Morrissey is once again making headlines — not for his music, but for cancelling a string of European shows and reigniting a decades-long feud with the music industry. And while his fans are disappointed, many aren't shocked.
The outspoken singer announced the cancellations on his official website and Instagram, blaming a lack of financial support and exhaustion from intense travel. He was scheduled to perform in cities including Stockholm, Reykjavík, Trondheim, Helsinki and Aarhus.
Morrissey's Pain and Frustration
'The pain at not reaching Stockholm this week is horrific for the band and crew,' Morrissey said. 'We dream of Stockholm, Reykjavik, Trondheim, Helsinki, Aarhus... but there is no financial support from imaginary record labels to get us to such places.'
In his scathing post, Morrissey added: 'We pray to God that someone, somewhere can help us reach Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Denmark... where we have thousands upon thousands of friends, yet absolutely zero music industry support. No label will release our music, no radio will play our music... and yet our ticket sales are sensational.'
The statement left fans divided. Some praised his honesty. Others, however, rolled their eyes. 'This is the real issue. All my friends are huge Morrissey fans from back in the day. Not a single one of them wants to see him now,' one Reddit user said.
Another commented, 'Guy has done nothing but piss and moan since he started his career. The fact that The Smiths will never go on a comeback tour when both of the most famous members are still alive and touring, is a testament to what an asshole he is. Johnny Marr is still the utter genius he's always been, but Morrissey has been a joke for damn near 30 years.'
Another comment that many seemed to agree with said, 'He could have taken complete control of his output and managed his career wholly as an independent. He just doesn't want to put his own money on the line. It's easier to whine about record labels and hard copy sales and radio airplay, when those things don't matter at all any more.'
Touring, Exhaustion and Lack of Support
According to Morrissey, the band had travelled through six countries in just one week and could 'barely see' from fatigue. While he promised fans the 'wagon rolls on to Berlin' on 27 June, he concluded his message with a typically dramatic farewell: 'I love all of you with whatever is left of my doomed heart.'
Morrissey has long had a turbulent relationship with record labels, dating back to his days with The Smiths. The group, known for its iconic influence on British rock, famously disbanded in 1987 amid tensions between Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr.
A Bigger Industry Problem?
Morrissey isn't alone in criticising the music industry's treatment of artists. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, new artist Chappell Roan used her acceptance speech to call out record labels profiting off artists without providing proper wages or healthcare. 'Record labels need to treat their artists as valuable employees with a livable wage and health insurance,' she said.
While Morrissey's critiques are consistent, they have also become part of a broader narrative: that of an ageing artist struggling to remain relevant, while railing against a system he believes has failed him.
Whether fans sympathise or scoff, Morrissey remains a polarising figure. And for many, that's exactly what they've come to expect.
