British rock icon Morrissey has abruptly pulled the plug on two New England concerts due to a chilling threat on his life.
The New York Post reported that the former frontman of The Smiths canceled his Friday performance at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, and Saturday’s show at MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, citing a dangerous plot to assassinate him during a live set.
This saga began earlier in September when a 26-year-old Ottawa man, Noah Castellano, allegedly posted a menacing threat online targeting Morrissey ahead of his appearance at the CityFolk festival in Ottawa.
Under a bizarre Bluesky handle, Castellano reportedly declared intentions to attack Morrissey with an illegal firearm during his performance at TD Place, a threat serious enough to land him in handcuffs.
Canadian authorities arrested Castellano on the day of the Ottawa show, charging him with uttering threats to cause death or harm, though he was later released on bail. Despite the looming danger, Morrissey took the stage as planned in Ottawa and followed through with subsequent gigs in Toronto and New York City.
It wasn’t until the New England dates approached that the rocker's team decided to hit pause, announcing the cancellations via social media with a stark warning about a credible danger.
“In recent days, there has been a credible threat on Morrissey’s life,” the notice on his official channels read. Let’s be real—when a threat is deemed serious enough to scrap shows, it’s not just paranoia; it’s a sobering reminder of the risks artists face in today’s volatile climate.
The decision to cancel was made with caution in mind, prioritizing the safety of Morrissey and his band, a move that’s hard to argue with given the heightened security concerns at live events lately.
Both venues swiftly confirmed that ticket holders would receive automatic refunds at their original point of purchase, a small consolation for disappointed fans who were ready to hear classics from The Smiths era.
Morrissey, whose full name is Steven Patrick Morrissey, isn’t a stranger to headlines beyond his music, often stirring debate with comments that have drawn sharp criticism in the UK and beyond.
Over the years, the 66-year-old has been accused of making remarks deemed racist and misogynistic, including controversial statements about cultural practices and political figures that have fueled calls for boycotts from civil rights and anti-racist groups.
While his music remains beloved by many, his outspoken views—such as wearing a pin for a far-right UK movement on national television—have cast a long shadow over his public image.
It’s worth noting that these past controversies, while unrelated to the current threat, add a layer of complexity to how some perceive the artist, though no one deserves to face violence for their opinions, no matter how divisive.
The timing of these cancellations also comes amid growing unease about safety at public events, underscored by tragic incidents like the recent shooting of a conservative activist at a Utah college.
While unrelated to Morrissey’s case, such events amplify the need for vigilance, especially for high-profile figures who often become lightning rods for unrest.
For fans, the cancellations are a bitter pill, but Morrissey expressed gratitude for their understanding, a gesture that acknowledges the bond between artist and audience even in tough times. Let’s hope this threat proves to be an isolated incident, not a new normal for an industry already grappling with enough challenges.