Morrissey has denied he is planning to retire by 2014 after comments made in a recent interview with JuiceOnline seemed to suggest he is ready to walk away from music within two years.
The interview with JuiceOnline saw Morrissey being reminded of a previous comment in which the former Smiths frontman had said he couldn’t see himself performing past the age of 55, and when asked if that remains the case, apparently answered ‘Yes’, before adding:
“I am slightly shocked to have gone as far as I have. This is my 30th year, and I’ve aged a lot recently, which is bit distressing for me, as it must be for everyone. The body changes shape and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
However, a statement has been released today refuting any suggestions of imminent retirement, adding that the stories are merely ‘wishful thinking’ on behalf of writers.
“Morrissey would like to stress that reports of his ‘retirement’, as excitably earmarked by several newspapers and websites, are wishful thinking on behalf of the writers,” the statement reads.