Drummer of the legendary group The Smiths, Mike Joyceis getting ready to premiere his autobiography “The Drums”which will hit store shelves on November 6. In the book, the musician looked at the history of the band “from the perspective of the biggest fan of The Smiths in the world.” His work is to be uncompromising and show the real behind-the-scenes of the band’s fame.
Just before the premiere, Joyce gave an interview to “The Guardian” magazine, where he confessed that in the book he mentioned the controversy related to Morrissey. The drummer closely follows fans’ reactions to the political statements and scandals of the former singer of The Smiths, whose name has been in the press headlines for years.
The iconic singer has repeatedly dissed his fans by being the hero of media scandals. He has been a sympathizer with far-right groups for years, and in 2016 he even called the result of the UK’s Brexit referendum “wonderful.” Two years later, he supported the For Britain party and criticized the influx of immigrants. At the same time, the star fiercely defends animal rights, despising eating meat and anyone who promotes diets based on it. Once he even publicly insulted a famous chef, Jamie Oliver.
The artist interrupted concerts several times (including at the famous Coachella or in 2014 in Stodoła in Warsaw) for trivial reasons, for example complaining about the lack of heating or food stalls located on the festival grounds. He also publicly criticized world-famous musicians such as Lady Gaga, Elton John, Madonna Whether Michael Buble. In 2023, he caused a media scandal because he quarreled with the pilot on board the plane.
The Smiths’ Mike Joyce on the Morrissey controversy. He follows the reactions of the band’s fans
“From what I know, his views are very different from mine. But that’s his opinion. He just seems very angry about a lot of things. Of course, I hear people say, ‘I can’t listen to The Smiths anymore. I can’t separate the artist from his work.’ If someone feels that way, that’s fine,” a former bandmate commented on Morrissey’s political stance.
At the same time, Joyce admitted that he cannot – like some of his fans – stop listening to The Smiths’ music, even if he does not agree with the songwriter’s beliefs. “It doesn’t make sense to me, but I listen to this music from a completely different perspective,” the musician added.
He revealed the behind-the-scenes of his cooperation with the controversial musician. “I don’t want it to sound like I don’t like him.”
Mike Joyce, during a recent interview, mentioned cooperation with Morrissey, revealing its background. Even when The Smiths were still in existence, the singer allegedly didn’t talk much to his bandmate. The drummer admitted that their relationship was specific.
“When the band was formed, Morrissey hardly talked to me at all. I don’t want it to sound like I don’t like him. He was awesome – very funny, with a sharp sense of humor. But it was an unusual relationship. There was distance. I just accepted that we are very different people,” said the artist.
Morrissey completely distances himself from The Smiths
Morrissey announced many years ago that he wanted to cut himself off from any connections with The Smiths. He is dynamically developing his solo career and wants to forget about the group from the past. A few months ago, he even announced that he was selling his shares in the formation because he saw no other solution.
“I’m burned out by all the associations with Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce. I’m fed up with the malicious associations. I want to live apart from those who only wish me hatred and destruction. This is the only solution,” Morrissey said at the time.