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Morrissey's unseen teenage letters predicting he would become a "rock 'n' roll star" are going up for auction
The Unseen Letters of a Teenage Dreamer In a cramped Birmingham bedroom, a young Steven Patrick Morrissey scribbled out his ambitions on a sheet of paper, dated March 1974, when he was just 14.
In a cramped Birmingham bedroom, a young Steven Patrick Morrissey scribbled out his ambitions on a sheet of paper, dated March 1974, when he was just 14. The handwriting is messy, but the sentiment is clear: "My ambition is to be a rock 'n' roll star or an actor, or a writer." Little did he know that these words would one day be auctioned off as a piece of history, offering a glimpse into the mind of a teenager who would go on to become one of the most iconic figures in British music.
Morrissey's letters to his pen pal, Simon Pitt, offer a fascinating insight into the development of a music-obsessed schoolboy into an aspiring performer. The archive comprises hundreds of handwritten pages, spanning from 1974 to 1979, when Morrissey was between 14 and 20 years old. These letters chart his growth from a fan of The Beatles and David Bowie to a fervent supporter of the emerging punk scene, and eventually, a participant in it.
One of the earliest surviving letters features Morrissey's declaration of intent: "I always said I was a genius, but nobody listened." This statement is characteristic of the confidence and conviction that would define his later career. The letter also includes his account of an unsuccessful job application to Disc magazine, which adds a touch of humor to an otherwise aspirational tone. These early letters showcase Morrissey's precocious talent and his unwavering commitment to his craft.
As Morrissey delves deeper into the world of punk, his letters reflect his fascination with the genre. He writes about attending the Sex Pistols' legendary 1976 shows at Manchester's Lesser Free Trade Hall, before dramatically reversing his initial support for the group. "As for the Pistols they were pathetic," he wrote. "I take back all that I've said about the Pistols They are just plain bad. Period." This letter is evidence of Morrissey's ability to adapt and evolve, even in his formative years.
Morrissey's letters also contain recollections of meeting Patti Smith, Johnny Thunders, and Jerry Nolan, as well as visiting New York's CBGB. In one missive, he claimed that guitarist Mick Jones recognised him from the numerous letters he had sent to the music press. The document, which also discusses the emerging punk scene and Morrissey's encounters with members of the Sex Pistols, is expected to sell for between £300 and £400. These letters offer a unique glimpse into the world of 1970s punk, and Morrissey's place within it.
In one of his most exciting letters, Morrissey writes about becoming the vocalist of Manchester punk group The Nosebleeds, marking his first experience as a band frontman. "I'm in showbusiness!" he exclaims. "I'll spring on this unsuspecting world!" This moment is a pivotal one in Morrissey's development as a performer, and his letters capture the excitement and nervous energy that comes with taking the first steps towards stardom.
As the archive goes up for auction, it's clear that these letters offer more than just a glimpse into Morrissey's teenage years. They provide a unique window into the mind of a creative genius, and the formative years that shaped him into the iconic figure he would become. The letters are evidence of Morrissey's unwavering dedication to his craft, and his ability to adapt and evolve in the face of adversity.
The auction of Morrissey's letters is a reminder that even the most iconic figures were once ordinary people, with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. These letters are a legacy that Morrissey has left behind, evidence of the power of creativity and the enduring spirit of rock 'n' roll. As we look back on these letters, we're reminded that even the most unlikely of dreams can become a reality, and that the power of imagination and determination can take us further than we ever thought possible.
The letters are expected to fetch a combined estimate of more than £22,000, with individual lots valued between £300 and £600. Whatever the final price may be, these letters will always remain a precious piece of rock 'n' roll history, a reminder of the power of creativity and the enduring spirit of a teenage dreamer who would go on to become one of the most iconic figures in British music.
