Morrissey Net Worth (Updated 2024)

What is Morrissey’s Net Worth?

Morrissey, the English musician famous for his unique voice and meaningful lyrics, has a net worth of $50 million. He became well-known as the lead singer and lyricist of the band the Smiths in the 1980s before starting a successful solo career.

Morrissey grew up in Lancashire, England, in a working-class family and developed a love for literature and music from a young age. He briefly led a punk rock band called The Nosebleeds in the late 1970s before becoming a music journalist and writing about music and movies.

In 1982, he formed the Smiths with Johnny Marr, and the band received critical acclaim with albums like “The Queen Is Dead.” Morrissey’s unique appearance, with his quiff hairstyle and witty lyrics, made him stand out as an artist who didn’t conform to traditional rockstar stereotypes. However, personal disagreements led to the breakup of the Smiths in 1987.

Morrissey began his solo career in 1988 with “Viva Hate” and continued to release successful albums like “Your Arsenal” and “Vauxhall and I.” His work had a significant influence on indie pop and rock.

While Morrissey achieved musical success, he’s also known for expressing controversial views, such as supporting vegetarianism, animal rights, and criticizing royalty and politics. He’s also shared opinions about British heritage and immigration that have sparked controversy in the public eye.

Here’s the breakdown of his net worth:

Learn more: richest singers in the world

Early Life

Childhood

Steven Patrick Morrissey was born on May 22, 1959, in Davyhulme, Lancashire. His Irish Catholic parents had moved to Manchester from Dublin a year earlier, along with his older sister Jacqueline. It’s unclear whether he was named after American actor Steve Cochran or in memory of his father’s late brother, Patrick Steven Morrissey.

The family initially lived in a council house in Hulme before relocating to Stretford in 1970. Morrissey’s early years were marked by the Moors murders, which deeply affected him and later inspired the Smiths’ song “Suffer Little Children.” He also experienced anti-Irish sentiments prevalent in British society.

After not passing his 11-plus exam, Morrissey attended St Mary’s Secondary Modern School. He excelled in athletics but often felt like an outsider. He left school in 1975 without formal qualifications but later earned three O-Levels at Stretford Technical College.

In December 1976, Morrissey’s parents separated, with his father leaving the family home. His mother, a librarian, encouraged his love for reading, leading him to explore feminist literature and the works of Oscar Wilde. He was also a fan of popular culture, enjoying shows like “Coronation Street” and movies like “A Taste of Honey,” as well as music from glam rock artists like T. Rex, David Bowie, and Roxy Music.

Early Bands and Published Books

Before making his mark in music, Morrissey held various jobs, including working as a civil service clerk, selling records in a store, and serving as a hospital porter. He used his earnings to attend concerts by popular bands like Talking Heads, the Ramones, and Blondie.

In 1977, he joined the punk band the Nosebleeds as the lead vocalist, where he co-wrote songs and performed with the group until they disbanded. Morrissey then briefly filled in as the singer for Slaughter & the Dogs, recording four songs with them and attempting to secure a record deal in London. However, the audition didn’t pan out, and Slaughter & the Dogs continued without him, making him a minor figure in Manchester’s punk scene.

By 1981, Morrissey had befriended Linder Sterling, the frontwoman of Ludus, and was inspired by her style. Through Sterling, he met Howard Devoto and Richard Boon. During this time, his close male friend was James Maker, and together they explored the gay bars and clubs of London.

Morrissey’s interest in music journalism led him to write letters to music publications, eventually landing a job at Record Mirror. Additionally, he authored short books for Babylon Books, including ones about the New York Dolls and his idol, James Dean.

The Smiths

Establishing the Smiths

In August 1978, Morrissey briefly met a 14-year-old Johnny Marr at a Patti Smith concert in Manchester. A few years later, in May 1982, Marr showed up at Morrissey’s doorstep, suggesting they form a band together. Marr was impressed by Morrissey’s book about the New York Dolls and was inspired by the chance collaboration of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

They immediately clicked, and Morrissey confirmed his interest in starting a band with Marr the next day. Initially, Steve Pomfret played bass, but he soon left, and Dale Hibbert took his place. Around this time, Morrissey decided to use only his last name, and the band was named “The Smiths” by Morrissey himself.

