Morrissey canceled two U.S. concerts on Friday after authorities deemed a threat to his life credible. The 66-year-old former Smiths frontman was scheduled to perform at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., on Friday and at MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston on Saturday. In an update posted on his official social media accounts, the singer said there had been a credible threat and that, out of an abundance of caution for both the artist and the band, the upcoming shows would be canceled. He noted that all tickets would be refunded automatically at the original point of purchase.
Authorities say the threat appears to stem from a Bluesky post by Noah Castellano, a 26-year-old Canadian. Court records cited by the Ottawa Citizen describe Castellano detailing plans to attend Morrissey’s appearance at the CityFolk festival in Ottawa and to harm the singer. Castellano was arrested Friday on charges of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and has since been released on a $5,000 bail. He declined to comment when reached by phone.
Despite the security concerns, Morrissey’s headlining slot at CityFolk went ahead. Organizers and vendors implemented security measures and Morrissey’s vegetarian beliefs were front and center; officials reported that security would search arriving concertgoers for animal products, and several vendors adjusted menus to ensure no meat was served on the festival grounds that day, including a BBQ truck that altered its offerings. The episode highlighted the high-profile nature of the event amid heightened sensitivity about threats to public figures.
In recent years, Morrissey has drawn renewed attention for remarks critics say reflect Islamophobia and racially charged rhetoric, and for aligning with conservative or far-right perspectives at times. He has expressed support for a group described as far-right, and he has made statements that civil rights groups say are Islamophobic or xenophobic. Critics and anti-racism organizations have condemned the statements and called for boycotts of his concerts, while some supporters argue that his music should be viewed independently of his comments. The Week and ITV News have catalogued some of the more controversial remarks from the singer, including past comments about race and religion.
The cancellation of the East Coast dates and the attendance at CityFolk underscore the complex, often polarizing mix of celebrity, security, and political controversy that has surrounded Morrissey in recent years. Industry observers noted that high-profile artists facing credible threats or intense public scrutiny can see schedules disrupted, even as other appearances proceed. There was no immediate word on further tour dates or rescheduled performances.