The "patron saint of the unloved", as lovingly called by loyal fans, is keeping himself busy this year.
Morrissey, whose autobiography was released last year, has signed a new record deal with Universal Music's US-based Harvest Records.
Capitol Music Group Chairman and CEO Steve Barnett express his excitement with having the former Smiths' frontman in his stable. In the label statement, he disclosed: "Morrissey is clearly one of music's most important and influential artists. He is the rare soul who has stayed consistently true to his artistic vision and ethical principles since he first exploded onto the scene in the 1980s. We are so happy that he has chosen Capitol Music Group as his home and that his forthcoming album on Harvest will bring new Morrissey music to the world."
Following this major label deal, news was confirmed that Morrissey is to embark on his first US shows of the year with two unexpected front acts: Sir Cliff Richards and Sir Tom Jones.
Interviewed by BBC Radio 5Live, Richards admitted his apprehension about the invitation: "My initial answer is 'yes but can you check it's not a joke? Is there an ulterior motive?' [My manager] got hold of Morrissey's management and he said, 'No, Morrissey's a fan and he'd like you to be there.' So I said yes please."
"The chances of me singing for 15,000 people in New York are pretty well nil ... So I thought it would be great," he added.
The "We Don't Talk Anymore" crooner was quick to say that he is not familiar with Morrissey's hits: "I couldn't tell you the titles. I've just googled him to see what kinds of crowds he plays to and what sort of show he did. I'm thinking, okay, it looks like a pop-rock show."
Asked about how he will handle the audience who are primarily The Smiths' fans, Richards is confident that it won't be a problem: 'I'm going to cut my show down to the best one-hour segment I can make it. I've had hits in the States. I did have two songs in the top 10 - Devil Woman and We Don't Talk Any More. They will have heard of Wired For Sound."
"I've had nine top 30 hit singles [in the US]. All I can say is "Thank you Patrick, or Morrissey" - I'm not quite sure how to refer to him - and I'm so grateful that he's thought of having me on the show. I'd love to play to 15,000 people in the States and now I will,' the 60's pop singer concluded.
