Morrissey has reportedly recorded a studio version of "Back On The Chain Gang" and plans to release it as a single. Morrissey has been performing his cover of The Pretenders' classic during his world tour in support of Low In High School, and now it appears the studio version is expected to be released this summer.
The report about the release comes from Morrissey Central, the newly launched website which is rumored to be the new Morrissey mouthpiece (similar to the now defunct True To You) with updates penned by Morrissey's inner circle unlike his official social media which is run by his label BMG. Morrissey's nephew Sam Esty Rayner appears to one of the individuals behind Morrissey Central and previously posted a link directing fans there to read Morrissey's alleged commentary on The Independent.
Today (April 2nd) Morrissey Central posted the news about the single and shared the cover art for the proposed release. It should be noted that the artwork is credited to Rayner, but a fan on Morrissey Solo did some detective work and pointed out that the picture (sans the red graphics) was lifted from an uncredited wartime picture. Check out the original picture and the cover art over at Morrissey Solo.
Though this release and new website seem a bit questionable (would Morrissey really approve of that font?), it should be noted that there is confirmation that Morrissey and some members of his band did spend time in a recording studio recently, so this could all be legit.
Check out the posting from Morrissey Central below and stay tuned!
"Morrissey has concluded recording at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles for Back On The Chain Gang. The song was written by Chrissie Hynde and was released by The Pretenders in 1982 when it reached number 17 in the UK, and number 5 in the USA. Joe Chiccarelli has produced Morrissey’s Back On The Chain Gang, and the musicians are: Jesse Tobias (guitars), Solomon Walker (bass), Matthew Walker (drums), with Roger Manning on keyboards.Morrissey is hoping for a summer release for the single."
Published April 2nd, 2018