The world of alternative rock in the 1980s produced many legendary artists, but it also created some memorable rivalries. One of the most talked-about feuds was between Morrissey and Robert Smith. Both singers led hugely influential bands—The Smiths and The Cure—that helped shape alternative and indie music. Despite their similar influence, the two musicians became known for a long-running and often confusing public feud.
The Beginning of the Feud
The rivalry began in 1984 during an interview with the British music magazine The Face. Morrissey was asked a provocative question by the interviewer. He was told to imagine being in a room with Robert Smith, Mark E. Smith, and a gun with only one bullet. The interviewer asked who would get shot.
Morrissey gave an exaggerated and sarcastic answer. He joked that he would line them up so that one bullet could hit them both at the same time. He then criticized Robert Smith, calling him a “whingebag.” Morrissey also commented on Smith’s style, saying it was curious that Smith began wearing beads and flowers around the time The Smiths became popular.
Although Morrissey was likely exaggerating for dramatic effect, the comments quickly reached Robert Smith. He did not take them lightly.
Robert Smith Responds
Robert Smith fired back with his own sharp comment. He said that Morrissey was so depressing that if Morrissey did not end his life soon, Smith might end his own life first. The statement shocked many fans and showed that the rivalry had become personal.
Throughout the late 1980s, both singers continued to criticize each other during interviews. In 1989, Robert Smith again mocked Morrissey, describing him as a “precious, miserable bastard.” Smith also joked that Morrissey sang the same song every time he opened his mouth, while claiming that his own band had at least two different songs.
Criticism of “Disintegration”
The feud continued when The Cure released their famous 1989 album Disintegration. The album became one of the band’s most celebrated records and is still considered a classic of alternative rock.
However, Morrissey did not hold back his opinion. In a question-and-answer interview with NME, he called the album “absolutely vile.” He even described The Cure as “a new dimension to the word crap.”
Robert Smith quickly responded with another sarcastic remark. He said that at least his band had only added a new dimension to “crap,” while Morrissey had built an entire career around it.
Years Later: The Feud Fades Away
Despite the harsh words in the 1980s, the rivalry slowly faded over time. Decades later, Robert Smith admitted in an interview that he never really understood why the feud existed in the first place.
In 2019, Morrissey surprisingly addressed the issue as well. During an interview with his nephew, he admitted that he had said terrible things about Robert Smith many years ago. However, he also claimed that he never truly meant them and had simply been joking in his usual dramatic style.
Robert Smith later responded to Morrissey’s apology with calm indifference. He said that he had not really thought about the feud for decades and that it was never very important to him.
A Rivalry That Became Rock History
Today, the Morrissey and Robert Smith feud is remembered as one of the strangest rivalries in music history. It started with sarcastic interview comments and continued through playful insults in the media.
However, as time passed, both musicians seemed to move on. Instead of focusing on their old disagreement, fans now remember them mainly for the music they created with The Smiths and The Cure—two bands that left a lasting impact on alternative rock.