Morrissey’s Teenage Letters Reveal Early Dreams of Rock ’n’ Roll Stardom Going Up for Auction

Unseen Morrissey letters from his teens showcase his bold prediction of rock star fame and offer a unique glimpse into his early life and musical ambitions.

A Glimpse into Morrissey’s Formative Years

Long before Morrissey became the iconic frontman of The Smiths, he was just a teenager in Birmingham scribbling down dreams and sharp-witted observations. Now, a remarkable collection of these youthful letters has surfaced, revealing the young artist’s early ambitions and personality. The archive, titled Before The Smiths: The Morrissey Letters, comprises hundreds of handwritten pages sent to his pen pal Simon Pitt between 1974 and 1979 — when Morrissey was just 14 to 20 years old.

This treasure trove of nostalgia is going up for auction in 65 lots by Dawsons Auctioneers on August 26, with an estimated total value exceeding £22,000. It’s a unique opportunity for fans and collectors to dive into the teenage mind of one of rock’s most enigmatic figures.

Young Morrissey in 1984, just before his rise to stardom.

The Dream Begins: Ambitions Written in Ink

The earliest surviving letter dates back to March 1974, penned when Morrissey was only 14. In his youthful handwriting, he boldly declared, “My ambition is to be a rock ’n’ roll star or an actor, or a writer.” It’s such a straightforward, yet powerful statement, showing his unwavering confidence from the start.

Alongside this letter is the original pen-pal application from Simon Pitt, which Morrissey later annotated with the nostalgic note: “And to think it all started here.” This early piece is estimated to fetch between £300 and £500, representing the very roots of his legendary journey.

Morrissey’s adolescent letters reveal his early ambitions. CREDIT: Dawsons

Wit and Self-Assurance Shine Through

One standout letter contains the characteristically bold statement: “I always said I was a genius, but nobody listened.” This captures the self-assured, sometimes cheeky persona that would come to define Morrissey’s public image. Along with this admission, the letter features his recounting of a failed job application to Disc magazine. This particular lot is valued between £400 and £600.

These letters don’t just chronicle Morrissey’s personal evolution but also trace Manchester’s vibrant music scene during a pivotal moment in history. He vividly describes attending the Sex Pistols’ legendary 1976 shows at Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall. Initially a supporter, Morrissey dramatically reversed his opinion, writing, “As for the Pistols… they were pathetic... They are just plain bad. Period.”

Encounters with Punk Legends and New York’s CBGB

The archive holds fascinating tales of Morrissey’s early brushes with punk rock royalty. He recalls meeting iconic figures such as Patti Smith, Johnny Thunders, and Jerry Nolan. Even more thrilling is his story of visiting the famous New York venue CBGB and attempting — unsuccessfully — to join The Clash before they blew up.

Letters recount Morrissey’s encounters with punk icons and the underground scene. CREDIT: Dawsons

In one letter, Morrissey claims that Mick Jones, guitarist of The Clash, recognized him from the many letters he had sent to the music press. This document further discusses the punk scene’s rise and Morrissey’s interactions with Sex Pistols members. It’s expected to sell for between £300 and £400.

Taking Center Stage: Morrissey Joins The Nosebleeds

A particularly exciting section of the correspondence captures the moment Morrissey became the vocalist for Manchester punk band The Nosebleeds — his first taste of being a frontman. His enthusiasm is palpable: “I’m in showbusiness! I’ll spring on this unsuspecting world yet!”

Not long after, he was already dreaming bigger, writing, “One thing I won’t do is record for the sake of it… I’m all set for superstardom. But then, I’ve always been a star, haven’t I?”

A Rare Photograph and Reflections on Punk

Among the most valuable items in the auction is a five-page letter from 1977 that includes the only known photograph of Morrissey in the archive. The image, resembling a passport photo, is accompanied by his cheeky caption: “Poseurs of the world unite! S.M. in the UK 1977. Or, if your glasses don’t fit then why should your face?”

