In Q&A, Morrissey reveals plans for new album, novel — plus failed David Bowie duet

In a wide-ranging new Q&A with fans, Morrissey reveals that he’s about to start recording a new album, he’s midway through writing his first novel and that he once tried and failed to get David Bowie to record a duet of the Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” — “with David doing the deep Bill Medley parts, and me doing the Bobby Hatfield shrieks.”

The Q&A was posted late Thursday at fansite True To You, and also finds the singer addressing his vegetarianism, fashion sense, crusades for animal welfare, listening habits and, just barely, The Smiths (“As an entity, I have no interest in the Smiths, so as long as I’m not asked about the Smiths, I won’t slip into permanent unconsciousness. And that’s a promise.”)

Read the full exchange at True To You, or scan the highlights below:

New album

“Well, we are about to record our new album, and one of the tracks is called Istanbul. It is second to Rome as my most favorite city in the world. When I’m in Istanbul I feel as if I could never die. My life is matched. I have been trying to book the Istanbul Opera House, and I long to play Ankara, Izmir and Bursa, but local promoters say I am not well-known enough. Even if I sing to one hundred people in Izmir I’d be happy!”

Writing a novel

“In 2013 I published my Autobiography and it has been more successful than any record I have ever released, so, yes, I am mid-way through my novel. I have my hopes. The actuality is that radio stations will not play my music, and the majority of people have lost faith in the music industry, and it’s generally assumed – quite rightly – that the number one chart positions are “bought” by the major labels, so there really is no passion left in pop or rock music, and I don’t think people believe for an instant that the faces we constantly see on television and in magazines are remotely popular. It’s all, now, solely a question of marketing. All success stories are safe and dreary, and you will never be taken by surprise by a hit song that sounds out of place. This is not just my view but the view of everyone I know.”

David Bowie duet

“When I made the record Ringleader of the tormentors, the producer (Tony Visconti), who is a very close friend of David Bowie, tried to get both Bowie and I together to do our version of ‘You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin’,” with David doing the deep Bill Medley parts, and me doing the Bobby Hatfield shrieks. I loved this idea, but David wouldn’t budge. I know I’ve criticized David in the past, but it’s all been snotnosed junior high ribbing on my part. I think he knows that.”

Favorite song he’s written

“It would be ‘Life is a Pigsty’ from Ringleader of the Tormentors. I’m accused of always saying too much, but dear God, there are enough people who say nothing. Surely at least one of us can be allowed to speak freely? Feelings, I think, are much deeper than expressions, and all of us carry a terrible loneliness within us, and life is a pigsty because we all — without exception — end our lives in tears. Very few people die in a fit of hysterics on a Ferris Wheel.”

PREVIOUSLY ON SLICING UP EYEBALLS:

• This week in Morrissey: ‘Satellite of Love’ details, Nobel concert, ‘Thankskilling’ rant
• Morrissey to release live cover of Lou Reed’s ‘Satellite of Love’ as digital, vinyl single
• Morrissey does Morrissey: ‘Walking Dead’s’ Governor to read ‘Autobiography’ audiobook
• Morrissey says he’s been treated for concussion, whiplash, arm injury — doesn’t reveal why
• Morrissey’s ‘Autobiography’ to be published in the U.S. on Dec. 3 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons