well known for bending (or even ignoring) the truth to fit - the wogan incident springs to mind so it's likely to be the mad rantings of 'damaged' individual

this said - put me down for a couple of copies

i like to have one for best - and, like the records, it will be deleted then repackaged with more photos etc...

better than any live DVD...better than any deluxe version...this is what this website world has been begging for...While some of you wonder if he can write prose...just listen to his dialect...let alone his lyrics...
He speaks in written prose..."like gelignite aiming between your eyes"-"so don't close your eyes."
His songs have been predicting this book of revelations for years...and Marr Joyce Rourke
are the Quarry.

Will he address the album that was possibly (though highly unlikely and with scant substantiation) in the works with him fronting Kelly Deal and the Breeders some years back? Or will he leave that rock & roll lore?

Also be nice if he clears up the possibility of any collaberations with Fred Durst.

... when it comes to Morrissey.

I remember reading Morrissey interviews in magazines as a teenager and thinking that his quick and witty answers to any given subject read better than most novels that took years in the making, so I don't doubt for a second that "the autobiography" will be smashing.

Moz mentioned that he has already begun writing his autobiography on the Janice Long program. I can't wait to see what he has to say.

in american money, isn't that about $17 million or so? damn.

Bill Clinton got paid about $10 million dollars for his memoir and he was president of the United States!

Hmm, yes, a chapter on how amazing he thought Electronic's first album was wouldn't go amiss, but I won't hold my breath. Seriously though, I can't wait to read what he has to write about Johnny Marr.

"He never talks"?? The old git blabs more than a biddy on a hobnob/caffeine habit.

I don't think the book will be great.

Yes, his lyrics are great, but that doesn't make him a great writer.

Everything Morrissey has ever written, like liner notes and such, are not that good. They come across as fabricated and unnatural. He's simply trying too hard.

Maybe he can use a ghostwriter?

Does anyone know where the preorder link for the new Mattel "Moz" doll is? I heard he is being marketed as Ken's ambiguous cousin from the other side of the pond. Miniature pommade jar not included, but sold separately.

For those who said Morrissey is money-grubbing, it might just be that he is being realistic. The amount of work a publishing house puts into initially promoting a work (i.e. before they know whether it is a hit or not) is based almost entirely on how much advance has been paid. The more money paid, the more work they will do. Morrissey knows this: indeed, his long wait for a record deal was probably partly a wait for a deal that was big enough to give him confidence they would do a proper job. If, as is widely suggested, Morrissey doesn't "need" the money, then why bother doing months of work on a book the publishing house might, on a whim, let die? If they have paid him anything like two million, he will now be sure that they are going to throw everything into making the book a hit. It isn't necessarily pretty, but that's how it works.

Morrissey is above the market system. He only cares about the final product. He has given you so much joy, and now you cast such aspersions upon him! Each day, he wakes up thinking about how he can help troubled people make it through another day.

Morrissey is only MAKING IT LOOK like he is selling out because DOING SO IS IRONIC. Maybe you just don't get it

For Morrissey, it's all about creating the legend. As he himself says it's all "public image."

The timing is the key. I've long thought he's going to use this autobiography as his big exit. I'm not sure what format the exit will take, but I doubt we'll be seeing much of the great man after it hits the shelves. I hope, at least, we get another album or two before that time.

broken

will there be an audio version? Imagine lying on the bed and listening to Morrissey talk his life.

About the sum he's demanding, Moz has consistently said he wants to do things that are very visible -- that's why he doesn't like labelless/DIY/internet floundering. As a smart poster above said, the more they pay him the more they'll push it. Hopefully there is a brilliant editor to work with him in creating the best book possible.

So, what song title would best be appropriated/paraphrased for the book title:

"Morrissey: My Love Life"

Well, that would keep the publishers happy, until they read it.

Or a song line?

"Spineless Bastards All: The Morrissey Memoirs Volume 1; My Life With The Smiths"

Certainly long enough for a Morrissey title.

Whatever he calls it, let's hope it's not got "Miserable Lie" as its working title.

He's curently writing two biographies, one about the Morrissey we know but don't like, the other about the one we don't know and wouldn't want to.

Hence the 2 million quid.

As someone who works in the book world, I know from experience that publishers usually feel that they must have the literary critics from the world's major broadsheets gushing about their latest "product" for it to ever stand a chance of shifting the "required units" to go into profit and justify these huge advances and/or author payments.

Critics typically attack autobiographies for one of two basic reasons:

1. The author held back/whitewashed/watered down the dirt to make themselves come up smelling like roses; OR

2. The author went on a vengeful rampage, trying to "right" a lifetime of perceived "wrongs" and got carried away with their personal vendettas. These ones usually get so heavilly edited by the publisher's legal team, to avoid troublesome litigation, that they simply end up coming across as dull, petty, lame, spiteful tomes that can't justify their wild accusations and don't even end up naming names.

Publishers know this from experience, especially the big ones like Penguin.

Therefore, to increase the chances of across-the-board, mainstream critical approval, Penguin are certainly not going to pay good money for a "faith-based" roll of the dice; rather they are already (read "pre-contract/advance") going to know what they are getting OR have already assessed a finished draft. Either way, content is contracted up front for future guarenteed inclusion. They simply do not gamble without legally binding contracts on debut authors. Who would when this much money is involved?

