The singer, 66, was scheduled to perform at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, on Friday night, followed by a sold out show at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, Massachusetts, on Saturday.

The threat was reportedly made by Ottawa local Steven Castellano, who has since been released on bail.

It’s reported by the Ottawa Citizen that the post came from a Bluesky account under the name “guy who gets shot in the head one hundred thousand times a day”,

“Steven Patrick Morrissey when you perform at TD Place here in Ottawa next week on the evening of September 12th, 2025 at about 9pm, 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.”

As a result of this Morrissey took to his Facebook to announce the cancellations of both his Connecticut and Massachusetts shows, calling the threat on his life, ‘credible.’

The statement read as follows:  “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 audience, tonight’s engagement at Foxwoods has been cancelled. We appreciate your understanding.”

A further post then confirmed the second cancellation.

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Despite not specifying what recent events were considered in the decision, the shows come just one week after the shooting of Activist Charlie Kirk in Utah.

So far there is no announcement on the gigs being rescheduled, but fans with tickets have been told that refund procedures are being conducted.

Morrissey’s tour will continue when he takes the stage in Philadelphia on September 23.

In an emotional, dramatic declaration and in true Morrissey fashion he took to his website to explain why he has put his shares up for grabs.

Morrissey said “I am burnt out by any and all connections to Marr, Rourke, Joyce. I have had enough of malicious associations. With my entire life I have paid my rightful dues to these songs and these images. I would now like to live disassociated from those who wish me nothing but ill-will and destruction, and this is the only resolution. The songs are me – they are no one else – but they bring with them business communications that go to excessive lengths to create as much dread and spite year after year. I must now protect myself, especially my health.”

Morrissey’s listed stakes include:

1. The name ‘The Smiths’, as created by Morrissey.
2. All Smiths artwork, as created by Morrissey.
3. All Smiths merchandising rights.
4. All Smiths songs lyrically / musically.
5. All synchronisation rights.
6. All Smiths recordings.
7. All contractual rights for Smiths publishing.

The tension between Morrissey and the band, namely Johnny Marr has been present for decades. In 1987 the members of The Smiths went their separate ways after one of Britain’s greatest ever guitarists, Johnny Marr, quit the band. He even recently revealed that he has turned down the chance to reform the band and tour on the ‘Stick To Football podcast.

He said: “We got made an offer recently, but I said no… it was a little bit about principles, but I’m not an idiot, I just think the vibe’s not right… It was an eye-watering amount of money, but also, I really like what I’m doing now, which makes it a lot easier.”

After the sad passing of bassist Andy Rourke 2023, and the flare between Marr and Morrissey, most notably on political opinion, this is most definitely the final nail in the coffin for any fans hoping to see The Smiths together on stage again. Not that hopes were very high before this statement, it must be said.

It’s certainly a different way to advertise shares in a band, it will certainly be intriguing to follow what happens as a result of this. Especially considering that some of what Morrissey has listed, Marr would claim he has no right to.

Speaking to The Guardian, Marr has previously stated that he controls half of their publishing activities and exclusively owns the related trademarks, which will have a direct impact on merchandising sales to name one of many items. 

Morrissey has been touring this year, successfully at that, even selling out the Manchester Co-Op Arena. It just feels like it was never enough for Morrissey, and like the first lover you never get over, he left a piece of him in the grave with ‘The Smiths’.

The statement ends as follows: “Any serious investors should make contact: eaves7760@gmail.com”

Anyone fancy it?

The songwriter and guitarist appeared on Gary Neville’s Stick to Football podcast where he talked about his love for Manchester City FC and all things music.

News broke last year – following the news of the Oasis reunion tour – that Marr and Morrissey had been offered millions of pounds to get the band back together for the first time since the late 1980s.

Morrissey all but confirmed the opportunity to reunite last year. He released a statement claiming that he was extremely interested in taking the offer, but that it fell through after “Marr ignored the offer”. The ‘Suedehead’ singer also claimed that Marr had blocked the release of a greatest hits album and acquired the trademark rights to The Smiths without informing him.

