In conversation with John Riggers this month, Morrissey opens up on his feelings towards the media, his music in the media and a number of things about the publishing industry he finds particularly irksome.

We've picked out some of his most controversial quotes from the piece.

When asked why the press suddenly see him as a difficult figure, his response was:

"because I speak from the heart. The mainstream media will only encourage pop artists who have nothing to say. We are meant to keep our nose out of politics even though we are all living, breathing humans and as much a part of 2018 life as anyone else."

The media doggedly refuse to acknowledge his solo career?

" I don’t think it’s a hateful gesture to keep pulling me back to 1983, but there’s certainly a morbid sentimentality. It’s a bit like referring to David Bowie only in relation to The Laughing Gnome."

And then when stated that he didn't appear to mourn the death of Bowie:

"Oh. What was I supposed to do? I am surprised that people whose entire life has been the music industry manage to live as long as they do. There’s something mentally crushing about persistently placing yourself before people for their approval."

On U.K. politics, it gets interesting.

"Theresa May was always a Prime Minister uninvited. She is incapable of leadership. She cannot say her own name unless it’s written down on a cue card in front of her. I recall her speech on Eid al-Adhar, and how she referred to it as a ”joyous celebration” … as millions of animals had their throats slit to mark the occasion. I wondered what kind of compassion she could possibly have."

Can't mention politics without liberals.
"... And as far as racism goes, the modern Loony Left seem to forget that Hitler was Left wing!"

Rigger discusses halal / animal abuse, stating halal is done in the name of religion.

"Most murder is! But animals rights must come before religion. Religion must cease to be the ONLY word. I am not interested in what people did ten thousand years ago. I am concerned about what is happening today."

It goes on and on - and you can expect the similar train of thought to continue.