Morrissey: I nearly voted Ukip
Morrissey toyed with the idea of voting for Ukip because of his admiration for leader Nigel Farage, he has admitted.
The former Smiths frontman, who is known for his sensitive and gloomy lyrics, revealed the unlikely political allegiance during an interview with Loaded.
"I nearly voted for Ukip. I like Nigel Farage a great deal," he said.
"His views are quite logical – especially where Europe is concerned, although it was plain daft of him to applaud the lavish expense of the royal wedding at a time when working-class England were told to cut-back, shut-up and get stuffed."
Morrissey's loyal followers could not be more different to Ukip's rank-and-file if they tried, but the singer has a history of surprising and controversial statements, not least of all his belief in Argentinean ownership of the Falklands and his hatred of the monarchy.
He was no less controversial when addressing the Jimmy Savile allegations, where he suggested there were not enough prison spaces for the perpetrators of sex abuse in the 1970s.
"He was a profiteer, and those who protected him are still here. However, I’m not sure if witch-hunts against aged Radio Caroline DJs is quite the point," he said.
"2013 enlightenment can’t be applied to dark and dim nights of 1972, otherwise every singer who ever slept with a 14-year-old would suddenly be behind bars – and that would take a lot of bars."
Slightly more lighthearted – and graphic – was the singer's description of what he would like to do with the Beckhams, who he branded the 'Peckhams'.
"I'd have the Peckhams dragged to the edge of the village and flogged because they are insufferable to anyone of intelligence, and they actively chase the paparazzi," he said.
"We don’t seem to realise that David and Victoria Peckham will soon be back and god forbid they will be bestowed with titles Sir and Lady Peckham, this is what’s wrong with this country, we don’t seem to care."
Morrissey left the UK for something akin to a self-imposed exile after controversy around his use of the St George's flag and fascist imagery.
The symbolism was a strange association for his music, which deals with themes of loneliness and anxiety.
Among his songs, Bengali in Platforms caused controversy for its views on immigration, while English Blood Irish Heart saw the singer express his views on the national flag.
