Bonfire of Teenagers

Last updated

Bonfire of Teenagers
Morrissey Bonfire of Teenagers.png
Studio album (unreleased)by
Morrissey
Recorded2020–2021
Studio Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Label Capitol
Producer Andrew Watt
Singles from Bonfire of Teenagers
  1. "Rebels Without Applause"
    Released: 25 November 2022

Bonfire of Teenagers is an unreleased studio album by English singer Morrissey. Described by the singer as "the best album of [his] life", [1] Bonfire of Teenagers was produced by Andrew Watt in 2020 and 2021, and features a number of guest appearances from various musicians, such as Iggy Pop, Jesse Tobias, Chad Smith, Flea and Josh Klinghoffer.

Contents

Bonfire of Teenagers was originally announced in May 2021. In October 2022, Bonfire of Teenagers was given a tentative release date of February 2023 in the United States by Capitol Records, but was postponed and later shelved following Morrissey's departure from Capitol in December of that year. In February 2023, Morrissey confirmed that Capitol will not release Bonfire of Teenagers but will still hold onto the rights to it, rendering it an unreleased album. In October 2023, Morrissey told Fox 5 New York that Capitol Records have offered to sell the album back to him.

Background

In March 2020, Morrissey released his thirteenth studio album I Am Not a Dog on a Chain through BMG Rights Management. Eight months later, he was dropped by BMG following the appointment of a new executive at the label. [2] Morrissey then announced his intention to sell his next completed album to "the highest (or the lowest) bidder". [3] On 29 October 2022, it was announced that Morrissey had signed with Capitol Records in the United States, who set a release date of the album for February 2023, although Morrissey did not sign with a UK label. [4] As part of his deal with the label, Capitol also acquired the rights to reissue his previous solo albums Southpaw Grammar (1995), You Are the Quarry (2004), Ringleader of the Tormentors (2006), Years of Refusal (2009) and World Peace Is None of Your Business (2014). [4]

Composition

Bonfire of Teenagers was produced by Andrew Watt and recorded in Los Angeles, California in 2020 and 2021. [1] The album features guest appearances from Iggy Pop, [5] Jesse Tobias, Red Hot Chili Peppers' members Chad Smith and Flea, as well as ex-RHCP guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. [4]

The album's title track is about the 2017 Manchester Arena bombings, which Morrissey described as "England's 9/11". [6]

Miley Cyrus contributions

In 2020, American singer Miley Cyrus recorded backing vocals for the song "I Am Veronica". According to Morrissey, Cyrus, a long-time admirer of him and The Smiths, volunteered to provide her vocals for the song, and later offered to appear in a music video for the song. [7] He reflected favourably on his time working with Miley Cyrus, and described "every minute" he spent with her as "loving and funny". [7]

Following his departure from Capitol Records in December 2022, Morrissey reported that Cyrus had requested to have her backing vocals removed from the song. [8] Subsequently, rumours arose that Morrissey's political views were the reason behind Cyrus' decision to remove her vocals from the track; Morrissey denied this, stating that she had "backed off for reasons unconnected to me" due to "a major clash with a key figure in 'the circle' ", although he refused to disclose who it was. [7] [9] He also denied accusations he was far-right, and blamed four anonymous, individual "cancel vultures" with access to "the Legacy Media" for spreading misinformation about him. [7] [9]

Release and promotion

Bonfire of Teenagers was first announced on 31 May 2021 through Morrissey's website. [1]

Morrissey debuted several new songs from Bonfire of Teenagers live during his tours in 2022, such as "I Am Veronica" [10] in May 2022, and the songs "Rebels Without Applause" "Sure Enough, The Telephone Rings", "I Live in Oblivion", and the title track, which were first performed at Morrissey's Las Vegas concert residency on 1 July 2022. [6] On September 28, 2022, "Kerouac's Crack" was played live for the first and only time. On November 11, 2022, the album's final song, "Saint In A Stained Glass Window", was performed live for the first time at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and at an additional eight shows following its debut.

