September 11, 2024



The proposed greatest hits album by The Smiths entitled Smiths Rule OK! has been blocked by J Marr. The album (above), and also the single Hand In Glove (below)



were planned for 2024 worldwide release by Warner Records along with a deluxe box release of The Smiths first album in order to commemorate its 40-year anniversary, and also a new 7-inch of This Charming Man. Warner approached Morrissey and Darren Evans to assemble artwork for all four releases, all of which were rejected and halted out of hand by J Marr.

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Media item:

• Stereogum: "Now Morrissey Says Johnny Marr Has Blocked A New Smiths Deluxe Reissue" - September 11, 2024

This story is now spinning up all kinds of press, like this piece in The Times by Will Hodgkinson. (Author of the AMAZING new book about Lawrence, from Felt.) As it's The Times, there's a paywall, but here the text of it all:

Morrissey says he is being censored. He isn’t

The former Smiths star has complained that his controversial album Bonfire of Teenagers has been unfairly suppressed. He should release it himself and stop playing the moaning martyr

Will Hodgkinson

Tuesday September 10 2024, 3.00pm BST, The Times

Every rock and pop critic in the country would like to persuade Morrissey to talk to them. Now that the most contrary star of them has talked (via email) to The Telegraph, I confess I’m a little jealous, but it’s a little rich to read that he thinks he is being gagged, bound and censored. Is that really the case when we’re all desperate to speak to...

Morrissey: ‘My whole life has relied on free speech – naturally, I’m gagged’

The forthright singer’s ‘masterpiece’ Bonfire of Teenagers was finished in 2021. He reveals the ‘idiot culture’ blocking its release

https://archive.is/J2hBl - no paywall.

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Related items:

• Morrissey-solo.com: "What has happened to Bonfire of Teenagers? - media request" - September 2, 2024
• The Times / Will Hodgkinson: "Morrissey says he is being censored. He isn’t" (September 10, 2024)

1936-2024

The Rolling People - formed in Stockport, Greater Manchester - are on the rise with a show coming up at The Ritz in Manchester (scene of the first Smiths show?) and have recently paid their dues to Morrissey and Marr with a cover of 'Please Please Please, Let Me Get What I Want' for the city's XS Manchester station.

Check it out here:

Who are The Rolling People?

At just 18 years old, Stockport-based ‘TRP’ have taken the indie music scene in their stride. Gaining a reputation for energised performances, and feral crowds to match, The Rolling People have earned their reputation as the next ‘must-see’ act with repeated sold out shows across the country.

Recently coined as ‘Manchester’s next greatest success’ by Northern Exposure Magazine, The Rolling People already have an unmatched reputation for delivering stunning live performances, which match the band’s captivating melodies accompanied by soaring choruses, something which has been...

Roman Catholic Rocker Morrissey Calls On Pope to End Church’s Blessing of Bullfights

Iconic rocker Morrissey has sent a letter to Pope Francis urging him to see that the torment and killing of bulls “flies in the face” of the teachings of the patron saint of animals, St Francis – the pope’s namesake – and calling on him to end the Church’s shameful ties to this ugly, cruel blood sport.




Now being picked up by various media outlets.
FWD.

(PETA named Pope Francis PETA’s 2015 Person Of The Year).

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Related item:

• Morrissey Central: "THE POPE WON’T LISTEN" - August 7, 2024

Questlove talks to Marr for 1.5 hours - reminiscing & Smiths mentions throughout.
FWD.

Carmen mentioning some new information?
Joe Chiccarelli at the helm?

The ’board she had with her for the interview was set up for her work with Morrissey, with whom she is recording an album.
“With Morrissey, I’m using a CV30 and a Supro. I used a lot of Supro on the Bones UK record.

There is also that solo album in progress: “Coming out in a few years, or whenever I’m ready.” And while working with Morrissey, she’s filling the giant shoes of not only Johnny Marr but also Morrissey alumni Jesse Tobias...