Spinner

Morrissey Speaks Out Over Fan's Death

Morrissey has released a statement over the sudden and unexpected death of longtime fan Melinda Hsu, who passed away on April 12. Hsu, a California native, was a frequent presence at Morrissey concerts and a well-known personality on Morrissey fan sites.

Morrissey, who singled Hsu out at many concerts, often handing her the microphone, published a touching tribute to Hsu via the Morrissey zine True to You.

"Mel was a smiling face who lent strength to every single concert, even when events were going somewhat pear-shaped," the former Smiths lead singer wrote. "I felt as if I knew Mel because she was always there -- regardless of wherever 'there' happened to be; no snowbound landscape too far, no off-the-beaten track too untrekkable."

Morrissey echoed what many other fellow fans emphasized in their memorials of Hsu. A moderator on the site Morrissey Solo expressed his amazement that she was able to make it to so many far-flung shows: "I remember Melinda for her dedication ... so many times I would hear her report on a Morrissey show and think, '[H]ow in the world did she make it there?' There was never a Morrissey show too far."

But Morrissey turned modest in recognizing Hsu's and other fan's dedication to his shows. "Those who travel from concert to concert as Mel did possibly don't realize the contribution they make," he said. "They are as much a part of the night as I am, but I sometimes feel embarrassed because I think they are asking for more than there is, and, mustily, I can't give it."

"The goat-like vocals and the tipsy monologues are all that I am," he added.

Calling death an "unbreakable appointment," Morrissey was ever the brooding poet in his tribute to Hsu. "Life's only promise is its final deadline. When Mel, and others who are dear to us, depart, we should at least realize as we shuffle along living our small and persecuted lives, how absolutely ridiculous it is to be afraid of anything or anyone on this unhappy planet."

Morrissey on AOL Music

All the AOL Music info you want to know

Greg Allman Engaged to Woman 40 Years…

The Boot

Paul Archuleta, FilmMagic Seventh time's a charm? Music icon Greg Allman is…

Kanye West, Kim Kardashian Attend…

The Boombox

WireImage Kanye West and Kim Kardashian were spotted canoodling at the…

Vision of Trees, 'Turn 2 U' -- Video of…

Spinner

Artist: Vision of Trees Video: "Turn 2 U" Highlight: "We wanted the video to…

See all AOL Music »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

25 Comments

Filter by:
Delma

Touching comments ...I have thought for a long time that he had a sharp and acute view on the meaning (or meaningless sense at times) of life ...moreover one aspect of his personality has often revealed that he was a very considerate, respectful and kind person that is one of the reason why he has and will always be part of my world !

May 21 2010 at 1:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
David Ehrenstein

His tribute is no surprise. Moz loves his fans dearly.

May 03 2010 at 5:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Deni

The fact the man took the time to give thanks and acknowledge his fan and her passing says a lot about him as a person.

Anyone making rude comments about him or his work are being stupid and ignorant, it's about the passing of a soul not about a persons talent or ability.

He did a great service to this woman and those who loved her and that's the important thing.

So those who want to bash, GROW UP.

May 03 2010 at 2:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
MG

Morrissey has been around for 20+ years and is a great artist by himself and with his band the Smith's! He is not a come and go artist, not sure what kind of music you like but you might want want to research before you comment! Smith's/Morrisey have pave the way for many of today's alt rock bands!

May 03 2010 at 2:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mike

God bless you Melinda. May you rest in peace.......

May 03 2010 at 2:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
nancy

Amen to that. She died very young, obviously.

May 03 2010 at 2:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nancy

I hate reading comments on articles..because know they will be full of dumbass comments. What is wrong with most of you?

May 03 2010 at 1:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ciaran

I'm in my 50's & I love Morrissey's music, He has real talent and has great concerts. His taking time to acknowledge a fan shows he's a nice person, too.

May 03 2010 at 1:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pinkkitty626

How old was she and how did she die?

May 03 2010 at 1:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ginger

You idiot. Before you post, maybe you should educate yourself. Morrissey is one of the greatest lyricists ever to bless this earth. Geez....

May 03 2010 at 1:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply