Morrissey has released an autobiography, fittingly named "Autobiography." The Associated Press reports it has already topped the UK Amazon charts since coming out yesterday, which has some literary critics in a huff. This marks the first rock memoir released with Penguin Classics, a publisher that some would say is strictly reserved for, well, classics. But in the world of rock music, Morrissey is an innovator turned classic at the mere age of 54. From frontman of The Smiths to solo artist, he has continued to make his mark on music and kept the media on its toes.
Generation Y missed the prime 1980s era of The Smiths. But cult followings for The Smiths and Morrissey alike have grown to the point of mainstream recognition and respect. Other artists have been covering The Smiths songs in the years after their 1987 split. Millennials may have caught the name reading (or watching) The Perks of Being a Wallflower, along with films such as 500 Days of Summer. In February, the teenage girls' online magazine Rookie interviewed Morrissey, who opened up about his past, "My life as a teenager was so relentlessly foul." The artsy kids in school are still pegged for loving Morrissey. Maybe those shirts with a black-and-white photo of his coiffed 'do give it away. Along with a distinct style that often sets his fans apart, Morrissey's lyrics continue to attract new generations of teenagers.
This summer Morrissey halted his tour, and there are no talks of a reunion with The Smiths. Morrissey has stayed current in realms outside of music, from being vocal about veganism to people in the media. Last February there was talk of Russell Brand starring in a movie about The Smiths from the Manchester Evening News. Ironically, even earlier that year Gigwise reported Morrissey as saying, "I love Russell, but the films are a bit cheeky-wonky-daft-Dudley Moore British-pottiness for me, and Russell's voice has a higher pitch with each film -- it's almost a squeal now."
Morrissey's memoir touches on more than just struggles that musicians encounter in the industry. The personal book delves into his history with depression and romantic relationships, an openness that people regardless of age or music preference can appreciate.
Online publications are already posting cheat-sheets of the 457-paged book for people who want to skip to the scandalous parts. Will you opt for a recap, or read the real thing?
Update: The Associated Press reports that the hardcover memoir will hit the United States December 3rd (in time for the holidays!), under G.P. Putnam's Sons. Penguin Classics will announce the release date of the paperback edition in the U.S.
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