Pitchfork

Woe is Morrissey. But that sure ain't breaking news. However, this time, the bee that's found its way into his bonnet doesn't have anything to do with heartache. It has to do with a DVD. NME.com reports that a 22-song Moz DVD, Live at the Hollywood Bowl, will be released in the UK on October 6 from Warner. But apparently Morrissey himself had nothing to do with it. The Moz hub True To You posted a statement from Morrissey urging his fans to steer clear of the DVD:

"The slapdash release of Morrissey Live at the Hollywood Bowl is done by Warner without any consultation to me whatsoever, and is in breach of their terms as laid out by themselves in an agreement made for the film between Warner and my ex-manager. Being Warner, predictably the sleeve art is appalling. It is the work of cash-hounds, and I urge people NOT to buy it. I am not signed to Warner, and no royalties from this DVD will come to me. Please spend your money elsewhere.

"Thank you, MORRISSEY."

The drama doesn't stop there, though. We recently reported on a hiccup in the arrival of Morrissey's forthcoming solo album, Years of Refusal. Though Moz had originally planned to get Refusal out there in September, the disc's release has been pushed back to early next year.

Another post on True to You addressed this situation. However, keep in mind that the statements made in this post have not been confirmed as coming from Morrissey or his camp.

According to the post, Universal Music Group (the parent company of Moz's UK label Polydor) were the ones behind the delay, and the disc will now appear on Morrissey's side of the pond February 2. Also, Morrissey is apparently yet again without a U.S. label. Though he partnered with Decca for the Stateside release of his Greatest Hits package, Morrissey was apparently displeased with Decca's handling of the promotion of said release.

True to You also notes, "It is understood that Warner Music in London are releasing a Smiths Greatest Hits album in the final quarter of 2008. This release is without Morrissey's approval or involvement."

Though a spate of live dates previewing the Years of Refusal material might prove a good balm to these newfound woes, there's this unconfirmed bit, too: "There are no further live dates planned for the remainder of 2008."

Gee, Moz, you sure have a knack for bumming out those fans of yours. Oh wait... that's what they love about you!