Marr, however, was quick to respond when he said he didn’t “ignore” the offer, instead he outright “said no”. 

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— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) September 17, 2024

Speaking on Stick to Football Marr revealed his reasons behind turning it down, saying: “We got made an offer recently, but I said no. It was a little bit about principles, but I’m not an idiot, I just think the vibe’s not right.

“It was an eye-watering amount of money, but also, I really like what I’m doing now which makes it a lot easier. I like where I’m at. I still want to write the best song I’ve ever written. I want to be a better performer.”

Marr left the band back in 1987 aged just 24. He has since made a career for himself through solo work as well as working with bands such as The Pretenders, The Cribs and The The. 

Speaking on Neville’s podcast, he opened up about how he was “exhausted” and “miserable”  after the bands quick rise, which led to his decision to quit: “We were all dead young, we weren’t a bunch of mates from school… I wanted to put a band together, so I went and found the member. We learned to love each other very quickly and we became really tight, but we didn’t really know each other.

“Five years later, when we’re playing to 10,000 people I was 23! I’m sitting in a meeting with accountants being told tax laws that I didn’t understand, I was having a great time until I wasn’t. I got miserable. I thought The Smiths were the best band in the world at the time. I was so proud of us and I loved the music we were making. I love the guys, but relationships break down and that’s life.”

For those of you holding out for a reunion, don’t get too excited. The unfortunate death of bassist Andy Rourke in 2023 has made the idea “impossible” for drummer Mike Joyce.

He told NME after the bassist’s death: “Other people will have other ideas but, as far as I’m concerned, with Andy not being here, it’s impossible to have a reunion of The Smiths.”

Check out Johnny Marr’s full interview on Stick to Football above.

Since its inception in 2018, following the tragic death of his son, Cave has used The Red Hand Files as a direct line of communication with fans. Each edition features Cave’s thoughtful replies to questions on topics ranging from grief and spirituality to art and the human condition.

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In the 328th edition, published in June 2025, a fan named Hadiyah from New Jersey asked, “How’s your relationship with Morrissey?” Cave’s response was candid. He disclosed that the former Smiths frontman had approached him in 2024 with a song, inviting him to contribute vocals. While Cave initially found the piece “quite lovely,” he ultimately declined after realising Morrissey’s intention was for him to deliver what Cave described as “an unnecessarily provocative and slightly silly anti-woke screed” over “an irrelevant Greek bouzouki intro.”

Though he admitted to sharing aspects of Morrissey’s perspective, Cave explained that he prefers to keep his personal or political views separate from his music: “I try to keep politics, cultural or otherwise, out of the music I am involved with. I find that it has a diminishing effect and is antithetical to whatever it is I am trying to achieve.”

Addressing Morrissey more broadly, Cave offered a nuanced take: “I like him. He is undeniably a complex and divisive figure, someone who takes more than a little pleasure in pissing people off. As enjoyable as some may find this, it holds little interest for me, but for the fact that Morrissey is probably the best lyricist of his generation – certainly the strangest, funniest, most sophisticated, and most subtle.”

Despite declining the collaboration, Cave still spoke admiringly of Morrissey’s artistry: “We feel complete when we listen to music we love, while being guided towards the goodness of things. I find that Morrissey’s music, regardless of how jaundiced and disaffected the songs may sometimes seem, does precisely that – ushers us toward what is true.”

Cave’s decision to distance himself from Morrissey’s latest work underscores his ongoing commitment to artistic integrity and emotional depth over provocation or ideology. While the collaboration never came to be, his thoughtful reflections highlight the mutual respect between two of music’s most distinctive voices – even as their creative paths continue to diverge.

