The ‘separate the art from the artist debate’ rarely rages more wildly than when discussing the music and mouth of Morrissey. Many have disowned The Smiths’ frontman despite — or perhaps because of — growing up so intimately with his music, and forming large parts of their identities around his words. For many who let go of their fandom due to the singer’s anti-immigration comments, support of far-right political parties and beyond, it hurt more than most.
Sticking with him into the 2020s has become an act of wilful ignorance or defiance then, depending on who you ask. Continued support of the singer often comes with the requirement of also engaging with his politics.
