Morrissey Investigated by the F.B.I.
February 23, 2006 3:43 PM   Subscribe

Morrissey Investigated by the F.B.I. The former Smiths lead singer was interviewed and taped. The FBI was apparently trying to determine if he was a threat to the government.
posted by ND¢ (88 comments total)
 
[all links are pretty much the same article]
posted by ND¢ at 3:44 PM on February 23, 2006


*asplodes with confusion*

appropriately, this is my 10,000th comment
posted by jonmc at 3:46 PM on February 23, 2006


Memories of John Lennon's treatment by the FBI and Special Branch.
posted by ericb at 3:46 PM on February 23, 2006


BTW -- Morrissey's new album, Ringleader of the Tormentors, is set for release on April 4th.
posted by ericb at 3:47 PM on February 23, 2006


What, he was going to whinge the government out of power?
posted by pompomtom at 3:49 PM on February 23, 2006


In case you haven't noticed,
they hate the guy, of course
posted by Smart Dalek at 3:50 PM on February 23, 2006


Aww...I bet that made him cry.
posted by jrossi4r at 3:52 PM on February 23, 2006


Morrissey was investiagted by Scotland yard for "Margaret on the Guillotine" because there was a suggestion that Margaret Thatcher should have her head chopped off. Which yes, he was advocating, but really...

"when will you die, when will you die...?"
posted by wilful at 3:54 PM on February 23, 2006


That's nothing. You should hear him play piano.
posted by JekPorkins at 3:54 PM on February 23, 2006


What, Morrissey's going to depress us to death?

(Damn...pompomtom said it better...)
posted by RakDaddy at 3:55 PM on February 23, 2006


Memories of John Lennon's treatment by the FBI and Special Branch.

Yeah, just without any musical talent...

Seriously though, there's more than enough Morrissey records, without the government adding to that crap pile.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 3:58 PM on February 23, 2006


Morrissey actually is a huge fan of the USA. Lives in L.A. I tbelieve.

America your head's too big, Because America, Your belly's too big
And I love you, I just wish you'd stay where you is

In America, The land of the free, they said, And of opportunity, In a just and a truthful way
But where the president, Is never black, female or gay, And until that day
You've got nothing to say to me, To help me believe

In America, It brought you the hamburger, Well America you know where, You can shove your hamburger
And don't you wonder, Why in Estonia they say, Hey you, Big fat pig
You fat pig, You fat pig

Steely Blue eyes with no love in them, Scan The World,
And a humourless smile, With no warmth within, Greets the world
And I, I have got nothing, To offer you
No-no-no-no-no
Just this heart deep and true, Which you say you don't need

See with your eyes, Touch with your hands, please, Hear through your ears, Know in your soul, please
For haven't you me with you now?
And I love you, I love you, I love you, And I love you, I love you, I love you

posted by wilful at 4:02 PM on February 23, 2006


Morrissey. *snicker*

A threat? *guffaw*

To anything? *gut-laugh*
posted by keswick at 4:03 PM on February 23, 2006


precisely his stance, I think, keswick.
posted by wilful at 4:05 PM on February 23, 2006


What this thread reminds me of.
posted by ND¢ at 4:08 PM on February 23, 2006


cheers jrossi4r, that made me grin :-D
posted by mikeweeney at 4:08 PM on February 23, 2006


Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ

Clearly plotting violent crimes against disc jockeys. Book 'im, Danno.
posted by Jimbob at 4:14 PM on February 23, 2006


That's nothing. You should hear him play piano.

Bwa hahahahahaha!
posted by jokeefe at 4:15 PM on February 23, 2006


One more thing I forgot to mention
Morrissey rides a cockhorse
posted by jackmakrl at 4:16 PM on February 23, 2006


I thought this was a hoax.

Morrisey? They'll be after Harry Secombe next...
posted by 999 at 4:19 PM on February 23, 2006


"My view is that neither England or America are democratic societies. You can't really speak your mind and if you do you're investigated."