Morrissey’s rare 1977 letter with a unique passport-style photo. CREDIT: Dawsons

This letter also contains Morrissey’s thoughts on bands like Blondie, Patti Smith, The Ramones, and the Sex Pistols, as well as an eyewitness account of a Ramones concert at Manchester’s Electric Circus. It’s estimated to fetch between £1,000 and £1,500.

Political Musings and a Life-Changing Offer

The letters also reflect Morrissey’s early political awareness. Following Margaret Thatcher’s 1979 election victory, he expressed concern to Pitt: “Did you vote? Labour, I hope? God knows what tortures that miserable Thatcher has prepared for us woikin’ class folk. I dread to fink.” This shows how Morrissey’s sharp mind wasn’t just confined to music but extended into social commentary.

The final letter in the collection reveals a turning point: Morrissey abandoned plans to study A-level English after receiving an offer from an unnamed London-based band with a recording contract. “A group in London asked me to join them,” he wrote, signaling his leap towards professional music. This correspondence marks the end of five years of letters — three years before he met Johnny Marr and formed The Smiths in 1982.

The final letter captures the moment Morrissey stepped toward professional stardom. CREDIT: Dawsons

Preserving a Unique Piece of Music History

Simon Pitt, Morrissey’s pen pal and the recipient of these letters, kept them safe for more than four decades. Pitt later became a poet, storyteller, and performer, serving as Birmingham’s Poet Laureate in 2000 before passing away in 2025.

Peter Mason, auctioneer and senior valuer at Dawsons, described this archive as “exceptionally rare,” highlighting not only the historical value but also Morrissey’s humor and warmth shining through the pages. Mason commented, “Running through almost every letter is a wonderful sense of humour and genuine warmth that makes him an incredibly endearing character.” He added that the writings capture both Morrissey’s unmistakable literary voice and a fascinating snapshot of Britain’s cultural scene during the 1970s.

Morrissey Today: New Music and Ongoing Tours

Before The Smiths: The Morrissey Letters will be auctioned online on August 26, offering fans a chance to own a tangible piece of Morrissey’s early life.

Meanwhile, Morrissey remains a force in music. His 14th solo album, Make-Up Is A Lie, released in March, was his first new record in six years and climbed to Number Three on the UK Albums Chart.

Recently, Morrissey voiced frustration at the BBC for not playing his single “Notre-Dame,” despite it reaching Number Six on the Official Singles Sales Chart. He lamented that “the public wants to hear the song, but the BBC will not play it,” while controversially declaring that “diversity is a lie.”

He is currently touring Europe in support of Make-Up Is A Lie and is scheduled to return to the UK in December for five arena shows in Brighton, Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Leeds.

In addition to his music, Morrissey has stirred controversy with a recent critique of former Smiths bandmate Johnny Marr, accusing him of dividing their fan base over an upcoming BBC documentary.

“What struck me most was just how funny Morrissey is… Alongside the wit and unmistakable literary voice that would later become synonymous with Morrissey, the correspondence also captures Britain at a fascinating moment in its cultural history.”
— Peter Mason, Dawsons Auctioneer

FAQ

• What is the significance of these Morrissey letters?
  These letters offer a rare and intimate look at Morrissey’s teenage years, revealing his early dreams, wit, and the cultural landscape that shaped his music career.
• When will the letters be auctioned?
  The letters will be auctioned online on August 26 by Dawsons Auctioneers.
• How many letters are included in the collection?
  The archive contains hundreds of handwritten pages divided into 65 lots for auction.
• Do the letters include any photographs?
  Yes, one letter from 1977 includes the only known photograph of Morrissey in the archive.
• What period do the letters cover?
  The letters span from 1974 to 1979, covering Morrissey’s life from age 14 to 20, before forming The Smiths.

If you’re a fan of Morrissey or The Smiths, why not bring a piece of this legendary history into your space? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store here for a perfect tribute to timeless music.