Author

Tim Roberts

Browsing

A while back, we spilled the tea on Robert Smith, the frontman of The Cure, and his unfiltered loathing for five specific bands and artists, one of which was Morrissey.

Now, the tables are turning, and it’s the voice of The Smiths’ turn to express his sentiments. He’s come out swinging, naming eight bands that truly rub him the wrong way.

Michael Bublé

Morrissey, during a frank conversation, pinpointed Canadian crooner Michael Bublé, stating, “A fiery spirit is critical, without it, you become Michael Bublé: renowned yet hollow.”

Bublé initially attempted to brush off the verbal jab with humor, telling The Sun in 2011, “It’s absurd. But I wasn’t upset. I was actually thrilled that he knew my name. Morrissey recognizes me. That’s so unbelievably cool.”

However, the barb seemed to strike a nerve, as he later admitted to The Guardian in 2013 that it was the most cutting thing anyone had ever said about him.

David Bowie

David Bowie

There was a time when Morrissey and David Bowie shared mutual respect, even sharing the spotlight at the LA Forum in 1991.

However, their camaraderie was short-lived. The cordial relationship began to deteriorate in 1995 when Morrissey was invited to join Bowie’s tour across the UK and Europe as a “special guest.”

“Bowie is a machine. He lacks authenticity. I could reveal anecdotes… that would make ‘Let’s Dance’ a forbidden tune,” Morrissey unveiled in 2004.

That same year, he further lambasted, “Bowie has transformed. He now panders to people’s whims, which induces a collective yawn. He’s lost his relevance. His relevance was purely serendipitous.”

Kylie Minogue

Morrissey reacted with strange indignation when Kylie Minogue was honored with the OBE in 2008, choosing to mock the Australian pop sensation during her performance at the Wireless Festival in Hyde Park.

Dripping with sarcasm, the ex-vocalist of The Smiths told the audience that he was “ecstatic” about the OBE, before sarcastically remarking, “I’m sure you’ll concur she truly earned it.” Minogue elected to remain mum, completely disregarding Morrissey’s biting irony.

Kate Bush

kate bush

In his formative years, Morrissey cherished the art of letter writing. In one such letter, he disparagingly critiqued one of his friends’ music preferences and didn’t hold back on his criticism of Kate Bush. Given her stature as one of the UK’s leading stars, it wasn’t shocking that Morrissey wasn’t a fan.

“Do you actually enjoy Kate Bush? I’m not shocked,” he jotted down. “The most complimentary thing I could say about her is that she’s intolerable. That voice! Utter drivel! You’ll come to realize, my boy.

Elton John

Elton John

Morrissey first cast aspersions on Elton John in 1987, when he acidly informed NME, “He’s always thrusting himself into the limelight, sharing his personal affairs. No one’s intrigued. He should disappear.”

Fast forward to 2002, and Morrissey, the erstwhile member of The Smiths, reignited the feud during the documentary The Importance of Being Morrissey, comically demanding, “I want Elton John’s head… which would be the sole case where serving meat wouldn’t equate to murder”.

Madonna

Madonna found herself on the receiving end of Morrissey’s tart tongue back in 1997, when he blurted, “Madonna epitomizes everything ridiculous and objectionable. The desperate female. Madonna leans more towards organized harlotry than anything else.”

He proceeded to criticize her performance at the 2015 BRITs, informing fan site True To You, “In 2015, we have MacDonna, who had a quiet 2014, but here she is, resurrecting her dismal career at the BRIT Awards, regardless of the fact that her music has absolutely zero connection to British life.”

Lady Gaga

Morrissey’s disapproval of Lady Gaga is arguably the softest on this list. His issues lie not with her persona but strictly with her music.

“I’ve encountered her and she’s genuinely lovely. It’s foolhardy to judge people by their public image, or even by the music they generate.”

“(…) Speaking without bitterness, I declare that [she] offers nothing revolutionary. I appreciate the concept of women taking charge, but I’m weary of singers who can’t deliver a song without an army of frenzied dancers supplying the sensuality. It’s a blatant deception, and the antithesis of erotic.”