They worked on their original songs and covered the Cookies’ “I Want a Boy for My Birthday,” reflecting their intent to challenge gender and sexuality norms in rock, inspired by the New York Dolls. In August 1982, they recorded their first demo in Manchester, but Factory Records wasn’t interested.

Mike Joyce joined as the drummer in late summer 1982 after a successful audition. Their first public performance was in October 1982, opening for Blue Rondo à la Turk at The Ritz in Manchester. However, tensions arose due to Hibbert’s discomfort with the band’s perceived gay aesthetic, leading to his replacement by Andy Rourke, a school friend of Marr’s.

After EMI turned them down, Morrissey and Marr took their recordings to Geoff Travis of Rough Trade Records in London. Although Rough Trade didn’t immediately sign them, they agreed to release their single “Hand in Glove.” Morrissey chose a homoerotic cover design. The single gained support from DJ John Peel but didn’t chart. Controversy also emerged when The Sun’s Garry Bushell alleged that the B-side “Handsome Devil” promoted pedophilia, a claim the band strongly denied.

Their subsequent singles, “This Charming Man” and “What Difference Does It Make?,” performed better, reaching numbers 25 and 12 on the UK Singles Chart, respectively. They cultivated a devoted fan base, partly through frequent studio sessions for John Peel and David Jensen at BBC Radio 1.

In February 1984, they released their debut album, “The Smiths,” which reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. Morrissey’s unconventional persona challenged traditional pop and rock norms, while the band’s simplicity contrasted with the flamboyance of the New Romantics.

The Smiths’ Growing Success

In 1984, the band released two singles, “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” and “William, It Was Really Nothing.” They also put out the compilation album “Hatful of Hollow,” which included singles, B-sides, and recordings from the Peel and Jensen shows.

Early in 1985, they dropped their second album, “Meat Is Murder,” which became their only studio album to reach the top of the UK charts. “Shakespeare’s Sister” reached number 26 on the UK Singles Chart, and “How Soon Is Now?” reached number 24 after being released as a single in 1985.

Throughout 1985, the band toured both the UK and the US while working on their next album, “The Queen Is Dead,” released in June 1986. However, tensions within the band were growing due to legal disputes with Rough Trade and personal issues. Rourke faced a brief firing in early 1986 for drug use but was reinstated, and Gannon joined as a guitarist. They signed with EMI in late 1986, which caused some controversy among their fanbase.

In early 1987, “Shoplifters of the World Unite” reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart, and “Sheila Take a Bow” became their second UK top-10 hit. Despite their success, internal conflicts, especially between Morrissey and Marr, pushed the band to the brink of breaking up. Marr eventually departed in July 1987, leading to auditions for a replacement.

By the time their fourth album, “Strangeways, Here We Come,” was released in September, the band had dissolved. The breakup resulted from various factors, including Morrissey’s disapproval of Marr’s collaborations with other artists, Marr’s frustration with Morrissey’s musical rigidity, and Morrissey’s mention of the absence of a manager as a contributing factor. The album reached number 2 in the UK but achieved only moderate success in the US.

Solo Career

Early Solo Work

Before the Smiths disbanded, Morrissey teamed up with producer Stephen Street to kickstart his solo career just before the band’s breakup. In September 1987, he began recording his debut solo album, “Viva Hate,” at Wool Hall Studios near Bath, with musicians Vini Reilly and Andrew Paresi. Unlike the Smiths’ album covers featuring celebrities, “Viva Hate” showcased a photograph of Morrissey taken by Anton Corbijn.

In February 1988, the album’s first single, “Suedehead,” reached an impressive number 5 on the UK singles chart, surpassing the performance of any Smiths single. The second single, “Everyday Is Like Sunday,” reached number 9, and the album itself secured the number 1 spot on the UK album charts. One track on the album, “Margaret on the Guillotine,” stirred controversy for depicting the execution of Margaret Thatcher, resulting in accusations against Morrissey and a police search of his home.

Morrissey’s inaugural solo performance took place in December 1988 at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall, drawing massive crowds and creating an electrifying atmosphere. Following that, he released singles like “The Last of the Famous International Playboys” and “Interesting Drug,” along with working on his compilation album “Bona Drag,” which included new songs and recent singles.

In 1991, Morrissey released his second solo album, “Kill Uncle,” which reached number 8 on the album chart. The two singles from the album, “Our Frank” and “Sing Your Life,” didn’t break into the top 20. However, Morrissey’s “Kill Uncle” tour featured a new backing group, and his US performances were notably successful, with venues selling out faster than Michael Jackson or Madonna.

