Morrissey cancels all his UK and European tours after controversy over political statements
The musician and former Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam have been battling this week
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MUSIC Controversy
Morrissey has announced that all of his forthcoming UK and European gigs will not go ahead due to "logistical circumstances beyond our control".
NEWS// Morrissey tour statement. pic.twitter.com/Bmt2COPVBv
— gigsandtours (@gigsandtours) 29 June 2018
The statement comes after a heated debate this week. Former Hacienda DJ and author Dave Haslam was called out by Morrissey's management for organising an anti-racism event the same night as the former The Smiths frontman's Manchester gigs. Haslam organised a “positive protest party” on 8 July, to coincide with the second of two gigs Morrissey is playing in Manchester. The event was billed as a response to the musician's “divisive views, and his support for the far right”.
Morrissey recently defended English Defence League's former leader, Tommy Robinson, and attacked London mayor Sadiq Khan with comments that were widely interpreted as racist. The singer's manager shared a statement on the musician’s official Facebook page.
"The Guardian Gets It Wrong Again! Let’s get real. ‘Former Morrissey fans’ have not organized anything. That ‘Has-Been Haslam’ character was never a Morrissey fan,” the post reads. “We are in the business of creating music and performing music. We are actually not in the business of politics, or bullshit. We’ll leave that to Wannabees like Mr Haslam and the Editors of The Guardian."
Less than a day later, the tour dates were cancelled due to "logistical circumstances beyond our control".
Haslam told Stars Insider, "We know what it’s like to be let down by Morrissey. If the dates are rescheduled, we’ll of course be happy once again to provide an alternative event in the city. One that counters Morrissey’s support for Tommy Robinson and the far-right." He also tweeted a response to the news.
News that Morrissey has cancelled his European shows, including his two in Manchester. Thank you to everyone who has lent support to the 'One Nation Under a Groove' event I have organised #VivaLove Can't wait for July 8th. INFO https://t.co/yyyd6JSro5 pic.twitter.com/bP0zgiBssZ
— Dave Haslam (@Mr_Dave_Haslam) 29 June 2018