Brandon Flowers has claimed that Morrissey is “still a king”, despite his history of racism and his support for far-right political parties.
The Killers frontman was speaking to NME and listing off 15 of his favourite musicians, who he considers “kings”.
“Liam [Gallagher] is one of them,” Flowers explained, continuing, “Don Henley, Peter Gabriel, Morrissey would be a king, Bono would be a king, Springsteen would be a king.”
When Morrissey’s politics were referenced as a possible reason not to celebrate him, Flowers replied: “He’s still a king. He’s unparalleled in what he’s achieved and his prowess and his lyrics and his sense of melody, it’s just incredible. I forgot he was in hot water though, so I shouldn’t have brought him up.”
Last month, Morrissey reaffirmed his support for the far-right party For Britain after courting controversy by wearing a For Britain pin during a US television appearance. He claimed that For Britain leader Ann Marie Waters is the only person who can “put a stop to the lunacy” that has made the UK “a dangerously hateful place”.
Morrissey has previously been condemned for racist comments, including his declaration that the Chinese are a “subspecies”, and claiming “halal slaughter requires certification that can only be given by supporters of Isis”.