Well, they proved him right on that point.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 4:20 PM on February 23, 2006


In case you haven't noticed,
they hate the guy, of course

I think there's one more thing you forgot to mention, Smart Dalek.
posted by boo_radley at 4:20 PM on February 23, 2006


Morrissey has a fabulous sense of humor. How people miss the irony in his work is beyond me.
posted by beaucoupkevin at 4:26 PM on February 23, 2006


This is what happens when you fuck with meat.
posted by Peter H at 4:28 PM on February 23, 2006


I can only assume this is part of some larger plan to haul in and question every single person in the world, because I cannot otherwise even begin to understand why anyone would ever think Morrissey a threat to anything, ever, at all.

Although, there was that incident with the sponge and rusty spanner...
posted by Durhey at 4:29 PM on February 23, 2006


unbelievable that they spend their time on these useless investigations and not on real threats--just appalling.
posted by amberglow at 4:30 PM on February 23, 2006


Bangladesh doesn't want him either.
posted by Falconetti at 4:30 PM on February 23, 2006


Morrissey has a fabulous sense of humor. How people miss the irony in his work is beyond me.

Most people don't pay attention to things that suck unless they suck in some sort of extravagant way. Morrissey isn't even an entertaining kind of suck. Suck. Suck.
posted by cellphone at 4:31 PM on February 23, 2006


Although, there was that incident with the sponge and rusty spanner...

Indeed, breaking into the palace is only a minor infraction, but possession of a sponge and rusty spanner while breaking into the palace elevates it to a felony.

It's obvious why they want to investigate him. They realized after all these years that the more they ignore him, the closer he gets. Besides, it's gruesome that someone so handsome should care about being investigated. I suspect that behind the hatred there lies a murderous desire for love, though.
posted by JekPorkins at 4:36 PM on February 23, 2006


That's nothing. You should hear him play piano.

JekPorkins wins the thread.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 4:38 PM on February 23, 2006


Most people don't pay attention to things that suck unless they suck in some sort of extravagant way. Morrissey isn't even an entertaining kind of suck. Suck. Suck.

I'm sure there's a third-grade debate team needing your skills, yo.
posted by beaucoupkevin at 4:39 PM on February 23, 2006


ur mom.
posted by keswick at 4:43 PM on February 23, 2006


Ok, let me get this straight:
  • Singer -- investigate
  • Leading Indian scientist, who is president of the International Council for Science -- investigate and deny US visa.
  • Country whose ruling dynasty has lunch with Osama bin Laden -- preventing us from attacking bin Laden -- do not investigate their purchase of US ports.
What am I missing here? Bueller? Dios? ParisParmus? Steve@Linnwood?
posted by orthogonality at 4:45 PM on February 23, 2006


america, he was only joking when he said by rights you should be bludgeoned in your head.
posted by ori at 4:45 PM on February 23, 2006


A song for the Morrissey fans: 100,000 Morrisseys. (wma) You can thank me later.
posted by Jimbob at 4:48 PM on February 23, 2006


(By the way, I wish 111 was still around to see this.)
posted by Jimbob at 4:53 PM on February 23, 2006


... I cannot otherwise even begin to understand why anyone would ever think Morrissey a threat to anything, ever, at all.

Because he commands an army of pussies. An army of pussies who would probably die for him to show how sensitive they are and how much he speaks to them. Granted, this army would get mowed down like toadstools under a rotary mower if they tried to interfere with the government, but nobody wants to clean that shit up and their deaths would be a financial hardship to people who sell consignment clothing.

So it's best to make sure that Morrissey isn't going to activate his sleeper cell.
posted by Mayor Curley at 4:55 PM on February 23, 2006


They've got it all backwards.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 4:56 PM on February 23, 2006


I know, I know, it's serious.
posted by brain_drain at 5:27 PM on February 23, 2006


A rush and a push and the land that we stand on is ours.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 5:29 PM on February 23, 2006


Wilful, Morrissey does live in LA and for some reason he's very popular with Latinos there. He may be mopey & depressing but he has a great voice and writes witty lyrics.
posted by mike3k at 5:33 PM on February 23, 2006


Is It Really So Strange?
posted by mrgrimm at 5:40 PM on February 23, 2006


Simply awe inspiring.
posted by Jimbob at 5:46 PM on February 23, 2006


Is It Really So Strange?

