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Morrissey’s 2004 album You Are The Quarry featured a tracked entitled “First of the gang to die” which lyrically refers to street violence, but could also be considered a homage to his large Latino fanbase which has swelled over the last decade to something of a phenomenon.  But now that fanbase is under literal fire.

Best summarized here, what began as large-scale riots and rumbles in various cities pitting the Mexican “emo” youth against the punks, jocks and tough kids has now spread to Chile, also being ignited by emo-bashing rants by popular Latino television celebrities.

It could be a widespread case of macho culture brushing up against homophobia-inspired assembling and violence.   Yet the idea that music has given the current Latino emo kids identity, as goth kids in the 80s and early 90s and hippies in the 60s were branded by their own musical passions, goes to the power of songs and the movements which are inspired by them.

Hopefully the current skirmishes will pass into the night without any of the gang sadly dying.   Will Morrissey raise his hands and take a stand?

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