The intriguing tale of a potential musical collaboration between Morrissey and Bernard Butler is a fascinating glimpse into the world of indie music's behind-the-scenes drama. Personally, I find it captivating how a simple demo can spark such a web of connections and almost-collisions between iconic figures.
The Morrissey-Butler Connection
Morrissey, a British indie icon, found himself in a transitional phase post-Vauxhall and pre-Southpaw. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Bernard Butler, a guitarist many saw as Johnny Marr's successor. The story begins with a phone call to their mutual friend, Geoff Travis, and a demo that captivated Morrissey.
A Gushing Morrissey
Bernard Butler's recollection of that fateful phone call is a window into Morrissey's enthusiasm. "He was gushing about it [the song]," Butler says, adding that Morrissey wanted to meet. The ensuing pub conversation, lasting hours, confirmed Morrissey's reputation, but also his accessibility. Yet, despite this initial connection, the collaboration never materialized.
The Mysterious Letter
A few days later, Butler received a letter from Morrissey, a famous letter, in fact. It simply read, "Dear Bernard, I'm sorry - I can't." This abrupt end to a potential partnership is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the music industry. But the story doesn't end there.
Kirsty MacColl's Interest
Butler's demo found its way to Kirsty MacColl, who also expressed interest. However, their meeting didn't go as planned, with MacColl suggesting significant changes to the song. Butler, sensing the collaboration wasn't right, moved on.
The Unexpected Reunion
In a twist of fate, Morrissey showed up at MacColl's house while Butler was there. Butler's confusion is palpable: "I was thinking, 'What's going on here?'" This unexpected reunion adds a layer of intrigue to the story, leaving us to wonder about the dynamics between these musical heavyweights.
A Collaboration That Never Was
As fate would have it, Butler met David McAlmont and formed their duo, creating the uplifting song "Yes." But one can't help but wonder: what if Morrissey had sung "Yes"? Would it have been a depressing ballad? Would Morrissey and Butler have formed a new band, or would it have been a one-off collaboration?
The Power of What Could Have Been
This story highlights the power of potential collaborations and the impact they can have on the course of music history. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most intriguing stories are the ones that never came to fruition.
In my opinion, these 'what ifs' are a testament to the creativity and unpredictability of the music industry, and they keep us engaged and curious about the paths our favorite artists might have taken.