The Cure

Robert Smith

Finally, we reach The Cure, particularly their leading man, Robert Smith, with whom Morrissey maintains a notable rivalry.

The feud was ignited when Morrissey was provocatively asked, “If you were in a room with Robert Smith, Mark E. Smith, and a loaded Smith & Wesson, who would be the first to face the bullet?” His response: “I’d arrange them in a row so that one bullet would pierce all of them… Robert Smith is just a whinger.”

Later, after the release of The Cure’s critically acclaimed album ‘Disintegration’, Morrissey expressed his disdain, branding the influential album “utterly disgusting” and adding, “The Cure: they’ve introduced an entirely new depth to the word filth.”

However, in 2018, Morrissey conceded his regret over the remarks, confessing, “I made some appalling comments about him 35 years ago… but I didn’t truly mean them”.

In the world of music, few experiences are as thrilling and heartwarming as attending a live concert.

However, with the pandemic affecting our lives, we’ve had to embrace virtual shows while eagerly waiting for the day we can gather again to enjoy our favorite artists’ performances.

Let’s take a joyful journey through history and explore five of the most unforgettable concerts ever:

5. Rockin’ Rio with The Rolling Stones (2006)

Picture this: the iconic Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones rocking out on the sandy shores of Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.

The crowd was immense, nearly two million strong, and everyone was dancing to the beat of classic hits like “Wild Horses,” “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” and more.

It was one of the biggest concerts in history, making it a cherished memory for music enthusiasts everywhere.

4. Paris’ Extravaganza with Jean-Michel Jarre (1990)

France’s National Day was celebrated with a bang as Jean-Michel Jarre lit up the stage at La Défense in Paris.

A staggering 2.5 million people gathered to witness his awe-inspiring performance, which included mesmerizing tracks like “Zoolookologie,” “Revolution, Revolutions,” and “Calypso 2.”

The night sky sparkled with music and fireworks, creating an enchanting atmosphere that left the audience spellbound.

3. Dance Party at Love Parade Festival (1999)

For lovers of electronic music, the Love Parade Festival was an absolute dream. Originating in 1989, this dance extravaganza reached its peak on its tenth anniversary, attracting nearly three million revelers.

People from all walks of life united to dance together, celebrating the beats and rhythms that filled the air.

Unfortunately, the event came to an end after a tragic incident, but its legacy lives on as a symbol of music’s unifying power.

2. Rod Stewart’s Rio Rendezvous (1994)

As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve in 1994, Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach was alight with excitement.

The legendary Rod Stewart took the stage, and an astounding 3.5 million people cheered and sang along to his chart-topping hits like “Maggie May” and “Have I Told You Lately.”

The beach turned into a giant dance floor, and the energy was infectious, making it a night to remember for years to come.

1. Moscow’s Musical Marvel with Jean-Michel Jarre (1997)

In the heart of Moscow, history was made as Jean-Michel Jarre wowed an astonishing 3.5 million people, celebrating the city’s 850th anniversary.

The crowd was swept away by the ethereal tunes of “Oxygene in Moscow,” and the night sky was illuminated by dazzling lights and lasers, creating a visual and auditory spectacle like no other.

It remains the largest concert ever, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to be there.

Though we currently embrace virtual shows, these magical concerts remind us of the joy and togetherness that live music brings.

As we eagerly look ahead, let’s keep the hope alive that we’ll soon be able to experience the magic of live performances with our favorite artists once more.

In the annals of music history, July 23, 2011, marks a somber day when the world bid farewell to a luminary of the modern era—Amy Winehouse.

Although her musical journey was tragically short-lived, her impact on the music industry and the hearts of her devoted fans has been immeasurable.

Renowned for her soulful voice, unapologetic lyrics, and raw emotional expression, Amy Winehouse’s compositions transcend time and continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Amy’s musical legacy is a treasure trove of masterpieces that intertwine sonic brilliance with deeply personal storytelling.

Her songs not only captivated listeners but also offered an intimate glimpse into her life and struggles.

Here, we delve into three of her most powerful and detailed compositions, each an evocative journey through her artistry.

