Rocker Johnny Marr has joined his former The Smiths bandmate Morrissey by tearing into Britain's royal family just days ahead of Prince William's wedding.
- April 27, 2011
AceShowbiz - Morrissey sparked controversy on Wednesday after describing the U.K.'s monarchy as pointless and "benefit scroungers", and now guitarist Johnny Marr has added to his former songwriting partner's remarks by taking aim at Queen Elizabeth II.
Marr tells NME magazine, "I have a few problems with the monarchy - from serious to less serious. One of them is why does she have to deal with her subjects with such a sour face? Surely her life can't be that hard! As one of her subjects, whatever that means, I can't think of too many examples of overt empathy and compassion - they just don't come to mind."
"A lot of things go on in this country, and she ain't no Dalai Lama, you know what I mean? At some point, you either go, well, arrogance, therapy or Prozac - take your pick."
Asked if he'd accept any award in Queen Elizabeth II's annual Birthday Honours List, he replied, "F**k no!"
It's not the first time the two rockers have made their feelings about the royal family known - The Smiths' 1986 album "The Queen Is Dead" contained several anti-monarchy jibes.
