Cuttings

I never visit. I'm never visited. I never have people to tea. The Smiths have weathered their crises of confidence, drink and drugs and have just signed to EMI for a rumoured £lm. Yet lead singer Morrissey still lives his eccentric, monastic, bookish, celibate life, in a dark, secluded Chelsea flat with only one light bulb — and remains as charming as ever. Daniela Soave talks to this uncommon man. Steven Patrick Morrissey, 28, sometime author, mostly-singer and eccentric figurehead of the Smiths, is looking incredulous, perplexed and plain put out. “Oh,” he finally utters in his soft, Mancunian accent. “Oh. No-one’s ever said that to my face. Do you really think that of me?” Morrissey frowns again, obviously thinking that he's been landed with a bad-mannered hussy. But this charming man is as accommodating as ever and, still striving to be polite, he tries to get to the crux of the matter. "You say I talk like a berk,” he says, in hurt tones. “Why?” Book! B-O-O-K! Your...

THE PERFECT BEAT Once an underground myth, New Order now have loads of children and play at fashion shows in front of Andrew and Fergie. Story by Barry Walters Black ties and soap opera hairstyles are crowding out the Stock Exchange in Los Angeles - long hair, bleached hair, blow-dried hair, teased hair, Joan Collins hairstyles all turn in unison as a line of models trot down a makeshift runway. Amid the hairspray, the Duke and Duchess of York give their undivided Royal attention. After a few outfits, the models take a break and, as part of the British/Los Angeles fashion exchange, New Order step up to provide the evening’s musical entertainment. The hairstyles turn to watch the group and for a while don’t know what to do. New Order open with True Faith . Singer Bernard Sumner comes on in a shoulder-padded suit. Drummer Steven Morris and his girlfriend - guitarist/keyboard player Gillian Gilbert - are similarly dressed. Peter Hook is completely different. He’s wearing motorcy...