Morrissey has slammed modern musicians as having "nothing to offer."

The 53-year-old singer believes people are "encouraged not to think" so outspoken or political artists are not able to flourish, and few pop acts are able to work on their own terms.

"The arts have diminished, because we are now living through a time when we are encouraged not to think. No one making music wants to waste time struggling with art. A group like the Sex Pistols would never again be allowed to slip through, and there is no such thing in 2013 as a popular artist who sets their own terms for success. Whether it be Beyonce or Justin Bieber, we see singers who have absolutely nothing to offer anyone as they walk offstage clutching three Grammys in each hand," he said.

The "Panic" hitmaker also hit out at global stars such as Madonna - whom he branded McDonna - and claimed they are not loved by their audiences in the way he is adored by his fans:

"In recent years I saw McDonna live, and no audience member reached up toward her to try to touch her. I see this so often with artists whom we're told are global stars. It is a big lie. Or else, you might possibly be a big star, but you are not loved. My audience has an urgent need to touch, to shake hands, to move out of their seats, to defy so-called security, to make physical contact. They don't simply sit and observe, but feel the urge to act. It's a great compliment for me, and one that most Grammy winners could probably never imagine."