Morrissey (born Steven Patrick Morrissey, May 22, 1959, in Davyhulme, Lancashire, England) is a British singer, songwriter, and author, regarded as one of the most charismatic and controversial figures in modern music. He first achieved worldwide recognition in the 1980s as the lead singer and co-lyricist of the cult band The Smiths, whose four studio albums and songs such as This Charming Man, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, and How Soon Is Now? established them as one of the most influential British groups of all time.
After The Smiths disbanded in 1987, Morrissey launched a successful solo career with his debut album Viva Hate (1988), which produced the hits Suedehead and Everyday Is Like Sunday. In the following decades, he released a string of acclaimed records, including Your Arsenal (1992), You Are the Quarry (2004) – featuring the global hit Irish Blood, English Heart – and Ringleader of the Tormentors (2006). His lyrics combine melancholy, irony, literary references, and social criticism, often with a provocative edge.
Morrissey is also known for his outspoken public statements, which frequently spark debate – from criticism of the music industry, the monarchy, and politics to his advocacy for vegetarianism and animal rights. In 2013, he published his autobiography Autobiography, which became a bestseller and was praised for its unconventional literary style.
In recent years, he has remained an active live performer, often mixing The Smiths classics with his solo material. In 2020, he released the album I Am Not a Dog on a Chain, and in 2023 announced the record Without Music the World Dies, which is still awaiting official release due to disputes with his label.
