Morrissey has signed a new contract with Sire Records, marking his return to the label after years of label troubles. The deal comes amid anticipation for two unreleased albums the singer has been teasing since 2020. Fans hope this will finally lead to new music from the former Smiths frontman.
Morrissey announced his signing with Sire Records on December 18, 2025, via Instagram and his website, sharing a photo of the label's logo accompanied by celebratory emojis. A representative confirmed the deal is official, though no release timeline for new music has been specified.
The 66-year-old singer, whose last solo album I Am Not a Dog on a Chain arrived in 2020, has faced repeated setbacks with previous labels. In 2020, BMG dropped him, which Morrissey attributed to new management prioritizing 'diversity.' He stated at the time: “BMG have appointed a new Executive who does not want another Morrissey album... This news is perfectly in keeping with the relentless galvanic horror of 2020.”
Subsequently, Capitol Records shelved his album Bonfire of Teenagers, recorded between 2020 and 2021 with producer Andrew Watt and featuring guests like Iggy Pop, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith and Flea, and originally Miley Cyrus—who later requested her vocals be removed from the track 'I Am Veronica' amid controversy over Morrissey's political views, including support for the far-right For Britain party. Morrissey has denied being far-right and accused labels of censorship, telling The Telegraph in 2024: “Every major label in London has refused Bonfire of Teenagers whilst also admitting that it is a masterpiece.” He claimed Capitol signed the album only to sabotage it and bought back the rights last year.
The second unreleased album, now titled You’re Right, It’s Time (previously Without Music the World Dies), was recorded in late 2023 at La Fabrique Studios in France with producer Joe Chiccarelli. Half the tracks were scrapped and six new ones added, but it missed a planned September 2025 release. Morrissey has blamed 'idiot culture' and fear of backlash from outlets like The Guardian for the delays.
Sire, a Warner Music subsidiary, previously released The Smiths' music in the US during the 1980s and some of Morrissey's early solo work, though he once described the label as 'eternally absent' in his autobiography. The signing follows Morrissey canceling two 2025 tour dates due to a death threat and announcing a 2026 UK show at London's O2 on February 28. Sire has not commented on upcoming releases.