Morrissey

As 1980s indie legends The Smiths imploded in 1987, Mozzer quickly strode out on his own, still burning with lonesome, awkward angst and a cutting, acerbic wit. Crooning majestically over jangling, indie rock, singles Suedehead, Everyday Is Like Sunday and Last Of The Famous International Playboys paved the way for steady chart success with albums Viva Hate (1988) and Vauxhall And I (1994) both making it to Number 1 in the UK. Dogged by controversy, legal battles and a general change in fashion, by 1998 he had become an industry pariah unable to secure a record deal. But with the James Dean quiff still immaculate, You Are The Quarry (2004) marked a fine return to form, led by the hit singles Irish Blood, English Heart and First Of The Gang To Die. A staunch vegan and supporter of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), Morrissey continues to be idolised as one of rock's great lyricists by a passionate, global fan base that includes a huge Latino following. His appearance on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs at the end of 2009 showed him to be a great interviewee and he chose the Complete Works Of Oscar Wilde as his book, and a bed as his luxury - "...going to bed is the highlight of everybody's day... we love to go to sleep. It's the brother of death."