The special edition boxset re-releases of Morrissey's early solo singles on 7-inch vinyl have been criticised by the singer himself.

The two releases, 'Singles '88 - '91","Morrissey">The 7" Singles '88 - '91' and 'The HMV/Parlophone Singles '91 -'95', are set to hit the shops on November 2nd.

However, the former Smiths frontman has urged fans to boycott the releases as he no longer receives royalties from their sales.

A statement on the behalf of the singer said: "Morrissey receives no royalty payments from EMI for any back catalogue, and has not received a royalty from EMI since 1992."

The statement went on to criticise re-releases of the Smiths' back catalogue by Warners and Rhino: "Morrissey also does not approve of, and was not consulted on, the Rhino box of Smiths CDs, or the Warner releases of Smiths LPs on 180 gramme vinyl.

"Morrissey last received a royalty payment from Warners ten years ago, and, once again, he would ask people not to bother buying the reissued LPs or CDs.”

(by Andrew Almond)