Morrissey is polarizing. In the landscape of musical history – it’s safe to say that he is in talks as one of the greats when it comes to his lyricism. It’s extremely easy to admit these things, especially for fans of his music. The issue with Morrissey isn’t too hard to find. With his antics bringing some shadows to the great work that he has done, it’s been a hard path to redemption. With cancel culture being more rampant than ever – could it ever be possible to get back to where he once was? One star from the Red Hot Chili Peppers seems to have some answers.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Morrissey do have a few things in common. While the Chili Peppers have been very good with not stirring up too much drama, although, John Frusciante is having some issues, their fanbase is a hardcore one, just like Morrissey’s. Morrissey has been the focal point of drama so much so that there are entire YouTube videos and articles about the most offensive things that he has done and said. It’s hard to forget when he told Jamie Oliver that he should eat his own children due to Morrissey being very forthright in his vegan activism.
On a recent podcast (Tuna On Toast With Stryker), Josh Klinghoffer (formerly of the Red Hot Chili Peppers) stated that audiences should disregard the artist from the art. To Josh, he says that Morrissey is an amazing artist, but people choose not to see through that due to his antics.
Via the podcast, Josh states: “If anybody follows Morrissey or is a fan of his, or if anyone knows anything about what’s going on these days in the culture, they can sort of put two and two together and perhaps make sense out of why a great Morrissey album, one that he said is his favorite… an album that Morrissey made that he is hailing as his best is not out yet.”
There is currently an album finished for Morrissey that he has not yet put out due to the public opinion of himself.
Josh continues: “Morrissey has, I think, done himself no favors in the court of public opinion with some of the things he’s said or some of the pins he’s worn on television.
I think the whole story surrounding this record and the fact that it’s not out yet, if people were able to listen to the information and keep a cool head, they could see that there’s a greater discussion around this album than the album or the music itself.”
It’s true that public opinion will always outweigh a good record. It seems like Morrissey knows where he’s gone wrong and he understands the backlash to come with a release.
After Josh agrees that Morrissey has said some “stupid sh*t,” he goes on to say that he has the new Morrissey record that may never see the light of day.
Josh Klinghoffer closes: “Morrissey has a great record. It’s in my phone. And it’s not in stores. What does that say about the world we’re living in?”
Special thanks to Ultimate Guitar.