Yes.
posted by rob paxon at 5:49 PM on February 23, 2006


pompomtom and JefPorkins made me lol.

I'm kind of embarrased to say that a gushing post by 111 about You Are The Quarry led me to get the album- he sort of got me into Morrissey. Based on my limited knowledge of him and The Smiths beforehand, I was curious as to what a character like 111 saw in his music (this was well before I was able to actually get an account here).

I can't find the post now- maybe it got deleted. I just remember that he ended it with "Thank you God. Thank you Morrissey." What was the deal with 111 again? Was he a duplicate account or something? Where'd he go?

Morrissey wouldn't hurt a flea. Unless the flea had an affinity for fur coats.
posted by kryptondog at 5:51 PM on February 23, 2006


I just remember that he ended it with "Thank you God. Thank you Morrissey."

The greatest, and most confusing thing about 111 was the combination of:
(a) His complete and utter homophobia.
(b) His complete and utter obsession with Morrissey.

Good times. Good times.
posted by Jimbob at 5:53 PM on February 23, 2006


Shoplifters of the world,
Unite and take over!
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:53 PM on February 23, 2006


For the record, Morrissey is only a threat to your manhood. I say that being an appreciator of the Smiths.

What am I missing here? Bueller? Dios? ParisParmus? Steve@Linnwood?

Even my boys Steve and PP are undoubtedly LOLing at this.
posted by rob paxon at 5:56 PM on February 23, 2006


I've only heard a couple of songs but missed the humor in them. Explain?
No, seriously, I really want to know.
posted by pantsrobot at 5:56 PM on February 23, 2006


but Jesus hurt me
when He deserted me / but
I have forgiven Jesus
for all of the love / he placed in me
when there’s no one I can turn to with this love

Monday - humiliation / Tuesday - suffocation
Wednesday - condescension / Thursday - is pathetic
by Friday - Life has killed me
by Friday - Life has killed me

oh pretty one
oh pretty one

why did you give me /so much desire?
when there is nowhere I can go
to offload this desire?
and why did you give me so much love
in a loveless world?
when there is no one I can turn to
to unlock all this love

and why did you stick me in
self-deprecating bones and skin
Jesus - do you hate me?
why did you stick me in
self-deprecating bones and skin
do you hate me?
do you hate me?
do you hate me?
do-you hate me?
do you hate me?

Beef w/ G-sus gets G-man beef.
tomorrow he'll be dead.
posted by carsonb at 5:59 PM on February 23, 2006


I don't see much humor there either.
posted by rob paxon at 6:01 PM on February 23, 2006


Hate on Moz all you want, but he's on a roll lately. I'm stoked for his new album, and would really like to see him on tour (his band is killer). I'm straight and non-hispanic, so go figure.

My tinfoil theory? It probably has something to do with his well-known PETA and animal rights connections.
posted by bardic at 6:02 PM on February 23, 2006


What was the deal with 111 again? Was he a duplicate account or something? Where'd he go?

111 was/is Witty. But he'll send you an email denying it if you say it. But probably not from the "witty111(at)hotmail" account that he used to have on his (witty's) userpage.
posted by Mayor Curley at 6:07 PM on February 23, 2006


(And Issac Brock is writing songs with Johnny Marr--there has to be a connection.)
posted by bardic at 6:08 PM on February 23, 2006


Morrissey Investigated by the F.B.I.

Obfuscate wildly.
posted by kirkaracha at 6:23 PM on February 23, 2006


Come, come, nuclear bomb...
posted by Artifice_Eternity at 6:36 PM on February 23, 2006


Bardic: Moz's stance on animal rights is well-known and commendable (he was even given an award from PETA this year, I believe). Comments that he recently made on a fan site supporting the Animal Rights Militia left a bad taste in my mouth though. From what I've read about them, they operate almost like a terror cell. In these bat-shit crazy times we live in, it wouldn't suprise me if the FBI questioned him about it (especially if he's made the comments elsewhere, in magazines and whatnot. I don't know if he has).

