Morrissey's vegan rule

Jan 26, 2008, 7:35 GMT

British singer and songwriter Morrissey EPA/SANDRO CAMPARDO

Morrissey bans his employees from eating meat, claims his former valet.

The 'Meat Is Murder' singer pre-orders vegetarian meals for all his roadies on tour, and will fire crew members on the spot if they are caught eating meat.

Andrew Winters, who applied to be Morrissey's valet for a two-week tour of America, told Britain's The Times newspaper: "The one overriding rule is the vegetarian one. No burgers from room service, no ham salads. I got the sense even visibly acknowledging the existence of McDonald's would mean instant sacking.

"I asked what the view is on fish. Seafood is sea life, I was informed, so the same rule applies."

Winters was sent home after a day without any explanation.

The road manager reportedly told him: "It's nothing to do with you, really. It could have been the shirt you were wearing, your haircut, anything. Please don't take it personally. This happens."

Morrissey asks everyone who works for him what was the first record they ever bought and he insists on seeing a photograph of all potential employees before hiring them.

All band members are required to wear special suits which must be perfectly ironed and dry cleaned for all soundchecks, flights and functions where Morrissey may be present.

Before soundchecks the space between the stage and the front row must be sprayed with the "fragrance of the day" before Morrissey arrives.

(C) BANG Media International