Just who exactly is a Morrissey fan?
A Fan interview with Amanda Zermeno, from Orange County
Why are you a loyal fan of Morrissey?
I was 16 when I was first introduced to Morrissey during the 1990’s party crew days. The time when Rebels, pompadour’s and cuffed pants were the reincarnations of 1950’s “Greasers”. We were outcasts, who appreciated theatrical and musical icons far beyond our years and took pride in reinventing the classics. From the music we danced to, to the clothes we wore and the cars we drove, our “taste” was far more sophisticated than most teens our age in my opinion. Morrissey was all those things, he was stylish, he was edgy, and yet completely reminiscent of the time in life we were desperately trying to recreate. However, even though Morrissey was a style icon to me then, it wouldn’t be until my adult years (20 years later) that he would have his greatest impact in my life. Morrissey would find his way back into my life when I quite literally thought I had no life left to live…
What is it that resonates between you and him?
Morrissey says what is on his mind, and in a way that it doesn’t matter how dark, politically incorrect, inappropriately humorous, inadvertently confrontational (and purposely confrontational lol), completely unapologetic and sometimes even extremely soft and compassionate that he needs to be at the time. Because of his ability to do that, I was able to look back on a time in my life when I feared being myself. And he gave me the courage to never live that way again. I can now stand up for myself and what I believe is right, regardless of others’ opinions. He gave me the strength to be true to myself, to have empathy and compassion in the face of adversity yet still be able to hold my ground, and for that, I will forever be true to not only myself but also to him.
How has he inspired you?
He’s inspired me to care about animals in a way I never did before, I’m almost 4 years flesh free!! He’s inspired me to continuously evolve as a human being. I am mentally strong enough to challenge the mainstream ideology and hold true to my beliefs regardless of popularity. He has inspired me to never give up on something I believe in and helped me to realize that being true to yourself is quite lonely but that’s ok…
What is it about his songs that inspire you? Strengthen you? Entertain you?
The beauty of Morrissey is his ability to satisfy any and all feelings that one person may display. I can, in fact, dance with him while making dinner, yet I can cry with him while lying in my bed. I can also laugh with him while reading the morning news, and I can even find the courage to face the day while driving in my car going to work. He is hands down, an all-encompassing force in my life to which I will be forever grateful.
Do you have a story about when you met him?
Unfortunately, we have never met. I dream and fantasize about the day we will though… in my mind I’ll have so much to say, yet at the same time I’m positive the words will escape me. At best, I hope I will be able to muster up the words to say thank you. Thank you, Morrissey, for your words, for your strength, for your boldness, for your empathy and mostly for being my friend even though we’ve never met.
Have you got any tattoos that are inspired by him?
I have 14 Morrissey inspired tattoos including a beautiful portrait of his face!
If you would also like to submit a fan interview, you can do so at this link:
Just Who Exactly Is a Morrissey Fan?
Letters to Morrissey 