British singer-songwriter Morrissey abruptly canceled two scheduled concerts in the United States over the weekend. The cancellations, announced Friday, were made following a "credible threat" against the artist's life. The affected shows were set to take place at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, and MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, Massachusetts.
Key Takeaways
- Morrissey canceled two weekend concerts in the US.
- Cancellations were due to a "credible threat" against the singer.
- Shows at Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Music Hall were affected.
- This follows a previous arrest related to threats against Morrissey.
Concert Cancellations Announced
The announcement regarding the canceled performances was first shared on Morrissey's official Instagram account on Friday. The post cited "recent events" and a need for "abundance of caution" for the safety of both the artist and his band members.
The statement confirmed that all tickets purchased for these two events would be automatically refunded. Fans were thanked for their understanding during this unexpected situation. The venues involved also issued their own statements confirming the cancellations.
Concert Details
- Date of first canceled show: Friday, March 15, 2024
- Venue: Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, Connecticut
- Date of second canceled show: Saturday, March 16, 2024
- Venue: MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts
Details of the Threat
MGM Music Hall at Fenway provided more specific information in its own social media update. The venue explicitly stated that there had been a "credible threat on Morrissey’s life." This detail clarified the nature of the safety concerns mentioned in the artist's initial post. Security measures are routinely evaluated for public events, especially those involving high-profile individuals.
"Due to recent events and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of both the artist and band, the upcoming shows this weekend at Foxwoods and MGM Music Hall have been cancelled."
— Morrissey's official Instagram statement
The decision to cancel concerts is not taken lightly. It typically involves consultations between the artist's management, venue security, and local law enforcement. The primary goal in such situations is always the safety and well-being of everyone involved, including performers, crew, and audience members.
Previous Incidents and Arrest
These recent cancellations follow an earlier incident involving threats made against Morrissey. In September, a 26-year-old man from Ottawa, Canada, Noah Castellano, was arrested and charged. The charges included threats to cause death or bodily harm.
According to reports from Rolling Stone, Castellano made these threats on the social media platform Blue Sky. Operating under the account name "guy who gets shot in the head one hundred thousand times a day," Castellano posted a direct threat against the singer.
Background on Previous Threat
On September 4, 2023, Noah Castellano reportedly posted a threat targeting Morrissey's performance in Ottawa. The post specifically mentioned the singer's upcoming show at TD Place on September 12, 2025. Castellano claimed he would be present at the venue and would attempt to shoot and kill Morrissey with an illegally owned firearm.
Despite this specific threat, Morrissey proceeded with his performance at Ottawa’s CityFolk festival shortly after the incident. This indicates that security assessments were made at that time, allowing the show to go on.
Castellano was later released on $5,000 bail. He is currently mandated to reside at his father's home in the Washington, D.C., area. The legal proceedings related to this previous threat are ongoing.
Uncertainty Regarding New Threat Connection
As of now, Morrissey or his representatives have not explicitly stated whether the most recent cancellations are linked to the previous threats made by Noah Castellano. It remains unclear if the "credible threat" that led to the weekend's canceled shows is a new, separate incident or an escalation or continuation of the earlier situation.
The music industry has protocols in place for handling security risks. Artists often travel with personal security teams, and venues employ their own security personnel. When specific threats are identified, these teams work closely with local police to assess the danger and determine the appropriate course of action, which can include canceling events.
Impact on Touring Schedule
The cancellations will undoubtedly affect Morrissey's tour schedule and potentially impact fan morale. Artists depend on consistent touring for both income and connecting with their audience. Unexpected cancellations, especially due to security concerns, can disrupt these plans significantly.
Fans who had planned to attend the Foxwoods and Boston shows will receive automatic refunds, but the disappointment of missing a live performance by the iconic artist remains. The priority, however, is always the safety of all individuals involved in such public gatherings.
Further updates regarding Morrissey's future touring plans or additional details about the threat are anticipated from his management or venue operators as the situation develops. The focus remains on ensuring the artist's safety and the safety of the public.