Morrissey calls label ‘fascist’ for not releasing Bonfire of Teenagers

After Capitol Records archive release of Bonfire of Teenagerswhich would be their next studio album Morrisseyformer member of The Smiths, the singer accused the label of “fascism.” This conflict has been going on since mid-2022.

Two months after announcing how he would release the album through Capitol Records, Morrissey stated how he “voluntarily withdrew from any association with” the brand. Furthermore, the singer revealed how Miley Cyrus asked to remove backing vocals in “I am Veronica,” one of the songs from Bonfire of Teenagers.

When the singer announced his departure from the label in February 2023, the company would have archived the album. About three months later, Morrissey published a new statement on official site him, and accused the company of “fascism” and having a “creeping culture of censorship.”

“It’s a clear demonstration of how censorious the music industry has become. It’s a new part of the music industry that doesn’t work and that nobody likes. Music should be the primary democracy,” he wrote. “It doesn’t make sense to ban Bonfire of Teenagers because someone somewhere might be offended if they hear it. Why waste time on other people’s mental inabilities?”

“And where is the support of capitol for the children who were murdered at that Manchester bonfire on May 22, 2017? although the capitol claims to be a ‘diversity’ label, it’s very hard to see its humanity,” continued Morrissey in the communiqué.

If you’re only prepared to release music that takes people’s minds off thinking, then you’re not suited for any contact with creative people. Songs are literary compositions, and writing music should be an open and unrestricted way.

“It seems to me that the Capitol Records you cannot observe the possibility that your artists or your potential clients have already thought about. But silencing certain artists accomplishes nothing, and simply makes the fire burn higher and higher.” Morrissey.