A 26-year-old man from Ottawa was arrested and later released on bail for allegedly uttering a threat to kill the singer, whose full name is Steven Morrissey. The incident occurred prior to the artist’s performance at a music festival last week. While that show proceeded as planned, the threat prompted the cancellation of two subsequent concerts in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
A statement from the Boston venue, the MGM Music Hall at Fenway, confirmed the decision on Instagram: “In recent days, there has been a credible threat on Morrissey’s life. Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of both the artist and the band, tomorrow’s engagement at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway has been canceled.”
Morrissey first rose to fame as the frontman of the legendary rock band The Smiths before launching a successful solo career in 1987. Known for his outspoken views on animal welfare and various political issues, his career has often been marked by controversy. In 2006, for example, he refused to tour in Canada to protest the country’s annual seal hunt.
The recent cancellations highlight the serious security concerns that artists can face while on tour. Fans who had tickets to the Boston and Connecticut shows were informed of the cancellations and advised to seek refunds.