On 29 October 2022, Morrissey announced that Bonfire of Teenagers had been given a tentative release date of February 2023. However, on 14 November 2022, Morrissey announced that the album had been delayed by Capitol. [11] On 25 November 2022, Morrissey released the first single off the album, "Rebels Without Applause". [12] Morrissey criticized an "absence of any promotion" of the single, which he described as "quite sad" and "noticeable". [13]

On 23 December 2022, Morrissey announced that he had "voluntarily parted company" with his management firms, Maverick and Quest, and also "voluntarily withdrawn from any association with Capitol Records". [8] [14] It is unknown whether Bonfire of Teenagers, which Morrissey described as "control[led]" by Capitol, will be released. [8] He also announced that Miley Cyrus wanted her backing vocals taken off from the record. [15] [16]

On 7 February 2023, Morrissey announced that while Universal Music Group (Capitol's parent company) will still control Bonfire of Teenagers, they will not release the album. He also stated 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." [17] [18] A week later on 14 February 2023, Morrissey went on to accuse Capitol of promoting "Satanism" with Sam Smith, the latter whom had recently attracted controversy after performing their song "Unholy" with Kim Petras at the BRIT Awards 2023 two days prior. [19] [20] [21]

Track listing

All lyrics are written by Morrissey [12]

Bonfire of Teenagers track listing
No.TitleMusicLength
1."I Am Veronica"  
2."Rebels Without Applause"
[22] 		3:24
3."Kerouac's Crack"  
4."Ha Ha Harlem"  
5."I Live in Oblivion"  
6."Bonfire of Teenagers"  
7."My Funeral"  
8."Diana Dors"  
9."I Ex-Love You"  
10."Sure Enough, the Telephone Rings"  
11."Saint in a Stained Glass Window"  

Personnel

Additional musicians [4]

Production

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iggy Pop</span> American rock musician (born 1947)

James Newell Osterberg Jr., known professionally as Iggy Pop, is an American singer, musician, songwriter, actor, and radio broadcaster. He was the vocalist and lyricist of proto-punk band The Stooges, who were formed in 1967 and have disbanded and reunited many times since. Often called the "Godfather of Punk", he was named one of the 50 Great Voices by NPR. In 2010, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of the Stooges. Pop also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, for his solo work.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billy Ray Cyrus</span> American country singer and actor (born 1961)

Billy Ray Cyrus is an American country singer, songwriter and actor. Having released 16 studio albums and 53 singles since 1992, he is known for his hit single "Achy Breaky Heart", which topped the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and became the first single ever to achieve triple platinum status in Australia. It was also the best-selling single in the same country in 1992. Due to the song's music video, the line dance rose in popularity.

<i>The Queen Is Dead</i> 1986 studio album by the Smiths

The Queen Is Dead is the third studio album by the English rock band the Smiths. It was released on 16 June 1986 in the UK by Rough Trade Records, and on 23 June 1986 in the US by Sire Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chad Smith</span> American drummer

Chad Smith is an American musician who has been the drummer of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1988. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Smith is also the drummer of the hard rock supergroup Chickenfoot, formed in 2008, and of the all-instrumental outfit Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats, formed in 2007. He worked with the Chicks on Taking the Long Way, an album that won five Grammy Awards in 2007.

Martin James "Boz" Boorer is an English guitarist and producer who founded the new wave rockabilly group the Polecats; and for a 30-year period beginning in 1991 was co-writer, guitarist and musical director with Morrissey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">There Is a Light That Never Goes Out</span> 1992 single by the Smiths

"There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths, written by guitarist Johnny Marr and lead vocalist Morrissey. Featured on the band's third studio album The Queen Is Dead (1986), it was not released as a single in the United Kingdom until 1992, five years after their split, to promote the compilation album ...Best II. It peaked at No. 25 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 22 on the Irish Singles Chart. The song has received considerable critical acclaim; in 2014, NME listed it as the 12th-greatest song of all time. In 2021, it was ranked at No. 226 on Rolling Stone's "Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jesse Tobias</span> American guitarist

Jesse Tobias is an American musician who has been the lead guitarist and co-writer for Morrissey since 2004. Tobias first gained fame during a brief tenure with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1993, although he was replaced by Dave Navarro within a month after joining the band. Before he joined the Chili Peppers, he briefly played with the band Mother Tongue. In 1995, Tobias joined the touring band for Alanis Morissette, and from 1999 to 2005 he was a member of the musical duo Splendid alongside his then-wife Angie Hart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miley Cyrus</span> American singer and actress (born 1992)

