English singer-songwriter Morrissey has pulled the plug on two highly anticipated East Coast concerts after authorities flagged a “credible threat” against his life. The 66-year-old former frontman of The Smiths was set to perform at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut on Friday and at Boston’s MGM Music Hall the following night.
Fans were blindsided when the cancellations were announced early Friday via Morrissey’s official social media accounts. The post stated, “In recent days, there has been a credible threat on Morrissey’s life. Due to recent events and out of an abundance of caution for 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.”
The warning followed the arrest of 26-year-old Noah Castellano in Canada. Authorities said he allegedly posted a deadly threat against Morrissey on Bluesky, claiming he planned to shoot the singer at Ottawa’s CityFolk Festival. Court documents reviewed by the Ottawa Citizen show Castellano’s post, which used Morrissey’s birth name, read: “Steven Patrick Morrissey… I will be present at the venue in the audience and I will attempt to shoot you many times and kill you with a very large gun that I own illegally.”
Castellano’s account had a disturbing username: “guy who gets shot in the head one hundred thousand times a day.” He was arrested Friday on charges of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, posted $5,000 bail, and is now confined to his father’s home in Washington, D.C. When contacted by the Ottawa Citizen, he offered only: “I’m not interested.”
CityFolk Festival Tensions
Despite the threat, Morrissey’s headlining slot at Ottawa’s CityFolk Festival went ahead. His appearance, however, stirred controversy. The singer imposed strict vegetarian rules for his performance, banning all meat sales on festival grounds. Even BBQ trucks had to remove meat from their menus, and security searched bags to enforce the rule.
The measure drew mixed reactions. Some attendees appreciated Morrissey’s dedication to animal rights, while others saw it as extreme. The incident reinforced the singer’s reputation for eccentricity and stirred fresh debates over his personal beliefs and public behavior.
Politics, Controversy, and Eccentric Statements
Morrissey has long courted controversy with outspoken political and social views. He has criticized Britain’s immigration policies and previously backed the far-right party “For Britain,” which dissolved in 2022. His statements on crime and race have provoked backlash. Speaking to The Week, he linked acid attacks in London to racial demographics, claiming political correctness prevents authorities from addressing the problem.
The singer has also fused his activism with his vegetarianism, making provocative remarks on racism and animal consumption. “Racism is at its most abhorrent in relation to eating animals,” he said. “If you eat animals, isn’t it a display of hatred for a certain species? And what gives you the right to eat another species or race?” In a 2010 interview, he referred to Chinese people as a “subspecies” while discussing animal cruelty in China, according to The Guardian.
Backlash and Boycotts
Morrissey’s controversial views extend to religion and cultural practices. He has repeatedly condemned halal slaughter, falsely linking it to terrorism, and criticized UK politicians for allowing halal meat sales in public spaces, reports ITV News. Civil rights and anti-racist organizations have condemned his remarks as Islamophobic and misogynistic. Several groups have called for boycotts, urging fans to skip his shows.
For now, Morrissey’s U.S. fans must wait. The sudden cancellations highlight the delicate balance between celebrity, political opinions, and personal safety. Supporters continue to back the singer, but critics view the incidents as yet another chapter in a career increasingly marked by controversy beyond the music.
