The Smiths were active from 1982 to 1987. The band drummer Mike Joyce recently spoke to Jordan Potter of Far Out Magazine and spoke about variety of topics. During the interview he also opened up on the former band frontman Morrissey. Joyce noted how comments from Morrissey stirred controversy. He spoke about the Brighton bombing in 1984 and noted remarks from Morrissey which ignited a controversy as well. Joyce noted that they are the political views of Morrissey and he is entitled to it.
Mike Joyce opens up on Morrissey
After revealing that he hadn’t crossed paths with his former frontman in over three decades, Joyce revealed that he “didn’t really know him back in the ’80s. I don’t think anybody really knows him apart from himself.” He stated that he does not “agree with some of them”, but he has never seen him sit down and explain all of his beliefs. He added:
“But I think that’s what Morrissey does, he throws those maggots in the water for the journalists to grab hold of.”
Joyce then talked about a quote from The Smiths frontman which was about reggae music. He clarified that some comments from Morrissey about the genre itself and it was not targetted for the people. He said:
“I remember a quote from Morrissey where he said that reggae music was vile. If I was asked for my opinion on reggae music and said it’s not really for me, it wouldn’t make any copy. I don’t think Morrissey was saying that people of colour are vile; he just doesn’t like reggae. But, of course, journalists will pick up on a quote like that.”
