The quote is cited in a 2002 Mojo article about Viva Hate. I've never been able to find the original interview it was taken from, so I'm not sure when he is supposed to have said it. I've seen 1992 floating around as a possible year, but no precise source.
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Very kind of him to send some words of encouragement and consolation and empathy to Johnny.
It's hard to think about Johnny when listening to the song nowadays, it could be for any artist who feels abused and sucked out by the music industry and finds himself or herself at the verge of a breakdown. Think Jobriath, Kurt Cobain, so many others... The words are still very relevant and expression of empathy.
And of course, the angel has to come with wings, sorry, strings. It was the only time that Morrissey was backed by a string quartet only. It is another illustration of how hard Morrissey & co were tinkering with new soundscapes. I love Viva Hate: it was rich in musical ideas with many great lyrics.