Changing Image

In July 1992, Morrissey released “Your Arsenal,” an album where he expressed his concerns about the decline of British culture due to American influences. The album received positive reviews and included singles like “We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful.” During this period, Morrissey’s image underwent a transformation, evolving from an aesthete interested in rugged individuals to a rugged individual with a fascination for aesthetics. The album cover for “Your Arsenal” featured a shirtless Morrissey, showcasing his muscular physique.

In the middle of 1993, Morrissey co-wrote his fifth album, “Vauxhall and I,” with new songwriting partners. The album achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, and one of its tracks, “The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get,” became a single.

In 1995, Morrissey relocated to Los Angeles and made infrequent visits to the UK. He continued to release albums, go on tour, and make public appearances. In 2002, he embarked on a global tour and also appeared in a documentary titled “The Importance of Being Morrissey.”

Comeback

In 2004, Morrissey signed a deal with Sanctuary Records and released “You Are the Quarry,” which included the hit single “Irish Blood, English Heart.” He went on a worldwide tour to promote the album and celebrated his 45th birthday with a concert in Manchester. Morrissey also took charge of curating the Meltdown festival and performed at various music festivals in the UK.

He continued to release albums during this period, such as “Ringleader of the Tormentors” in 2006, “Years of Refusal” in 2009, and “Swords,” a collection of B-sides, also in 2009. Morrissey encountered legal disputes with former Smiths drummer Mike Joyce and faced health challenges along the way.

Further Albums and Literary Work

Morrissey kept up with his music career, releasing “I Am Not a Dog on a Chain” in 2020 and “Bonfire of Teenagers,” although the latter faced difficulties and delays. In addition to his music, he ventured into the world of literature, publishing his autobiography, “Autobiography,” in 2013 and a novel titled “List of the Lost” in 2015. Morrissey remained active on the touring circuit and continued to grab headlines for his outspoken opinions.

Two More Albums and “Without Music The World Dies”

In November 2020, Morrissey’s contract with BMG came to an end. In 2022, he completed a Las Vegas residency and announced his fourteenth solo album, “Bonfire of Teenagers.” However, the album’s future was uncertain due to disputes with Capitol Records.

In December 2022, Morrissey parted ways with his management companies and shared his plans for a new album titled “Without Music the World Dies,” which he recorded in early 2023.

In August 2023, Morrissey revealed a tour in Asia and Australia scheduled for November.

Personal Life

Throughout his career, Morrissey has kept his personal life very private. He has lived in Los Angeles and has additional homes in Italy, Switzerland, and the UK. In 2017, Los Angeles even declared November 10th as “Morrissey Day” in his honor. Close friends typically refer to him as “Morrissey” as he doesn’t particularly like the nickname “Moz,” which he once humorously described as something you’d squirt on the kitchen floor. Sadly, in August 2020, his mother, Elizabeth Anne Dwyer, passed away at the age of 82 due to gallbladder cancer.

Morrissey has been characterized as a complex individual with a mix of traits. He’s an ordinary working-class person who paradoxically enjoys the spotlight, a kind-hearted individual who can make biting remarks about others, and a shy person who also shows narcissistic tendencies. Part of Morrissey’s appeal lies in his image as a “cultivated English gentleman,” representing the English “gent” with a strong disdain for hypocrisy, along with his delicate, quasi-gay sexuality. Other biographers have also portrayed him as quintessentially English, with a deep connection to his cultural heritage.

Interviewers from the 1980s often praised Morrissey for his decency and authenticity, noting his pleasant demeanor during conversations. Photographers, such as Mischa Richter in 2004, have even described him as “genuinely lovely.”

Morrissey is known for his criticism of the British music press, the royal family, politicians, and meat consumers. His critiques, as observed by David Bret, are usually delivered in a laid-back manner. He identifies as a lapsed Catholic and has expressed disapproval of the Catholic Church. Despite his often sharp criticism, he has also voiced his belief in an afterlife.

Outside of music, Morrissey is a cousin of Irish footballer Robbie Keane and admires Keane’s soccer skills. He is also a fan of boxing and has dealt with clinical depression, seeking professional help for it.

