Morrissey, the iconic British singer-songwriter and former frontman of The Smiths, has abruptly canceled two highly anticipated concerts in the United States after receiving what his management described as a "credible threat" on his life. The cancellations, announced just hours before showtime, have left fans in Connecticut and Massachusetts stunned and concerned about the safety of one of alternative rock’s most enduring figures.
The affected dates were scheduled for September 19, 2025, at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, and September 20 at MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, Massachusetts. According to The Rock Revival, Morrissey’s management released a statement explaining, "In recent days, there has been a credible threat on Morrissey’s life. Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of both the artist and audience, tonight’s engagement at Foxwoods has been cancelled." The same cautionary language was used for the Boston show, with management adding, "All tickets will be refunded automatically at your original point of purchase. We appreciate your understanding."
The threat that led to these cancellations traces back to an alarming incident in Canada earlier this month. As reported by the Ottawa Citizen and corroborated by multiple outlets, a 26-year-old Ottawa man named Noah Castellano posted a chilling message on the social media platform Bluesky on September 4. The post read: "Steven Patrick Morrissey when you perform at TD Place here in Ottawa next week on the evening of September 12th, 2025 at about 9pm, I will be present at the venue in the audience and I will attempt to shoot you many times and kill you with a very large gun that I own illegally."
Authorities took the threat seriously. Castellano was arrested, charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and released on $5,000 bail with the condition that he reside at his father’s home near Washington, D.C., as detailed by the New York Daily News. Despite the gravity of the threat, Morrissey chose to go ahead with his performance at the CityFolk Festival in Ottawa on September 12. Festival organizers declined to comment on the incident, and Castellano, when contacted by the Ottawa Citizen, simply stated, "I’m not interested."
Following the Ottawa show, Morrissey continued with his North American tour, playing in Toronto on September 13 and at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall on September 16. The tour, which began in Montreal on September 10, was scheduled to run through October 25, wrapping up at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The next date after the canceled shows is set for September 23 at The Met in Philadelphia, and as of now, that performance is expected to proceed as planned, according to Fox News and The Independent.
The cancellations have reignited discussions about the safety of artists and audiences in the face of violent threats. Morrissey’s management was unequivocal about their priorities, stating that the decision was made "out of an abundance of caution for the safety of both the artist and band." The venues echoed these sentiments, with MGM Music Hall’s Instagram post citing the "credible threat" and confirming that "all tickets will be refunded at point of purchase for both shows."
Law enforcement in Ottawa confirmed the ongoing investigation, and while it remains unclear whether the "credible threat" behind the U.S. cancellations is directly connected to Castellano’s original post or represents a new danger, the proximity in timing has left many speculating. According to BBC and The Independent, the Ottawa Police continue to monitor the situation, and the 26-year-old suspect faces serious charges.
Morrissey, now 66, has been in the public eye for decades, first as the lead singer of The Smiths and later as a solo artist. His influence is undeniable, with The Smiths’ hits like "How Soon Is Now?" and "Bigmouth Strikes Again" still resonating with fans worldwide. After leaving the band in 1987, Morrissey built a solo career marked by both critical acclaim and controversy. According to The Independent, he recently announced plans to sell all his business interests in The Smiths, including the band’s name, artwork, merchandising rights, and publishing rights, stating he wished to "live disassociated from those who wish me nothing but ill will and destruction."
The threat against Morrissey is not an isolated incident in the music industry. As Fox News reported, other artists such as Marilyn Manson, The Chicks, and Taylor Swift have also faced security threats that forced them to cancel or modify tour dates. Swift, for instance, canceled three shows in Vienna in August 2024 following a planned terror attack targeting her concerts. She later addressed fans, expressing her "devastation" and the "new sense of fear" the event brought, while emphasizing the importance of audience safety.
These incidents highlight the growing challenges faced by performers in ensuring the safety of live events. Security protocols have become more stringent, and cancellations—even at the last minute—are increasingly common when credible threats arise. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s comments after the Swift incident, that "Islamist terrorism threatens security and freedom in many Western countries," underscore the broader context of heightened vigilance across the entertainment industry.
For Morrissey, the recent events have cast a shadow over what was meant to be a triumphant North American tour. While fans expressed disappointment over the canceled shows, many also voiced support for the artist’s decision to prioritize safety. As one fan commented on social media, "Better safe than sorry. We’ll see you next time."
Looking ahead, Morrissey’s tour is set to continue, with U.S. dates through October and a scheduled performance in Mexico on October 31, before a planned South American leg. A second set of U.S. dates is slated to begin in January 2026, running from San Diego to Hollywood, Florida. The hope among fans and organizers alike is that these shows can proceed without further incident.
In the wake of the threats and cancellations, the music community remains on alert, balancing the excitement of live performance with the ever-present need for security. Morrissey’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public figures and the importance of vigilance in protecting both artists and their audiences.
While the investigation into the threats continues, Morrissey’s next steps will be watched closely—not just by fans, but by an industry grappling with the realities of modern security challenges. For now, the music plays on, but with a heightened sense of caution and resolve.