A typical contract will outline, point by point, what topics will be covered and in how much detail, similar to a creative brief or spec document.

Or, quite realistically, knowing that Morrissey has been talking publicly about this book for some time, it may well be finished and a "final draft manuscript" has already been shopped around and bought by Penguin. Who knows?

Hey fans

It could be a fiction or a hearsay, but a girl who shared my love for The Smiths and Moz, told me once, that he wrote a book in his earlier days, prior to the Smiths. Or is it maybe, that he tried to get it into print and was denied ?!

Does any one have a clue ?

Also I would like to say that, Moz is no more than a gifted person, who's best years are past him - musically speaking. And I love him still, for saying and admitting it.
He always was truthful to himself and us.

Therefore my honest advice to all is :

Don't read anything if you don't want to wake up from a sweet dream !

Is so different from the smell of a cd or record, so of course I am happy to hear this news (near my b-day! too). Most of us here love poems & lit. so for me this is an English wish...

fuck the ranker...

Fascinating! I never thought I would see the day I wonder if he will name names.....

I've always been true to you in my own strange way

Given what Morrissey has said in the past about people committing suicide being brave, he couldn’t be thinking of writing to book and making the last chapter the unthinkable could he? They would need to set up the ‘Take That Split’ type help line if it was the case.

Asleep?

This is only a tentative observation mind, dipping the toe in the moody pool of M-Solo (I may regret posting it).

-Visit your psychotherapist in the morning
-Write in the afternoon
And don't see anyone during the process.

This is the only way. You know it.

Oh it's already finished? Then
"And a treeeee cut down for no reason
a treeeee cut down for no reason
is mmmmmurderrrrrr..."

Dear dear. Sure you can't start again? Oh my my. Oh shit. Oh God please NO. Etc.

"Oh look, it's full of 3 pages-long sentences that don't mean anything, like the one in those liner notes!"

This is bad.
Oh but to be spared the " I'm using complicated words to get my O level" wording!

Franky Ms Sinatry,
I'm a sickening wreck
I've got Morrissey's autobiography
brreathing down my neck
I must mooove fast
You understand me
Before he goes down
on Literary History
("oh!")

Ms Sinatry.

Well there's still hope: maybe Morrissey took writing lessons from Nancy.

And we're just talking about style. Not content.

It surely won't be as poor as his biographies.

His biographers make the sort of errors his true followers never would - goodness only knows what the puffed up hacks will write about it.

I've written to the authors of the last three books about Morrissey and pointed out their howlers. The worst of the bunch by a long way was David Bret's, who couldn't even quote accurately from, "William, It Was Really Nothing" ...

"The rain falls on a humdrum town" - no, the rain falls hard on a humdrum town. If he can't get such basics right, then how much rigour was involved in the rest of the book?

For example, according to Bret, Gary Numan was lead singer with OMD. Yeah? And I suppose John Lennon was the bass player with The Rolling Stones, was he?

It goes on like that for 288 pages, stating such nonsense that:

Johnny Marr was a "guitar virtuoso at twelve";

there are 10 songs on "Meat Is Murder" (I know the American version has 10, but the original has nine);

quote: "The lyrics of Bona Drag's 'The Harsh Truth of The Camera Lie'";

they recorded the Troy Tate album in 1982;

Anna Joblanska sang backing vocals on 'Suffer Little Children' - sang? laughed/cried;

'The Headmaster Ritual' was put out as a single - where?;

and on and on and on it drivels.

Guaranteed, however, is that each review will be titled, "Heaven Knows He's Still Miserable Now" and refer to Morrissey in the opening sentence as "the King of Mope".

the richer he gets.

Any predictions on the number of "deluxe" versions of the book Penguin puts out within the first 2 years?

I say at least 2 - maybe even one with an alternate ending, as they do with DVD's. Oh yes - a tie-in DVD! Are you listening Sanctuary?

great news... .it's about time we heard morrissey's take on things. also,any book company that gets his signiture are going to make a small fortune..so moz has every right to to get what he can...... 2 million quid??? very cheap if you ask me. i wonder if he'll do a book signing??

We all should know by now that both Morrissey's literary skills and knowledge of popular culture would suggest he is quite capable of avoiding the usual pitfalls that befall most biographers; these being:

1. Hold way too many things back and not reveal anything of much value at all (read: boring!); OR

2. Spill your guts completely, leaving behind blood on the tiles and a team of mop-weilding, salivating lawyers (read: unpublishable!).

By now, through bitter experience, Moz knows better than most all about critical and audience "blowback" when he releases (perceived) below par work. I would expect that he would know exactly what type of negative reaction to expect from either of the two above scenarios and will, I believe, sensibly avoid both.

I have no doubt the man has read many, many biographies in his time (he has mentioned Steve McQueen's and Boy George's in interviews to name but two). I'm confident he'll know that what you leave out is equally important to what you include and I'm sure will walk the appropraite fine line to make it a great read, but still avoid a summons.

