Morrissey Cancels Concerts Following Credible Death Threat

On September 19, 2023, renowned British musician Morrissey announced the cancellation of his upcoming concerts due to a credible death threat he received. The performances scheduled for that weekend at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut, and MGM Music Hall in Boston, Massachusetts, were called off out of concern for the safety of the artist and his band.

In a message posted on Instagram, Morrissey stated, “Due to recent events and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of both the artist and band, the upcoming shows this weekend at Foxwoods and MGM Music Hall have been cancelled. All tickets will be refunded automatically at your original point of purchase.”

Details of the Threat and Concert History

The threat was reported to have originated from a 26-year-old man from Ottawa, Canada, who has since been charged. CBS News indicated that this incident occurred prior to Morrissey’s concert in Ottawa on September 12. Despite the alarming circumstances, the artist proceeded with performances in Ottawa and Toronto on September 12 and 13, as well as in New York on September 16.

Following these shows, the concerts in Connecticut and Massachusetts were next on his tour itinerary. Morrissey is currently scheduled to perform at The Met Philadelphia in Pennsylvania on September 23, 2023, with tickets available for purchase through Ticketmaster.

Notably, while Morrissey has a history of cancelling shows, this situation marks a significant escalation, as previous cancellations have rarely been linked to threats of violence. In 2022, he abruptly halted a performance after a fan jumped on stage to embrace him. He also cancelled a Coachella performance in 2009, citing the smell of burning meat from nearby food vendors, and called off a concert in San Jose in 2014 after fans stormed the stage.

Morrissey’s Career and Impact

Steven Patrick Morrissey, known simply as Morrissey, rose to fame as the lead singer of The Smiths in the 1980s, a band celebrated for alternative rock classics such as “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” and “Bigmouth Strikes Again.” He embarked on a solo career in 1988, achieving success with hits like “Suedehead” and “The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get.”

This recent incident highlights not only the challenges faced by artists in the current climate but also the ongoing discussions about safety at live events. As Morrissey navigates the aftermath of this threat, fans and the music community await further updates regarding his tour and future performances.