How Kim Wilde Reacted To Morrissey Criticism On Her Career - The Cause Of The Beef Revealed
Kim Wilde and Morrissey had a bit of a one-sided "beef" in the 1980s, largely sparked by Morrissey’s dismissive attitude toward Wilde and her music. While it was never an all-out feud, Morrissey’s remarks about Wilde—and her responses—highlighted the tensions between alternative artists and mainstream pop stars during that era.
The conflict began when Morrissey, known for his sharp tongue and often controversial opinions, criticized Wilde’s music in interviews. As the frontman of The Smiths, Morrissey championed alternative, melancholic, and deeply personal songwriting. Wilde, on the other hand, was a successful pop star with radio-friendly hits like *Kids in America* and *You Keep Me Hangin’ On*. To Morrissey, Wilde represented the kind of polished, commercial pop music that he despised.
In one instance, Morrissey dismissed Wilde’s music as shallow and insignificant. He viewed her success as part of the "manufactured" pop machine of the 1980s, which he frequently criticized. Wilde, who was involved in the creative process of her music (her father, Marty Wilde, and brother, Ricky Wilde, were key collaborators), didn’t take kindly to being brushed off as an artificial pop act.
Instead of launching a full-scale attack, Wilde responded with humor and confidence. She acknowledged Morrissey’s disdain but pointed out that she had worked hard to build her career and had a genuine love for music. She wasn’t just a "manufactured" star—she had songwriting input, a distinctive voice, and a lasting impact on the pop scene.
While Wilde didn’t go out of her way to feud with Morrissey, she made it clear in later interviews that she found his negativity unnecessary. Over time, her stance on Morrissey softened, and she acknowledged that he was a brilliant lyricist despite their differences.
Interestingly, as both artists aged, they found some common ground—particularly in their love for classic music and nostalgia for the 1980s. In later years, Wilde spoke more diplomatically about Morrissey, recognizing his influence while subtly standing her ground.
Ultimately, their "beef" was more about Morrissey’s criticism of mainstream pop than a personal vendetta. Wilde, always pragmatic and lighthearted, refused to let his words define her career. Instead, she continued making music, touring successfully, and proving that her brand of pop had real staying power—whether Morrissey liked it or not.
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