Are The Smiths Vegan?
When discussing whether The Smiths are vegan, it’s important to clarify which “Smiths” we are referring to. The Smiths could refer to the iconic British band led by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, or it could refer to a family or group of individuals with the surname Smith. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the band The Smiths, as they are a well-known entity and often the subject of such inquiries.
The Smiths Band and Veganism
The Smiths, an influential British band from the 1980s, are often associated with vegetarianism and animal rights, largely due to the outspoken views of their lead singer, Morrissey. Morrissey is a well-known advocate for animal rights and has been a vegetarian since his teenage years. His beliefs have significantly influenced the themes and lyrics of the band’s music.
One of the band’s most famous albums, “Meat Is Murder,” is a clear statement against the consumption of meat. The title track of the album is an explicit protest against the meat industry, emphasizing the ethical and moral reasons for abstaining from meat consumption. However, it’s crucial to note that the song and the album focus on vegetarianism, not veganism.
Individual Band Members’ Diets
While Morrissey’s vegetarianism is well-documented, the dietary choices of other band members are less publicized. Johnny Marr, the guitarist, has also been reported to be a vegetarian. However, there is no substantial evidence suggesting that all members of The Smiths followed a vegetarian or vegan diet during their time together as a band.
As for veganism, which excludes all animal products including dairy and eggs, there is no concrete evidence that any of the band members were or have become vegan. The public focus has primarily been on their advocacy for vegetarianism, not veganism.
Morrissey’s Influence on Fans and Culture
Morrissey’s strong stance on vegetarianism has influenced many of his fans and followers. His advocacy is often seen as an extension of the band’s ethos, even though it is more personal to Morrissey than to The Smiths as a whole. Over the years, Morrissey has continued to promote vegetarianism and animal rights, often making headlines for his controversial statements and actions in support of these causes.
For instance, Morrissey has been known to cancel concerts at venues that refused to stop serving meat on the night of his performances. This level of activism shows his commitment to the cause, but again, it highlights his focus on vegetarianism rather than veganism.
Current Status of The Smiths’ Members
Since The Smiths disbanded in 1987, the individual members have pursued separate careers, and their personal lives have evolved. Morrissey has continued to release music and is often in the public eye due to his outspoken views. Johnny Marr has also had a successful career in music, collaborating with various artists and bands. The dietary habits and personal beliefs of other band members, such as Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce, have not been as prominently discussed in public forums.
It is important for fans and the public to recognize that while the band had a significant impact on music and culture, the personal choices of its members can vary and may change over time. The association of The Smiths with vegetarianism largely stems from Morrissey’s personal beliefs and does not necessarily reflect the practices of the entire band.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while The Smiths, as a band, were known for their vegetarian advocacy through Morrissey’s influence, there is no clear evidence that they were collectively or individually vegan. Morrissey’s activism has predominantly centered around vegetarianism, and his actions and statements have often reflected this dietary choice rather than veganism. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to label The Smiths as a vegan band. Each member’s personal choices and beliefs may differ, and it is essential to distinguish between the band’s collective image and the individual lifestyles of its members.