How a 1967 war photograph became the face of a vegetarian anthem
In short: When The Smiths released their second studio album in 1985, they used a modified image of a Vietnam War marine to make a provocative statement on animal rights. The record, which reached number one in the UK, transformed the band's sound while sparking intense debate over its overt political messaging.
Released on 11 February 1985, Meat Is Murder marked a significant shift for The Smiths. Following their debut, the band moved toward a more political and dynamic sound, blending indie rock with post-punk elements. Guitarist Johnny Marr composed the demos in his Earl's Court flat, while Morrissey provided BBC sound effects records to help build the album's unique atmosphere. The recording process, which spanned from mid-1984 to December of that year, took place across several studios, including Ridge Farm in Surrey and Jam Studios in London.
The album's title track served as a direct vehicle for Morrissey's advocacy for animal rights, a topic he frequently promoted in interviews and live performances. The cover art featured a 1967 photograph of American Marine Corporal Michael Wynn, originally seen in the documentary In the Year of the Pig. Morrissey altered the text on Wynn's helmet from 'Make War Not Love' to 'Meat Is Murder' to suggest that the public needed a taste of their own medicine regarding the meat industry. Wynn later expressed dissatisfaction that his image was used without permission and the text was changed.
Commercially, the album was a success, becoming the band's only studio record to top the UK Albums Chart, where it stayed for 13 weeks. It also reached number 110 on the US Billboard 200. Critics were divided; some praised its musical evolution and folk-pop classicism, while others found the lyrical themes heavy-handed or the tone passive-aggressive. Despite the mixed reception, the album's influence persisted, eventually inspiring a 2016 PETA-developed browser game where players attempt to rescue animals from slaughter, set to a chiptune version of the title track.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Meat Is Murder
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