Nick Cave recently released his latest album ‘Wild God’ with the Bad Seeds ahead of their upcoming worldwide tour. Morrissey has not released a new record since 2020’s ‘I Am Not a Dog on a Chain’, which he described as “the best album of his life.” The former Smith’s frontman has recently completed UK and Ireland tour dates which MXDWN’s recent coverage of can be read about here. Cave is currently on a solo tour across Europe, which is set to conclude in Luxembourg this September. For more on his solo performances, check out MXDWN’s recent coverage of the Bad Seeds frontman’s European tour here.

Tickets available here https://t.co/FZsjN7CIkK

— Mozarmy (@Mozarmy) February 27, 2025

Taking place on 9 and 10 May, the festival is one of the more unique fan gatherings in Manchester and beyond. This year marks a significant change in the organisation of the event, as George Allen of the Morrissey and Wine podcast, steps in to take over as the lead organiser Julie Hammill, who ran the event for the past 11 years. Posting a farewell message on Tumblr, Hammill reflected on the festival’s spirit, saying, “The meet is inclusive and it always will be. It is welcoming. It is open. It is equal. To feel that we belong to something is what makes humanity bloom.”  

The two nights of the event will be held at the Star & Garter, with the first night being a MozArmy meet at the Morrissey Smiths Disco night on Friday 9 May, though it is not included in the price of Saturday’s ticket. Adorned with a mural of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, the 200-capacity Grade II-listed venue had fallen upon hard times in the past 10 years, though it was confirmed in January that it was under new operatorship who have pledged to preserve the atmosphere and invest in structural improvements. 

 

 

 

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Following Friday’s disco, Saturday will see a variety of acts and performances, ranging from tribute band Frankly, The Smiths, musician Conor McLoughlin, a live recording of Morrissey and Wine, Mozeoke (Morrissey + karaoke), and a Morrissey look alike competition. Saturday night’s events are expected to carry on late into the following morning. 

Proceeds from the events will be donated to Feed My City, a Sikh-led charity providing emergency vegetarian meals across Greater Manchester. The charity has earned various awards, including the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (equivalent to an MBE), and a special recognition award from the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester for providing over 300,000 warm meals and promoting religious and social harmony.

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On the festival, Allen said, “If you’ve never been before, this year is the time to do it. You’ll find a lovely environment, cheap drinks and some great live music. It’s also a great chance to support the Star & Garter. They’ve been running the monthly Morrissey Smiths Disco for decades and hold a very special place in the hearts of fans. It’s the perfect home for MozArmy.”

The festival forms just a small part of a wider vibrant music tourism scene in Manchester. Music brings over 800,000 visitors to the city each year, supporting 6,800 jobs, and contributing over £300 million to the local economy according to a Manchester City Council report.

With a rich sense of community and belonging, the unique makeup of the MozArmy Meet offers fans a chance to celebrate the ongoing legacy of Morrissey and The Smiths, all while supporting a small music venue and a local charity. Tickets for the event are £22, including booking fee, and are available here.

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Two weeks after his last US show, the singer will be appearing at Dublin’s 3Arena on 31 May, his third visit to the venue after performances in 2014 and 2018. He will then head to Glasgow’s O2 Academy for a two-night residency on 4 and 5 June. The short tour will conclude in Manchester with a show on 7 June, his first show in his hometown since 2022.

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— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) September 17, 2024

Morrissey made headlines last year over his public disputes with former bandmate Johnny Marr. The ‘Panic’ singer revealed that Marr had refused to tour with him under the name of The Smiths, as well as claiming that the guitarist had attempted to claim 100% of the ownership rights of the iconic 80s band. Marr, however, countered by stating that he had offered co-ownership to Morrissey twice—most recently in January 2024—but received no response, meaning the rights defaulted to him.

The venues on the 2025 tour vary in capacity, from a meager 3000 at the O2 Academy all the way up to a staggering 23,500 at Co-op LIVE – Europe’s largest indoor arena. Given that Morrissey’s recent shows have seen him performing at smaller venues, some fans on Reddit are unsure if the singer will be able to sell out his Manchester date.