F*** Me Pumps

One of Amy’s boldest and most audacious tracks is “F*** me pumps,” featured in her debut album, “Frank” (2003). In this song, she takes a biting stance against societal norms that impose expectations on young women.

Amy fearlessly criticizes the notion of aspiring to be mere “footballer’s wives” and denounces the pressure to focus solely on physical appearances.

Through her lyrics, she challenges the shallow ideals that reduce women to objects of desire, cautioning against the inevitable heartbreak when they are replaced by younger, more compliant versions of themselves.

“F**** me pumps” stands as a defiant anthem, showcasing Amy’s signature fusion of jazz, R&B, and soul influences that would come to define her distinctive sound.

Back to Black

Among the tapestry of heartrending ballads, “Back to Black” emerges as the magnum opus of Amy Winehouse’s discography.

This hauntingly beautiful song encapsulates the depths of heartbreak and the pain of lost love. With poignant lyricism, Amy paints a vivid narrative of a devastating breakup, where her lover decides to return to his former flame.

The song’s impeccable arrangements, led by soul-stirring strings and haunting horns, create an emotional atmosphere that envelops the listener.

Amy’s heartfelt delivery elevates the song to an ethereal plane, evoking the soulful essence of legendary singers like Aretha Franklin.

“Back to Black” serves as a testament to Amy’s ability to weave emotional intensity into her music, leaving an everlasting impression on all who experience its melancholic allure.

Love Is a Losing Game

In “Love Is a Losing Game,” Amy delves even deeper into the recesses of her heart, exploring the pitfalls and disappointments that love can bring.

The song unfolds as a soulful ballad, reminiscent of the golden era of the 1960s, evoking the harmonious echoes of renowned female groups like The Ronettes.

Amy’s velvety voice conveys a poignant vulnerability as she laments the bitter endings that seem to follow her romantic endeavors.

Through heartfelt lyrics and emotive delivery, she captures the essence of heartache and the pain of love’s inevitable demise.

“Love Is a Losing Game” stands as a timeless testament to Amy’s poetic prowess, and it remains etched in the memories of those who find solace in her musical expressions.

Finally,

Even in the wake of her untimely departure, Amy Winehouse’s music continues to transcend generations, resonating with new listeners and faithful fans alike.

Her ability to lay bare her emotions and vulnerabilities made her an icon of raw authenticity, a rare gem in the often manufactured world of contemporary music.

Her unique voice, profound storytelling, and emotive performances have immortalized her as one of the most influential and celebrated artists of her time.

As the years pass, her legacy shines brighter, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of musical history, and reminding us that true artistry knows no boundaries and speaks directly to the soul.

Amy Lee, the famous leader of Evanescence for nearly thirty years, has become a symbol for a whole generation, representing the female face of metal.

\Her captivating performances have won the hearts of audiences worldwide, making her an influential role model for aspiring musicians.

Even with her incredible success, Amy Lee admires her musical heroes, and above all, she loves Freddie Mercury.

In an interview with Revolver Magazine, she passionately praised him as one of the greatest rock singers in history.

To Amy, Freddie Mercury was an unmatched rock vocalist, with a perfect voice, incredible strength, and power.

What really amazed her was how he could sing like an opera singer, bringing classical music into the world of rock.

For Amy Lee, Freddie Mercury’s unique talent has been a never-ending source of inspiration. She admired how he blended opera-like elements into his music, creating a fusion that broke musical boundaries.

His ability to infuse rock with grand, classical touches left a lasting impression on her artistic sense. Freddie Mercury’s captivating and distinctive voice, a sign of his genius, continues to deeply move her, making it an experience she could enjoy forever.

In other exciting news, Evanescence and Korn are now on a joint tour, a dream comes true for nu-metal fans.

Both bands are releasing new albums, “Requiem” and “The Bitter Truth,” respectively, adding to the excitement of their performances for fans all over the United States.

As Amy Lee continues her journey as a pioneering musician and frontwoman, she pays tribute to the legendary Freddie Mercury, a true master of rock vocals whose influence echoes through the ages. Through her own artistic journey,

Amy Lee honors her musical hero, ensuring that Freddie Mercury’s legacy remains vibrant and inspiring for generations to come.