Miley Ray Cyrus is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Dubbed the "Pop Chameleon", she has been recognized for her musical versatility and continual artistic reinventions. Cyrus has been referred to as the "Teen Queen" of the 2000s pop culture and regarded as one of the few examples of a child star who went on to have a successful career as an adult. Among her accolades are 19 Teen Choice Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, four World Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, a People's Choice Award, a GLAAD Media Award, and eight Guinness World Records. She was ranked as the ninth-greatest Billboard 200 female artist of all time, and has been featured in listicles such as the Time 100 in 2008 and 2014, Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2014 and 2021, and Billboard's "Greatest of All Time Artists" in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iggy Pop discography</span>

This is the discography of American singer Iggy Pop. The following lists of all of Pop's released singles, studio albums, compilation albums, EPs and demos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Klinghoffer</span> American musician

Josh Adam Klinghoffer is an American musician best known for being the guitarist for the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019, with whom he recorded two studio albums, I'm with You (2011) and The Getaway (2016), and the b-sides compilation I'm Beside You (2013). Klinghoffer took the place of his friend and frequent collaborator John Frusciante in 2009, after a period as a touring member. At age 32, Klinghoffer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2012, making him the youngest at the time. He is also a touring member of Pearl Jam and Jane's Addiction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morrissey</span> British singer

Steven Patrick Morrissey, known mononymously as Morrissey, is an English singer and songwriter. He came to prominence as the frontman and lyricist of rock band the Smiths, who were active from 1982 to 1987. Since then, he has pursued a successful solo career. Morrissey's music is characterised by his baritone voice and distinctive lyrics with recurring themes of emotional isolation, sexual longing, self-deprecating and dark humour, and anti-establishment stances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wrecking Ball (Miley Cyrus song)</span> 2013 single by Miley Cyrus

"Wrecking Ball" is a song recorded by American singer Miley Cyrus for her fourth studio album, Bangerz (2013). It was released on August 25, 2013, by RCA Records as the album's second single. The song was written by Mozella, Stephan Moccio, Sacha Skarbek, with Dr. Luke and Cirkut, who also served as the producers, credited as co-writers along with David Kim. "Wrecking Ball" is a pop ballad which lyrically discusses the deterioration of a relationship.

<i>Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz</i> 2015 studio album by Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus. It was originally released independently on August 30, 2015, but was later released commercially on iTunes and other streaming platforms under RCA Records on April 10, 2017. Cyrus began planning the project in 2013 before Bangerz was released. Work continued into 2014 and 2015, when she befriended and began collaborating with the Flaming Lips. In addition to the psychedelic rock band, Cyrus worked with producers Mike Will Made It and Oren Yoel. The album features guest vocals by Big Sean, Sarah Barthel of Phantogram and Ariel Pink.

Andrew Wotman, known professionally as Andrew Watt or under the mononym of Watt, is an American record producer, singer, songwriter and guitarist. As a songwriter he signs Wotman, while as a producer he signs Watt.

<i>Plastic Hearts</i> 2020 studio album by Miley Cyrus

Plastic Hearts is the seventh studio album by American singer Miley Cyrus. It was released on November 27, 2020, by RCA Records, and was her final album with the label; she signed with Columbia Records in early 2021. Marking a departure from Cyrus' previous releases, Plastic Hearts is primarily a rock, pop, synth-pop, and glam rock record, with influences from country, punk rock, new wave, arena rock, industrial, disco, and power pop. Most of the album was produced by Andrew Watt and Louis Bell, with further collaboration with Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt. Guest vocals include Dua Lipa, Billy Idol, Joan Jett and Stevie Nicks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prisoner (Miley Cyrus song)</span> 2020 single by Miley Cyrus

"Prisoner" is a song by American singer Miley Cyrus featuring English-Albanian singer Dua Lipa. It was released on November 19, 2020, through RCA Records as the second single from Cyrus' seventh studio album Plastic Hearts (2020). It was also included on the re-issue of Lipa's second studio album Future Nostalgia: The Moonlight Edition (2021). It is a dance, dark-pop, disco-punk, disco-rock, glam rock and nu-disco song produced by Andrew Watt and the Monsters & Strangerz.

"Angels like You" is a song by American singer Miley Cyrus, from her seventh studio album Plastic Hearts, released on November 27, 2020, through RCA Records. The song was written by Cyrus, Ali Tamposi, Ryan Tedder with the song's producers Louis Bell and Andrew Watt. It was released as the third and final single from the album on March 12, 2021, it was also Cyrus' last single with RCA, ending her contract after 8 years; to sign with Columbia.