Animal Rights Advocacy

Morrissey is a passionate advocate for animal welfare and rights, having been a vegetarian since he was just 11 years old. His choice to avoid animal products is driven by his deep love for animals and the belief that it’s unnecessary to harm them. In 2015, he transitioned to a vegan diet, although he acknowledged the challenges of this change. Despite the growing availability of vegan food options, he primarily sticks to a diet consisting of bread, potatoes, pasta, and nuts.

His commitment to animal rights extends to organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). PETA recognized his dedication to their cause by honoring him with the Linda McCartney Memorial Award in 2005. Morrissey even appeared in a PETA advertisement in 2012, encouraging pet owners to neuter their dogs and cats to reduce the number of homeless animals. In 2014, PETA created a cartoon called “Someday” in honor of Morrissey’s birthday, featuring his song “I Know It’s Gonna Happen Someday” and emphasizing the welfare of young animals.

Morrissey has made controversial statements regarding individuals involved in practices that he opposes for animals. In 2006, he expressed understanding for the militant tactics of the Animal Rights Militia, arguing that those who engage in violent actions may not respond to any other form of communication. He has also criticized prominent figures in the food industry, including Jamie Oliver and Clarissa Dickson Wright, leading to concerns about incitement to violence.

In 2010, Morrissey sparked controversy by referring to the Chinese as a “subspecies” due to their treatment of animals, although his remarks were primarily rooted in his unwavering commitment to animal rights.

During a concert in 2011, Morrissey faced criticism for drawing parallels between global violence, such as the Norway attacks, and the practices of fast-food chains, using language that some found crude and insensitive.

In 2013, Morrissey successfully negotiated with the Staples Center to make all vendors at his performance vegetarian, even resulting in the closure of McDonald’s outlets at the venue. He viewed this as a significant victory for animal rights.

In 2014, he made a highly controversial statement equating the act of eating animals with pedophilia, which generated strong reactions from various quarters.

In 2019, Morrissey received backlash for banning meat products from a venue where he was performing in Houston. This decision led to criticism from fellow musicians and even prompted a diss track against him.

These instances illustrate Morrissey’s unwavering dedication to animal rights, even when it has led to controversy and criticism.

Sexuality

Morrissey’s sexuality has been a subject of fascination and discussion in the British press throughout his career. Various claims and speculations have arisen about his sexual orientation, including suggestions that he was celibate, frustrated in his heterosexuality, or bisexual.

In a letter from 1980, Morrissey described both himself and his “girlfriend” as bisexual, but he also expressed a strong dislike for sex. This complexity in his personal life contributed to what the Encyclopædia Britannica calls a “compellingly conflicted persona.” He often claimed celibacy but occasionally dropped hints about his sexuality, creating an intriguing mystique that made him an unconventional heartthrob.

Morrissey’s lyrics frequently referenced gay subculture and slang, further fueling speculation about his sexual orientation. Liz Hoggard from The Independent noted in 2006 that his songs flirted with various aspects of gay subculture, a noteworthy aspect considering that homosexuality had only been decriminalized in the UK 15 years earlier.

During his time with the Smiths, Morrissey asserted that he was celibate, a stance that stood out in an era when pop music often emphasized overt sexuality. Bandmate Johnny Marr mentioned in a 1984 interview that Morrissey was not currently engaged in sexual activity and hadn’t been for some time. Despite repeated inquiries about his sexuality, Morrissey denied being gay, rejecting traditional labels such as heterosexuality and homosexuality, emphasizing the need to eliminate these terms because they caused confusion and unhappiness.

As Morrissey’s career progressed, there was mounting pressure on him to publicly declare his sexual orientation. He identified as a non-practicing bisexual, expressing attraction to both men and women. In a 1989 interview, he revealed that he had been attracted to people who were not attracted to him in return, leading to a lack of relationships.

In 1997, Morrissey announced that he had abandoned celibacy and had been in a relationship with a Cockney boxer, later revealed to be Jake Walters. They lived together from 1994 to 1996. In a 2013 interview, Walters described their long-standing friendship.

Morrissey was subsequently linked to Tina Dehghani, with whom he discussed the possibility of having a child and described their commitment as “uncluttered.” His autobiography also mentioned a relationship with a younger Italian man known as “Gelato,” with whom he considered buying a house around 2006.

In a 2015 interview, Morrissey expressed that he didn’t fit neatly into any sexual category and believed that people saw his relationships as intimate rather than strictly sexual.