I'm going to pick up his new album, but the single didn't blow me away like I was hoping it would. The two non-single tracks that leaked are much better, so I'm still optimistic. His concert in Houston a few years back in support of YATQ was cancelled at the last minute, so I'm hoping he comes back around this time in support of the new album.

Strange guy. I can completely understand people not liking his music or his personaly, but I find both utterly fascinating. And yes, I'd go gay for him.
posted by kryptondog at 6:42 PM on February 23, 2006


"Because he commands an army of pussies. An army of pussies who would probably die for him to show how sensitive they are and how much he speaks to them. Granted, this army would get mowed down like toadstools under a rotary mower if they tried to interfere with the government, but nobody wants to clean that shit up and their deaths would be a financial hardship to people who sell consignment clothing."

while this may be true of many people who dig the moz, i know lots of tough dudes that cry at his shows and would hardly be considered "pussies".
posted by teishu at 6:44 PM on February 23, 2006


I just pray that Stephen Hawking is on our side.
posted by 2sheets at 6:50 PM on February 23, 2006


Well, now he knows how Joan of Arc felt. I wonder if he responded to their questions in polari.

Falconetti, that was rather obscure for the blue. Took me a second longer than it should have, but I loved it. Well played!
posted by shoepal at 6:55 PM on February 23, 2006


Kryptondog... are his views really commendable in light of what you followed that statement up with? Personally, I find pretty much any viewpoint related to PETA to be ridiculous. Putting that aside though... If his overall view on animal rights includes the support of such radical groups, that makes his overall view on animal rights anything but commendable.

Anyhow, your theory that it may be the root of the FBI's interest could very well be the case.
posted by rob paxon at 7:02 PM on February 23, 2006


fandango_matt: brilliant!
posted by drmarcj at 7:06 PM on February 23, 2006


I second drmarcj - that's some great work fandango_matt!
posted by noizyboy at 7:32 PM on February 23, 2006


True, rob paxon. I should've worded that a bit better. He has always been a champion for animal rights, but it's sad (and somewhat disturbing) that he'd support a group like that. I'm hoping that it can be attributed to his famously careless foot-in-mouth interview schtick; he's uttered far more bizarre things while trolling for a reaction out of journalists and fans.
posted by kryptondog at 7:33 PM on February 23, 2006


Speaking of which, does anyone think that this alleged investigation being mentioned around the same time as his new album coming out is more than just a coincidence?
posted by ND¢ at 7:44 PM on February 23, 2006


IMHO, probably just a coincidence. But then, considering some lyric snippets from the opening song...

Destiny for some is to save lives
But destiny for some is to end lives
And there is no end...

If your god bestows protection upon you
If the U.S.A. doesn't bomb you
I believe I will see you somewhere safe

posted by kryptondog at 7:56 PM on February 23, 2006


What the fuck is wrong with your country? Seriously. WTF?
posted by slatternus at 8:11 PM on February 23, 2006


Off the top of my head, pantsrobot, I'd say among some of Morrissey's more obviously funny lines are things like:

you without clothes - well I could not keep a straight face,
me without clothes? well, a nation turns its back and gags


It's not a "comedy song" as such, but I think that's pretty fucking funny.
posted by bunglin jones at 9:05 PM on February 23, 2006


I still quite like the Smiths, but never cared an ounce about the lives of Marr, Morrisey, Joyce, or Rourke. But I generally don't care to looking into the lives and opinions of the musicians I like unless it's an interesting documentary.

But I have to say I found Morrisey's comments about the Feed the World effort hilarious. Something about why would he inflict such a hideous song upon the general public.

