Legendary rock figure Morrissey has cancelled his much-anticipated concert in Stockholm, leaving fans heartbroken, and not for the first time. The 66-year-old singer, currently touring the UK and Europe, pulled the plug on the June 23 gig at Hovet Arena due to overwhelming exhaustion within his band and crew.
But it was not just fatigue fuelling the decision. Morrissey took to Morrissey Central to air his grievances, revealing a darker, more painful truth behind the cancellation, a complete absence of industry backing. Despite performing in six countries in just one week, the tour¡¯s emotional and physical toll has been intensified by what he calls ¡°zero music industry support.¡±
The singer lamented that although he and his team longed to reach places like Stockholm, Reykjavik, and Helsinki, financial constraints, made worse by being ignored by ¡°imaginary record labels,¡± made it impossible. He painted a dismal picture of genuine artistry struggling under the weight of neglect, despite loyal fans waiting in the wings.
Fans holding tickets received a message confirming the cancellation and promising refunds, citing exhaustion among the band and crew.
Morrissey remains defiant about the strength of his fanbase. He pointed out that while ticket sales remain strong, his music gets no airtime, and no label will release his material. According to him, this brutal disconnect reveals everything about ¡°the state of Art in 2025.¡±
The rock icon is still reeling from the fallout with Capitol Records, who shelved his completed album Bonfire of Teenagers following their split in 2022. The record remains unreleased.
This feud is hardly new. Even during his time with The Smiths, Morrissey often clashed with record labels. Back then, he slammed Rough Trade for failing to back the band¡¯s growing fame. The group eventually disbanded in 1987 amid internal rifts and industry fatigue.
Now, as he sets his sights on Berlin, Morrissey continues to fight an uphill battle ¡ª one of art versus a tone-deaf industry.