Morrissey cancels two U.S. shows following credible threats to his safety.

English singer-songwriter Morrissey has canceled two upcoming performances in New England due to a reported credible threat against his life. The concerts were scheduled to take place at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut and the MGM Music Hall in Boston. The cancellations came just hours before the events were set to begin, prompting concerns about the veteran artist’s safety.

Morrissey’s representatives released a statement on social media outlining the situation, confirming that the Foxwoods show was called off to ensure the well-being of both the artist and his audience. They further clarified that his Boston performance had similarly been canceled, indicating that ticket holders would receive automatic refunds for both events.

This decision follows a disturbing incident that occurred approximately two weeks prior, during which Morrissey received a death threat ahead of his scheduled appearance at the CityFolk Festival in Ottawa, Canada. A 26-year-old man named Noah Castellano was allegedly responsible for the threat, having made a post on social media outlining his intentions to harm the former frontman of The Smiths. Court documents reported by local media indicate that the message included explicit threats to shoot Morrissey at his performance.

Despite this alarming context, Morrissey proceeded with his Ottawa concert as planned, while Castellano was arrested shortly after the incident. He faces charges for uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and has since been released on bail, under conditions that include residing at his father’s home near Washington, D.C.

The rationale behind the recent cancellation of Morrissey’s New England shows remains unclear; it has not been confirmed whether the decision was directly linked to the earlier threat from Castellano or if additional security concerns prompted the action. Morrissey is currently on a global tour, having performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York City just days before the canceled events. His schedule includes an upcoming concert in Philadelphia, with further dates planned before the tour moves to Mexico later this month.

As concerns about artist safety in the live performance space continue to escalate, Morrissey’s situation underscores the need for comprehensive security measures at public events, ensuring the protection of performers and audiences alike.