London — Steven Patrick Morrissey or Morrissey as his fans know him, the former lead singer of the 1980s new wave group The Smiths, announced this week that he would take up the lead spot in rock band U2. He will replace Bono on a few North American dates while the singer recovers from his throat issues.
Last year, U2 canceled a series of shows due to issues with lead singer Bono’s voice. It became unclear whether the Irish band would move forward. Meanwhile, Morrissey has made waves with his controversial and outspoken comments supporting UKIP, which is the conservative and nationalist UK Independence Party. He recently donned a far-right pin on an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and has doubled-down with additional racist comments claiming that “everyone ultimately prefers their own race.”
Also, rumors swirled that he might be running for Parliament.
“As Morrissey gears up for his brief but fiery future in politics,” said a spokesperson for Morrissey. “He has agreed to front legendary headliners U2 on their upcoming tour to promote white nationalism. Bono said he would sit this one, saying he was tired.”
Although Bono and the rest of U2 denied their upcoming album titled Songs of Strength nor their tour had anything to do with white supremacy, Morrissey’s comments have “complicated matters” for the band, a band that traditionally prides themselves on left-wing causes.
“I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea,” said Bono exiting Café de Gites de Merde Elite while on Holiday in Nice, France, “but Morrissey’s helping us out. I plan on being on stage with a tambourine and my energy. This is in no way some salute to nationalism.”
However, as Bono continued, it seemed U2, as well as Morrissey, were in it “for the money.”
“Raising all these kids, some of whom may also belong to Madonna, wears me out. And it costs tons and tons of money that I have to arrange to have to do all this good,” Continued Bono. “How can we continue to do our great work around the world without doing what we do best?”
The Fans Are Happy
Fans of both U2 and Morrissey, many are thrilled about seeing both on stage together.
“Imagine ‘earing Sunday Bloody Sunday through Morrissey, right,” shouted 36-year-old Elizabeth Rusters of Manchester, who claims she’s been a life-long fan of both artists. “Sure Morrissey is a bumblecunt now, and Bono, well, I don’t have to go into all his pudnasty filthgathering. But as far as I’m concerned, it’s a twofer.”
As for the UKIP, they are thrilled to have Morrissey onboard.
“He knows what’s needed to bring the crime down to majority-white levels again,” said Rory Richardson, assistant to the UKIP minister of public affairs. “And now that he’s with U2, not only will our message reach new audiences, but he’s set up for a bright future as an MP.”
The U2 Tour is scheduled for 192 dates throughout Europe, North America, and Asia, and some claim it will be the last trip for both legends. It’s expected to be the most expensive rock concert in history, with average ticket prices hovering around $242.00 (£190.96) and peaking at $420.00USD for prime seats.
