AceShowbiz - James frontman Tim Booth has slammed Morrissey for controversial comments the rocker made about Britain's far-right movement, calling the former The Smiths star "a bit of a d**k".

Morrissey, who has made no secret of the fact he's a fan of Booth and his band, recently cancelled all of his upcoming U.K. and European concerts, amid reports of "former fan" planning anti-racism protests outside venues.

The Everyday is Like Sunday singer insists he's pulled the shows for logistical reasons.

Now, in a new interview with The Press Association, Booth has hammered his old pal.

"I knew Morrissey as a friend when he was sweet, very shy, very frightened, wanting success, wanting what happened with The Smiths and also terrified of it simultaneously," said Booth. "I saw about their seventh gig in Manchester and they were fully formed. They were ready, they were lock and loaded. And we weren't.

"They were so kind to us. Morrissey called us the best band in the world, they took us on tour, they tried to take us to America but we actually turned them down. And they were so sweet, all of them, for years, but I know he's become a bit of a dick".