“It has brought the worst out in people, and we weren’t ever in this together”
(Picture: Getty Images)In a rare interview, the former Smiths singer, Morrissey, has branded the pandemic “con-vid”, while likening lockdown life to “slavery.”
In true Morrissey style, the 62-year-old singer-songwriter took to his official website and shared his unfiltered thoughts on Covid, cancel culture and his upcoming album, Bonfire of Teenagers.
When nephew, Sam Esty Rayner, asked why poorer parts of British society are taking Covid society ‘lying down’, Morrissey responded:
“Because they are quite used to the political scene being dominated by someone whom they can’t stand.”
He then suggested that the past 18 months have brought out the worst in people, due to creating an even bigger societal division. He said:
“The bigger problem is that nobody can any longer agree with anyone else, and this is the main outcome of Con-vid. It has brought the worst out in people, and we weren’t ever in this together”, he said.
The former Smiths frontman was then quizzed on whether he believed there was light at the end of the lockdown tunnel. In an unfiltered response, Morrissey suggested that there are exceptions to the rules for those towards the top of the social ladder.
He said: “It isn’t really in lockdown except for people at the lower end of the social ladder...
“People who have wealth are not remotely affected by rules and regulations”.
He added, “The police only fine people who live on council estates. Haven’t you noticed?”
When Rayner said, “Covid Society is also the precise description of slavery”, Morrissey simply replied, “Precisely.”
“And more people are now forced into poverty which is another form of slavery, as is tax and Council Tax and all the other ways in which we are pinned down and tracked...
Our present freedom is restricted to visiting supermarkets and buying sofas. The government act like Chinese emperors… “We will allow you live as we do if you behave yourself”, he added.
Twitter, however, was not impressed with the singer’s remarks.
Oh, Manchester so much to answer for.
— King Cnut (@ThomasMarkBaker) July 6, 2021
(I believe that's Noel G, Ian Brown, Richard Ashcroft and Morrissey all aboard the Covid dickhead train now) https://t.co/NpfHvXDySP
One described him as ‘delightfully odd’.
I don't care. I love Morrissey. Love his music. Loved The Smiths. He has always been outspoken and delightfully odd. I don't agree with his opinions on many things, but he's allowed to hold those views.
— Scotty Prime (@Sith_Elvis) July 6, 2021
One highlighted the rollercoaster ride of emotions of being a Morrissey fan.
The 6 stages of being a Morrissey fan. pic.twitter.com/NwgGSLidDJ
— Mike Radcliffe (@artbizness) July 6, 2021
Morrissey is trending.
— Beta Papa 💙 (@beta_dad) July 6, 2021
I wonder if it's because he said something sensible, respectful and connected to reality?
*checks*
Oh.
One pointed out the irony of the Morrissey store selling Covid masks.
Despite Morrissey's views on 'Con-vid' and agreeing that restrictions to limit transmission of the virus fit the “precise description of slavery”, nevertheless these masks are available to buy at Mporium - the official #Morrissey store #MoneyChangesEverything https://t.co/ulsTaYSYVQ pic.twitter.com/Uk6HSVOTw2
— Dave Haslam (@Mr_Dave_Haslam) July 6, 2021
Later in the interview, Rayner asked his uncle about ‘cancel culture’ to which his uncle replied:
“You can’t cancel someone who has always been cancelled. When did you last see me on television, or hear me on the radio? I unintentionally invented the condition of being cancelled!”