And his face told it all when he was paired with George Michael, while still in Wham, and George talked about his love of Joy Division. Classic moments.
posted by juiceCake at 10:17 PM on February 23, 2006


The Last of the Famous International Terrorists.
posted by the_bone at 10:45 PM on February 23, 2006


Morrissey is good stuff. I don't know all of it, but the last record and the best-of deal are weird, smart and funny. Great oddball songs, pissy & romantic.

Anyway, I read today that he left Los Angeles after several years and moved to Rome.

They're after him for the same clueless reasons they went after other pop stars with fanatic followers: If he ever said, "Bring me the head of George W. and I'll do a Smiths reunion," at least a few thousand people would make the effort. Doesn't matter if he has any intention of doing such a thing. Bad enough that the goddamned communist won't eat hamburgers!
posted by kenlayne at 10:48 PM on February 23, 2006


I'm afraid of Americans..... (yeah, yeah I KNOW Steven Patrick and Bowie had a falling out)
posted by brujita at 10:56 PM on February 23, 2006


Oh c'mon, guys.

He's human, and he needs to be loved.

And anyone who was president of the UK New York Dolls fan club can't be all bad.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 12:47 AM on February 24, 2006


Oh, we can smile about it now, but at the time it was terrible.
posted by obloquy at 1:08 AM on February 24, 2006


BTW -- Morrissey's new album, Ringleader of the Tormentors, is set for release on April 4th.

Not a bad time to court publicity then. Off to see him at the Manchester Opera House in May....
posted by brettski at 1:14 AM on February 24, 2006


He Knows I'd Love To See Him

.....
My name still conjours up deadly deeds
And a bad taste in the mouth
And the police - they actually know me
They said :

"You're just another person in the world
You're just another fool with radical views
You're just another who has maddening views
You want to turn it on its head
By staying in bed !"

I said : "I know I do"


Pretty prophetic from Bona Drag released in 1990..sums the whole situation up nicely
posted by kenaman at 1:26 AM on February 24, 2006


I've only heard a couple of songs but missed the humor in them. Explain?

It's not the lyrics so much, although they are brilliant. It's the droll Mozza delivery. But anyway...

"And if a ten
ton
truck
Kills the both of us
To die by your side...
Well, the pleasure
the privilege
is mine"

posted by Blip at 4:16 AM on February 24, 2006


Outstanding work, fandango_matt. You've ruined my favourite song.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 4:17 AM on February 24, 2006


I couldn't help but notice when Morrissey's last album came out that Amazon.com made it a point to omit a sound clip for only one track: "America is Not the World." Were they afraid it would turn patrio-freaks off and cut into their profits?
posted by MaxVonCretin at 10:41 AM on February 24, 2006


But who will he call a sissy?
Not quite the same thing, but reminded me.
posted by safetyfork at 10:51 AM on February 24, 2006


Oh man, you guys took all the good references!

Um... last night he dreamt that somebody investigated him?
posted by ludwig_van at 3:26 PM on February 24, 2006


Jeez, nice dick-waving contest people. Holy rubber sheets you're pathetic.
Know what you are? You're a bunch of ...
Artfags! Artfags! Artfags! Artfags!
Choke on this you dance-a-teria types!
(...)
You'll dance to anything by The Smiths

So there! :P'
posted by Zack_Replica at 12:08 AM on February 25, 2006


Danceteria was really a incredibly wonderful place, Zack : >
posted by amberglow at 6:40 PM on February 25, 2006


...and the Dead Milkmen were a wonderful band.

OK, maybe not, but they made me very happy.

You say that you've been to all of
Andy Warhol's parties...

Blow it out your hairdo honey
'cause you work at Hardee's

You'll dance to anything....

posted by BitterOldPunk at 1:16 AM on February 26, 2006


Morrissey - he is the quarry.
posted by stevil at 11:00 AM on February 26, 2006


Oh, yeah. I saw The Smiths a few years back and Duck Dunn was playing bass!
posted by stevil at 11:01 AM on February 26, 2006


You know what? I don't care what you guys say, I'm going to see his Mozzaness in person anyway, come April 10th. Hate it, suckers! ;)
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 6:27 PM on February 28, 2006




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