Manchester's Most Famous Son Celebrated with Launch of
Major New Book ‘Morrissey: Fandom, Representations and
Identities’
A major new book of essays edited by
three Irish university lecturers attempts to explain the many
complexities of iconic Manchester
born singer Morrissey. Published by Intellect Books, Morrissey: Fandom, Representations and Identities
edited by Eoin Devereux, Aileen Dillane and Martin J. Power from the
University of Limerick, Ireland examines in detail, the work of one of the most
influential songwriters of our time. The book’s subject has
remained an anti-establishment and outspoken figure who has fought to bring
controversial social issues to the forefront of our minds. Morrissey has used
his music and his fame as vehicles for social change, singing and speaking out
on a variety of issues: including class discrimination, ethnicity, sexuality,
vegetarianism and animal rights, delivering his message in velvet sound-bytes
and provocative performances. The book's chapters examine a diverse number of
themes ranging from Morrissey's representation of working-class life; his own
fan devotion concerning James Dean to painstaking analyses of songs such
as 'Speedway'
and 'You Have Killed Me'. It also examines in detail how the regeneration
of Manchester
affected Morrissey in a deep and lasting way.
The Manchester
launch of this important book will take place at Waterstones, Deansgate on
Friday October 7th at 7pm. The event will feature a panel with the
book's editors and some of its contributors who will discuss Morrissey's
hugely significant contribution to popular culture. The panel will be
chaired by Dr. Holly Rogers (University
of Liverpool) and the
panellists will include Eoin Devereux, Aileen Dillane, Martin J. Power, Rachel
Brett, Lee Brooks and Andrew Cope.
Special guests at Waterstones will be the Dublin band These
Charming Men. Known as Morrissey's favourite tribute band, These Charming
Men will play some of Morrissey's best known songs 'unplugged' in
Waterstones.
Admission is free, but tickets may be reserved
by calling Waterstones, Deansgate on 0161 837 3000