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Morrissey teased the show in a cryptic post on his website, Morrissey Central, on Monday, simply saying, “Announcement. 5pm. GMT.” As the clocks hit 5pm, his website and social media accounts revealed the tour dates, as well as his support act, Brigitte Calls Me Baby.

The Chicago-based band will support the singer in Dublin and Manchester, but will miss out on the two Glasgow dates. The partnership comes after comparisons between the two in an NME review of the newcomers, describing their frontman, Wes Leavins, as a “direct descendent of Morrissey”.

With no new material to promote, Morrissey’s 2024 setlists were made up of fan favourites, spanning his work in The Smiths, his early solo material and the odd track from one of his more recent albums. Among the tracks played most were ‘Shoplifters of the World Unite’, ‘You’re the One for Me, Fatty’, and ‘Speedway’.

Morrissey hasn’t released a new studio album since ‘I Am Not A Dog On A Chain’, released in 2020. He had an album due to be released in 2023 called ‘Bonfire of Teenagers’, which the singer claimed was some of his best work ever. The record was shelved after the artist left his label, and has since claimed that “idiot culture” has made it impossible to release.

Tickets for Morrissey’s UK and Ireland tour go on general sale this Friday (14 February), available through Ticketmaster here.

Steven Morrissey, known mononymously as Morrissey, took to his website January 26 to deliver an 800 word piece in fondness of Wainwright, gracing fans with interwoven lyrics and personal opinions on the album’s legacy, as well as diving into its influence on his own musical pursuits. 

“Only the best singing voices can become the sound and image of geographical places,” writes Morrissey. “In Delaware when he was younger, Loudon Wainwright imagined his first ever LP, and unzipped it in 1970 to a narrowed public taste that left it charmless forever. On the sleeve he stood with no importance against a brick wall, in the way that classic art avoids fashion.”

The former Smiths frontman goes onto embed lyrics from ‘Loudon Wainwright III’, demonstrating the writing style of his idol and elevating his points on lyrical authenticity:

In Delaware when I was younger

I would live the life obscene 

in the Spring I had hunger 

I was Brando, I was Dean 

It should come as no surprise to fans that the ‘This Charming Man’ singer hails Wainwright for using his hometown roots as artistic inspiration. Formed in 1982, The Smiths often made reference to their Manchester beginnings in their “classic melancholy way of penning lyrics” in songs such as ‘Miserable Lie’ and ‘Suffer Little Children’. 

“He needed nothing but his solo acoustic and his impressive palette of words,” he continues. “Whoever else was offering musical dynamics in 1970 did not concern him. The voice was almost hayseed in its yearning, fully in the ‘now’ of 1969/70, saying everything whilst looking nothing, and how ridiculous it is to be afraid.”

Released in 1970 by Atlantic Records, ‘Loudon Wainwright III’ (also referred to as ‘Album I’) resulted in little commercial success for Wainwright, being something he would not achieve until the 1972 novelty song ‘Dead Skunk (in the Middle of the Road)’, for which he is best known. The album captures the American folk musician in his most vulnerable form: a then-23-year old relocating to New York City in hopes of making it in music. As of 2025, Wainwright has been a proven success in the singer-songwriter category, having released 26 studio albums over the course of his career. In 2015, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, alongside Yusuf/Cat Stevens.

In his concluding paragraph, Morrissey praises Wainwright for his visionary approach to lyricism: “Finally, victory. Sometimes it takes the rest of the world fifty years to catch up. But they do.” 

Although ‘The Swimming Song’ singer’s most recent album, ‘Lifetime Achievement’ came about in 2022, Morrissey hasn’t released a new body of music since 2020’s ‘I Am Not a Dog on a Chain.’ According to the alt pop icon, his lack of creative output in recent years comes down to a war on “free speech”, preventing him from releasing the much speculated ‘Bonfire of Teenagers’ and ‘Without Music the World Dies’ – two planned albums that, as of yet, have no confirmed release date. 

More essays from Morrissey, as well as merchandise and tour announcements, are available on his website. 

