I have confirmed that the interview "MORRISSEY (THE SMITHS), AL OTRO LADO DEL TELÉFONO Y EN CARNE VIVA" by J.F. Losilla Eixarch which appeared in the Feb. 2 edition of the paper "Diari de Tarragona" is 100% fake. Remember the fake interview which appeared in a South American paper back in July? These seem to be large papers -- How does this happen? German Hurtado sent in the original link. Thanks to Manuel Rios for doing a quick translation which helped in confirming that it was fake. The translation of the title is "SORRY FOR THE SADNESS - MORRISSEY (THE SMITHS) ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PHONE LINE AND IN RAW FLESH"

neworleans writes:

Boy George talks of his hideous encounter with Moz in a Parisian Hotel. (Sunday Express) At the time they were signed to the same label in France... Article goes:

"Afternoon tea was arranged in a quaint hotel and off I swished. I think the swishing was part of the problem because Morrissey hated me on sight. I ended up doing all the talking and wanted the garish carpet to swallow me. I heard later he described me as overbearing, to which I replied, 'sorry for having a personality.'

"Had I been childish I could have gone home and burnt my Smiths records and taken Morrissey's picture off my wall but I continue to buy every solo record Morrissey has made. My favourite is The More You Ignore Me. How apt. I know how it is possible to respect another's artistry and yet dislike how they are."

(article carries on talking about Tony Parson, the writer, no more refs to his majesty...)

• Related item: Boy George's Attitude - July 5, 1999

Hairdresser on Fire writes:

The March 2001 issue of Q magazine has a Morrissey article on page 18. Entitled 'Morrissey's Back! Indie Godfather emerges from hibernation'(?!), the article talks about the recent Morrissey references on 'Who wants to be a millionaire?', and recent cover versions of Smiths tracks. More interestingly, it claims the man himself has revealed the title and theme for his next solo album.

"Entitled Irish Blood, English Heart, the yet-to be-recorded long-player explores his hiterto untapped Irish ancestry. "My Irishness was never something I hid," says Morrissey. "I was called Paddy from an early age. It was always odd later on with The Smiths when I was described as being extremely English, because other people would tell me that I looked Irish, sounded Irish."

However, the article makes clear that Morrissey is still without a record deal, and makes no reference to where the quote came from. The article goes on,

"Finally, the singer has even given a rare categorical denounciation of right-wing politics. Asked about Jorg Haider and the rise of European fascism Morrissey replied: "This is sad. Sometimes I don't believe we are living in an intelligent world."
---
Looks like Q magazine found this interview in The Irish Times from Nov. 1999. Hardly news, but I suppose not much has changed since then.

L'Estrange writes:

In this month's Q magazine 50 of the best ever music books are listed, "Morrissey & Marr - The Severed Alliance" is amongst them.

Q says "Rogan's overview of The Smiths is impassioned, thorough and almost comically erudite - the author suggests that early B-side Jeane, may be named after Morrissey's aunt jeane Sheppard while it might be worth noting that the bastard child of Oscar Wilde's friend Lillie Langtry was named Jeane. But the final frisson with a book that had Morrissey wishing Rogan death in a m3 pile up is the way moz is pursued by someone with an eccentricity to riva his own. The jacket blurb explains how Rogan once wrote.in isolation for an entire year without speaking to another human being."

BOY RACER writes:

I just wanted to let you all know that TURNUPSPEED (a rockabilly, mail-order) magazine is featuring an interview with Boz Boorer in February's issue. The issue is on sale today. I believe it's $4 (price includes shipping. There is a brief mention of the interview with Boz under the interview section. Ordering info is posted on the site.

BlueGirl writes:

Reported by the NME: Both Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke were present at a Manchester charity auction event benefiting Kosovan refugees. This is the same auction where Badly Drawn Boy Damon Gough bought back his auctioned trademark hat for 1500 pounds. 'Nice to see socially aware Mancunians on the rise.

boyracer9 writes:

Not much of a story . . . but yet another homage to The Smiths. I went to the "They Might Be Giants" Concert at the House of Blues in Anaheim. There was an interesting opening band from Chicago ("O.K. Go") that sang as their opening number the Smiths' "Panic". It was actually an excellent rendition. I don't know much about the band, but they sounded excellent. They mentioned their website: www.okgo.net

English Martyr writes:

"The Wrong Boy" by Willy Russell was reviewed by Simon Goddard. It was given a 5 star rating (out of 5). Here's what he had to say about it:

Smiths-inspired debut novel from Educating Rita playwright -

(more)

Phill writes:

The Star and Garter, Fairfield St, Manchester - back of Piccadilly Station is once again the venue for the first Smiths / Morrissey night of the year in Manchester on Friday 9th February 10pm - 2am.

As usual, a great night is guaranteed to all fans both new and not so new!