Morrissey has claimed that he’s been dropped by BMG, the label that released his last three albums.
In a statement shared via his Morrissey Central website, the artist blames the label’s "new plans for ‘diversity’" for the decision and goes on to claim that the label "dictates" how its artists should behave. He does not provide evidence for either claim.
"All projected BMG Morrissey releases/reissues have been scrapped," Morrissey’s statement adds. "This news is perfectly in keeping with the relentless galvanic horror of 2020."
He continues: "We would be critically insane to expect anything positive. My three albums with BMG have been the best of my career, and I stand by them till death. Recording them has been a pivotal period in my life, and I thank the previous BMG team and everyone involved for that. It’s still important to me to do music my own way, and I wouldn’t want to be on a label that dictates so specifically how their artists should behave – especially when the word ‘talent’ is notably never mentioned."
BMG has since confirmed that Morrissey’s contract is not being renewed but added that the parts of his catalogue that the label has released will continue to be supported.
In a statement provided to Pitchfork, the label said: "BMG has released three exceptional Top 10 albums from Morrissey over the past three years, including some of the best work of his career. That three album deal has now come to an end. We wish him well in the next chapter of his career."
BMG released Morrissey’s Low In High School in 2017, covers album California Son last year, and I Am Not A Dog On A Chain in March of this year.
Morrissey has become an increasingly controversial figure over the last decade, expressing political support for UKIP as well as Islamophobic views. Last year, he forced out a gig-goer from a show in Portland for holding up signs protesting his seeming support of far-right groups.
Read our 2019 Black Sky Thinking piece arguing why it’s time to ditch your Morrissey-loving friend here.