Released in 1986, ‘The Queen Is Dead’ marked a pivotal moment for The Smiths. Not only did the band receive commercial success, with the LP charting for 22 weeks and peaking at the Number 2 position on the UK Charts, it evidently resonated with listeners due to its evocative lyricism, socially aware (and anti-monarchist) themes alongside its experimental and engaging instrumentation – all quintessential themes of Smiths discography. The album with the notable tracks: ‘There Is A Light That Never Goes Out’, ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’ and ‘Frankly, Mr Shankly’, pathed the way for The Smiths to enter new territory in the industry, whilst rather unexpectedly planting their musical content at the forefront of media controversy.

Despite the disbandment of the group in 1987, over the years Morrissey has been subject to scrutiny due to his often outlandish remarks that are often captured in the media. The unreleased album, ‘Bonfire Of Teenagers’ which he likens to ‘The Queen Is Dead’ has been held under wraps for a few years due to disagreements between Morrissey and his former label, Capitol.

The LP was given its name after the Manchester terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert back in 2017, which resulted in 22 people tragically losing their lives. The album and the title track (which made its live debut in 2022) was said to address the incident alongside other culturally relevant themes from Morrissey’s perspective, giving listeners a unifying experience. However, once the record was completed in 2021, the ‘Suedehead’ singer parted ways with Capitol following a lengthy dispute, which forced him to buy back the rights to the album and his 2014 release ‘World Peace Is None Of Your Business’.

Since then, Morrissey has labelled this exact album as ‘unreleasable’ amidst his controversial claim of the so-called “Idiot Culture” in the industry which prohibits the use of free speech in arts.

Speaking at a concert in Newark, New Jersey back in mid-November, the singer declared to the crowd during his 20-song set: “As you know, nobody will release my music anymore… As you know because I’m chief exponent of free speech. In England at least, it’s not criminalised. You cannot speak freely in England. If you don’t believe me, go there. Express an opinion, you’ll be sent to prison. It’s very, very difficult”.

The ‘Everyday Is Like Sunday’ performer inferred the lack of free speech readily available to artists permeates throughout the industry’s “Idiot Culture” and has subsequently caused delay after delay with ‘Bonfire Of Teenagers’. These delays were in reference to the cancellation of the album’s February 2023 release date, partly due to Miley Cyrus withdrawing her vocal contribution from one of its tracks, ‘I Am Veronica’.

Morrissey’s sentiment as to why ‘Bonfire Of Teenagers’ may never see the light of day follows the lack of backing from record labels, who have fallen at the hands of cancel culture causing the music industry to inevitably become “childlike” and “frightened” when releasing music.

The concerns Morrissey raises about the lack of free speech, 21^st Century cancel culture and the lack of support from record labels makes it hard to determine whether ‘Bonfire of Teenagers’ will ever be released in the future.

The mural was painted by renowned street artist Akse P19, whose work often immortalises cultural icons, from Mark E. Smith to Ian Curtis. The black-and-white artwork is based on a photograph of Rourke taken during The Smiths’ 1985 tour, performing at Dundee’s Caird Hall. Next to the painting is a prominent logo of the Pancreatic Cancer Action charity

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Mike Joyce, Rourke’s bandmate and drummer for The Smiths, attended the unveiling and praised the mural in an interview with BBC Radio Manchester: “I knew it was going to be good; I just didn’t realise how good it would be.” Reflecting on Rourke’s musical legacy, Joyce added, “He gained immortality when he played those bass lines, and those bass lines are here forever.”

Rourke’s role in The Smiths has often been overshadowed by the spotlight on Morrissey and Johnny Marr. However, his intricate bass work, particularly on Meat Is Murder, provided a solid foundation that allowed the singer and guitarist to shine. This mural is a reminder of his importance to the band and Manchester’s music scene. The Wheatsheaf’s owners, Robert Ashton and Lisa Booth, were eager to support the project. “We’re a music pub, we both love music, so we said yes straightaway,” they told BBC Manchester. The mural cements the Northern Quarter’s reputation as a hub for Manchester’s musical heritage.

