Singer Morrissey has abruptly cancelled two US concert dates due to a credible threat on his life. The announcement, made via his official Facebook page, cited safety concerns for both the artist and his audience as the reason for the cancellations. The shows, scheduled for Friday in Connecticut and Saturday in Massachusetts, were part of Morrissey's ongoing world tour.
The statement, while not explicitly detailing the nature of the threat, followed a recent incident in Ottawa, Canada. A 26-year-old man was arrested and released on bail after allegedly posting a threat to kill Morrissey on the social media platform Bluesky. The Ottawa Police confirmed the arrest and the subsequent bail release. This incident, along with unspecified "recent events," prompted the decision to cancel the US shows.
While the Facebook post did not elaborate on the "recent events," the timing coincides with the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot last week. However, no direct link has been established between Kirk's death and the threat against Morrissey.
The cancellations mark a significant disruption to Morrissey's tour, which is scheduled to continue in Philadelphia and across the US, before concluding with a Mexican performance in late October. Fans are left disappointed and concerned, highlighting the vulnerability of artists even amidst stringent security measures. The incident underscores the need for enhanced security protocols for performers in the face of rising online threats and escalating social tensions. The impact of this event on Morrissey’s future tour dates remains uncertain. This development also follows Morrissey's recent announcement to sell his business interests in The Smiths, including the band's name and associated assets.
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Originally published at: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/sep/19/morrissey-cancels-two-us-shows-over-credible-threat-on-his-life
