Morrissey cancels tour after ‘medical mishaps’

By ALEX DIAZ
Published on 17/03/2013 00:00

FORMER Smiths frontman Morrissey has cancelled the remainder of his US tour due to a “series of medical mishaps”, his publicist said yesterday

The 53-year-old singer was forced to call off 22 dates across the US after suffering a bleeding ulcer, Barrett’s oesophagus and double pneumonia in recent months.

Publicist Lauren Papapietro said: “Despite his best efforts to try to continue touring, Morrissey has to take a hiatus and will not be able to continue on the rest of the tour.

“Morrissey thanks all of his fans for their well wishes and thoughts. Refunds for the remaining shows are available at the point of purchase.”

Morrissey, whose real name is Steven Patrick Morrissey, has been forced to cancel shows before for health reasons.

The animal rights activist and vegetarian had already postponed 21 concerts so far this year and was hospitalised in Michigan in January. Last month he told fans he was “terribly sorry” for any inconvenience and said he should be “as fit as a ferret” for rescheduled concerts. “The positive from all of this is that there are now no known ailments left for me to try,” he said.

In 2009, the singer cancelled a show at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall because of illness. In a statement at the time organisers said the star has been ordered to rest by doctors “to ensure a complete recuperation”.

He had previously cancelled a show in London’s Royal Albert Hall, when organisers said he was “unable to perform and, on doctor’s orders, has been told to rest”. The star also missed an appearance in May on the Later... With Jools Holland­ ­television show.