The project also served as a fundraising effort, with over £32,000 raised so far for the Pancreatic Cancer Action charity. Mike Joyce played a key role, offering personalised rewards for donors, including signed Smiths vinyl and prints of the original photograph used for the mural. “We wanted to do something to celebrate Andy’s life,” Joyce explained. “We initially thought we’d put on a gig or a DJ show… but the next day, it would have been over. Now, we have something that will last forever.”

Manchester has long been a city proud of its musical history, with tributes to local icons like Mark E. Smith, Pete Shelley, and Liam Gallagher adorning its streets. These must-see locations have been a boost for tourism, drawing music fans to landmarks like Salford Lads Club and the murals of the Northern Quarter.

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The reaction to the Rourke mural has been overwhelmingly positive. Reddit user InnerBlacksmith1858 summarised the sentiment: “Criminally underrated. [Joyce] and Rourke both.” Fans have expressed gratitude that a quieter, yet essential, part of The Smiths’ rhythm section is receiving overdue recognition.

What a tribute to one of Mancunia’s finest.

— ChrisL20 (@Drainstarrrr) November 21, 2024

With its thoughtful design, the mural strikes a balance between honouring Rourke and raising awareness for pancreatic cancer. As Joyce aptly put it, Andy Rourke’s legacy is immortal—and now it’s painted in his home city for all to see.

Hostilities between these two band fellows have been building for a while, with Morrissey making claims on his website Morrissey Central. He has been posting messages from Morrissey in the third person within a segment called Messages from Morrissey.

What were Morrissey’s claims?

Taken directly from his website: Morrissey posted on 29th August 2024, “In June 2024 AEG Entertainment Group made a lucrative offer to both Morrissey and Marr to tour worldwide as ‘The Smiths’ throughout 2025. Morrissey said Yes to the offer; Marr ignored the offer.”

Subsequently, on 16th September 2024, Morrissey made the following claim: “J Marr has successfully applied for 100% trademark rights / Intellectual Property ownership of The Smiths name. His application has been accepted on whatever oaths or proclamations he has put forward. This action was done without any consultation to Morrissey, and without allowing Morrissey the standard opportunity of ‘objection’. Amongst many other things, this means that Marr can now tour as The Smiths using the vocalist of his choice, and it also prohibits Morrissey from using the name whilst also denying Morrissey considerable financial livelihood. Morrissey alone created the musical unit name ‘The Smiths’ in May 1982.”

How did Johnny Marr react?

Johnny Marr, ignoring Morrissey’s provocations in the past, made a rare rebuff on 17th September 2024 by releasing a statement. He countered the tour comment Morrissey made as well as recent claims about the ownership of The Smiths trademark. Johnny Marr is attempting to set the record straight, as his management released the following:

Rejecting Morrissey’s account of ignoring the tour offer, Marr bluntly asserted he had outrightly said no to it.

Seemingly, there is animosity on both sides. As the proverb goes, “there are two sides of every story” and it would be wise to take Morrissey’s comments with a pinch of salt. With this only proving there will be no reunion of The Smiths any time soon. We can understand, with the recent spate of reunions including Oasis, Blur and Pulp all profiting from nostalgia sales, Morrissey could be looking for a piece of that action. He has been embarking on a tour of his own in America, and we haven’t read any comments from Mike Joyce (The Smiths’ drummer) about this either. As nice as it would be to have The Smiths back together, with the passing of their original bassist Andrew Rourke in 2023, we wouldn’t have the full band in-tact. Would it be the reunion we want if there are so many unprovoked exchanges like this?

Rest assured, if you’re in the mood to listen to something by Johnny Marr, you can always check out the re-release of Johnny Marr + the Healers 2003 album Boomslang. It will include 7 brand new tracks and will be available to buy on Friday 20th September 2024 via BMG.