James frontman Tim Booth has slammed Morrissey as “a bit of a dick”, regarding his recent controversial comments.
The former Smiths frontman recently cancelled all of his upcoming UK and European tour dates for ‘logistical’ reasons, amid ‘former fans’ planning anti-racism protests outside concerts.
Now in an interview with The Press Association, Booth has spoken out against Morrissey’s divisive comments – despite the fact that the pair were once friends.
“I knew Morrissey as a friend when he was sweet, very shy, very frightened. Wanting success, wanting what happened with The Smiths and also terrified of it simultaneously,” said Booth. “I saw about their seventh gig in Manchester and they were fully formed. They were ready, they were lock and loaded. And we weren’t.
“They were so kind to us. Morrissey called us the best band in the world, they took us on tour, they tried to take us to America but we actually turned them down. And they were so sweet, all of them, for years.
Booth continued: “But I know he’s become a bit of a dick.”
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He added: “As I say, he did some very kind things for us so therefore it’s hard for me to say he’s a dick but he’s being a dick at the moment.”
Earlier this year, Morrissey made headlines when he discussed accusations of racism and alleged connections between Halal meat and ISIS. He also referred to Hitler as ‘left wing’ and said that London Mayor Sadiq Khan “can not talk properly”. He later issued a new statement in which he said he “despised racism and racism” and voiced his support for Muslims, while also advocating far right political party For Britain.
Among Morrissey’s other controversial comments in recent months, the indie veteran also claimed that treatment of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson had been “shocking“, after he was jailed for 13 months.
Robinson is currently serving a sentence for contempt of court.