Gay icons - Observer Music Monthly
As chosen by Rufus Wainwright
6: Morrissey
"Whether he's gay or not, he is the gay Elvis. He is among the greatest entertainers of our time. The banter, the dancing, the stage-craft, it all conspires and you know exactly what Morrissey is. He is heroic. He is a total package, like Dean Martin or Prince."
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20 most fabulous (part two) - Observer Music Monthly
18. Bedroom boy
Martin Rossiter on the joy of Morrissey
When I was young I felt a sense of 'otherness'. I still do. And more so even than REM or Husker Du (two other pivotal guitar groups of the time whose singers were queer), the Smiths were the musical manifestation of that otherness. In 1983, in a country that was embracing consumerism and letting its government introduce homophobic legislation, Morrissey provided a voice. It was a voice that was overtly political because it celebrated otherness.
Despite Morrissey never publicly declaring his sexuality, the message was clear. It is OK to be 'other'. In fact, that otherness should be celebrated with intelligence and style. It should dance on the streets, dust down its bunting and stick two nail-varnished fingers up at Thatcher's Britain.
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In the same Observer, he's also mentioned in Miranda Sawyer's article and extensively in an article on Amy Lamé.
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I think Mr. Rossiter eloquently described (in words) what Morrissey offers to the fans. "Otherness" might not be the best word, but it works nevertheless.
With love,
Ken S.