So have faith all you cynics and naysayers! He'll deliver an entertaining read whether it's vicious, spiteful, loving or honest!

The really tough trick here will be to walk that fine line and to also retain the ongoing tension with his fans: wondering about, but never really KNOWING, this very appealing, paradoxical, talented and mysterious man.

After all, do we want to know?

Well, do ya punk?

Dear Jim,

I'll tell it all for free!

signed,

Craig, Jake, and Mike Stipe

I think Moz landed a good deal. If we are talking U.S. figures here, then that's a good deal. I would have thought that in England, his story would have been worth much more. And for all the clones questioning his ability as a writer: get with it. This is Moz we are talking about here. Yeah, a book is much different than writing songs, I get that. But if there's one thing Moz likes, it's to paint his own portrait. Finally, he gets to either set things straight, or confuse things even more. Either way, it will be in his favor. No way Moz makes himself out to be the bad guy. So you know those stories about Mike and Andy are going to be classic. A man with his emotion doesn't write a boring flop on that subject.

I think the real question here, is how much of his life will he reveal? Is it just going to be a rehash of all his interviews and songs bashing the Judge, or is he going to show some real insight and candid honesty? Moz will be the victim, we already know that. But how much will Moz show so that we the reader will be able to decipher for ourselves what was fiction? Clearly Moz's ability as a writer will show in a positive way. How can it not? The only way we will be disappointed with the book is if Moz doesn't detail the truth (whether it's his 'truth' or not), or if he doesn't reveal any truth. I don't think he's going to comment on how Boz gets roided up for shows or that his team never has his back. For 2 mil, don't expect any revelations.

I can see truth in what everyone has said. I do think Moz at times seems a little "preoccupied" with money, but.... I think we don't understand what it's like to have sooo many people depend on you. He does employ many people and mentioned in an interview buying a house for his mother and sister (Joyce tried to have them seized.) I'm sure he gives money to other relatives etc.
I think he's clearly a gifted writer-no doubt! But I hope he gets a good editor. His liner notes while stylistically unique with new insights often show his lack of a formal education. And EVERY writer needs an editor. Just hope he doesn't get offended. Either way I'll still buy it the first day it comes out and read it immediately.

Hahah Mike Joyce will be shitting his-self!!.
The truth will be told boys. I wonder what Morrissey will have to say about Mr. Marr.
This is the moment we have all been waiting for. I don't think Morrissey will be saying anything on his sex life. He won't go that far into depth but surley .. Morrissey is bond to wow the world !. -- World stand back and watch the man in the shadow unfold. --

I can't wait to read it. He's so private, I'm actually surprised he's writing one--no doubt he'll be selective with what he shares with us.

One thing is for sure--he has a kind heart. He may be nasty at times, but at the end of the day he's doing what he believes in.

Thanks to Morrissey--I'm now a vegetarian. He shed the light on what truly goes on with the meat industry. Not only is the meat industry cruel, it is actually very disgusting what they allow in meat. Even for those who don't care about animals, if you have any concern for yourself you need to find out what these corporations are up to.

Check this out--this is just what KFC is up to. It only scratches the surface of the true mess that goes on in the meat production process. (Not for the squeamish)

http://www.kentuckyfriedcruelty.com/

I strongly advise you not to speak to RABMOZZER, who is a 35 year old man and a practicing pedafile with convictions for child molestation.

Steven signs with Penguin. Penguin...

That made my day ;)

I for one, totally agree with every word you've said.
He is one hypocritical bastard and I don't know if people on here are just simply thick or can't see the wood for the trees.
The only problem I have is that I LOVE HIM

Don't worry, the intelligent people on here know what you've typed is true.

Why are some Morrissey fans so obsessed with his bank balance? Do you think he should stand on street corners and give his cds and books away for free?

Whenever there's a new announcement there's always the predictable posts moaning that he is going to be making money from it. So what.

Seems to me you are the ones obsessed with money.

so tired of this "money-hungry, sell-out" criticism that leaps forward at the mere mention of morrisseys finances. is 2 million excessive for writing your life story? it's entirely relative to the times we live in and where we have come as a society. here in the u.s., we have pro athletes who make ungodly sums of money for literally playing a "game". while i think it's absurd that a person should be paid 10 million dollars a year to throw a ball, i don't begrudge them for taking what they can get. if another athlete is making 10 million and you are offered 8 million even though you each have matching skills, aren't you going to ask for 10? it's human nature and it is no different in the book world than in athletics. in fact, it's no different in any line of work (yes, what morrissey does is considered work). if you are being paid 50 thousand a year at your job and you find out that your co-worker who does the same work is making 55, what's your reaction?

I agree Morrissey is obsessed with money, the only part of his personality i dislike. Maybe the seven years in the musical wilderness helped breed this obsession as he hasn't always been obsessed with material gain. He drives 3 Jags around LA :) But that sparkle of literal magic will always overshadow that.

Now to get on topic, i think Morrissey will have to put a little more in this autobiography than i originally thought for the figure provided. But i still believe that we will learn less than we all believe we will about such a guarded individual. Lots of bitching about others, but little perception about himself is what i predict.