It’s all getting very messy between Morrissey and Capitol Records. Even after the former Smiths frontman parted ways with the label late last year, he has continued to criticise them for not authorising the release of his 2021 album.
A statement shared to Morrissey’s website earlier this month said the artist was “‘too diverse’ for Universal Music Group,” who are behind Capitol Records. “Morrissey has said that although he does not believe that Capitol Records in Los Angeles signed Bonfire of Teenagers in order to sabotage it, he is quickly coming around to that belief,” the statement continued.
This week, another post shared to the website escalates the conflict between the two. It shows the cover for Bonfire of Teenagers versus the Capitol Records logo, with the message referencing Smith’s alleged satanism below.
In its full, it reads: “Capitol Records (Los Angeles) proudly promotes Sam Smith’s ‘satanism’; yet they consider the honest truth of Morrissey’s factual Bonfire of Teenagers to be their biggest threat and they will not release it despite their contractual obligation and promise to do so.”
Capitol has released all four of Smith’s studio albums, including last month’s Gloria.
Sam Smith performs onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
The “satanism” that Morrissey alleges is likely referencing Smith’s recent performance of the song ‘Unholy’ at the Grammy Awards. Appearing alongside Kim Petras, Smith wore a red hat with devil horns.
It attracted a fair degree of controversy, particularly from right-wing American commentators, for its use of satanic imagery. Liz Wheeler said at the time that “demons are teaching your kids to worship Satan”, and then asked yesterday: “Are Sam Smith, Rihanna, and Lizzo all part of the same Satanic Cult?” All three have recently worn red.
For now, anyway, Bonfire of Teenagers will remain unreleased, and I somehow doubt Morrissey’s latest comments will help Capitol Records sympathise with his plight.