<i>Every Loser</i> 2023 studio album by Iggy Pop

Every Loser is the nineteenth studio album by American rock singer Iggy Pop, released on January 6, 2023, by Gold Tooth and Atlantic Records. Produced by Andrew Watt, the album features a core backing band of Chad Smith as drummer and multi-instrumentalists Josh Klinghoffer and Andrew Watt.

Without Music the World Dies is the upcoming fourteenth solo studio album by English singer Morrissey.

<i>Endless Summer Vacation</i> 2023 album by Miley Cyrus

Endless Summer Vacation is the eighth studio album by American singer Miley Cyrus, released on March 10, 2023, via Columbia Records. It is her first new body of work since leaving RCA Records after her seventh studio album Plastic Hearts (2020) and signing with Columbia in early 2021. A pop and dance-pop record, Endless Summer Vacation is a shift from the synth-pop, rock, and glam rock genres featured on Plastic Hearts. Cyrus related its overall concept to her affection for Los Angeles, where the album was mainly recorded, and its track sequencing to the course of a day. Brandi Carlile and Sia are featured as guest vocalists.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Richards, Will (31 May 2021). "Morrissey announces new album 'Bonfire Of Teenagers', "the best album of my life"". NME. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  2. ↑ Lavin, Will (16 November 2020). "Morrissey responds to being dropped by his label: "This news is perfectly in keeping with the relentless galvanic horror of 2020"". NME. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  3. ↑ Krol, Charlotte (12 December 2022). "Morrissey announces recording of new album 'Without Music The World Dies'". NME. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Young, Alex (30 October 2022). "Morrissey announces new album Bonfire of Teenagers, and it's loaded with A-list adults". Consequence . Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  5. ↑ Krol, Charlotte (7 December 2022). "Iggy Pop talks working with Andrew Watt on new Morrissey song". NME. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  6. 1 2 Trendell, Andrew (5 July 2022). "Morrissey debuts new song 'Bonfire Of Teenagers', about Manchester Arena bombing". NME. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "When You Are the Quarry". morrisseycentral.com. 6 January 2023. Archived from the original on 19 January 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 Daly, Rhian (24 December 2022). "Morrissey departs label as Miley Cyrus asks to be taken off 'Bonfire Of Teenagers'". NME . Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  9. 1 2 Hajjaji, Danya (7 January 2023). "Morrissey says Miley Cyrus album exit was nothing to do with his politics". the Guardian. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  10. ↑ Trendell, Andrew (11 May 2022). "Watch Morrissey debut new single 'I Am Veronica' as he airs rarely played solo and Smiths songs". NME. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  11. ↑ "Morrissey album 'Bonfire of Teenagers' has been postponed". faroutmagazine.co.uk. 14 November 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  12. 1 2 "Messages From Morrissey – Morrissey Central". Morrissey Central. Archived from the original on 24 December 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  13. ↑ "REBELS WITHOUT ASSISTANCE". Morrissey Central. 22 December 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  14. ↑ "ROLL ON 2023". Morrissey Central. 23 December 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  15. ↑ Willman, Chris (25 December 2022). "Morrissey Says Miley Cyrus Wants Off His Next Album, and He's Split With Label and Management, Too". Variety. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  16. ↑ Kreps, Daniel (24 December 2022). "Morrissey Album Likely Delayed Again as Miley Cyrus Wants Guest Spot Taken Off". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  17. ↑ "Bonfire Doused". morrisseycentral.com. 7 February 2023. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  18. ↑ Wilkes, Emma (7 February 2023). "Morrissey is "quickly coming around to that belief" that Capitol is "sabotaging" his new album". NME. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  19. ↑ "BONFIRE OF TEENAGERS, RIP". Morrissey Central. 14 February 2023. Archived from the original on 19 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  20. ↑ Reilly, Nick (14 February 2023). "Morrissey hits out at Capitol Records for promoting Sam Smith's 'satanism'". Rolling Stone UK. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  21. ↑ "Sam Smith's Brit Awards performance sparks over 100 Ofcom complaints". The Independent. 17 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  22. 1 2 Rebels Without Applause, 25 November 2022, retrieved 20 January 2023
  23. 1 2 Anderson, Carys (26 November 2022). "Morrissey shares new single "Rebels Without Applause": Stream". Consequence. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.