“He has been there all of my life. He will always be pressed to my heart. Thank God for those, like Lou, who move within their own laws, otherwise imagine how dull the world would be."

So The Smiths' frontman, who has expressed his sincere admiration for Reed many times before, touchingly wrote of his passing.

‘Satellite Of Love’ originally appeared on Reed’s 1972 album Transformer, which was co-produced by David Bowie and Spiders From Mars’ famed guitarist and arranger, Mick Ronson.

Parlophone Records make Morrissey’s cover available from the 2 December, anticipating the Penguin Classic’s complete and unabridged digital download of his Autobiography audio-book, which comes out a timely 3 days later on December 5. There will also be a physical release on 7" picture disc, 12" heavyweight vinyl, and a three-track download, all featuring previously unreleased live tracks and 'You're Gonna Need Someone On Your Side' from 'Your Arsenal.'

Meanwhile, Morrissey has rather tantalisingly promised that there is "more news to be announced very soon.”