In a twist that’s left fans reeling, former Smiths frontman Morrissey has officially canceled his highly anticipated concert in Stockholm. The reason? Severe exhaustion plaguing his band and a glaring lack of support from the music industry. Morrissey, now 66, who’s currently on a whirlwind tour across the UK and Europe, was set to light up Stockholm’s Hovet Arena on Monday, June 23. However, he has regretfully announced that the show will not take place.
“The pain at not reaching Stockholm this week is horrific for the band and crew,†Morrissey lamented on Morrissey Central. “We dream of Stockholm, Reykjavik, Trondheim, Helsinki, Aarhus… but there is no financial support from imaginary record labels to get us to such places.†This poignant statement underlines the exhaustive strain of constant travel, having already visited six countries in the past week.
“We are travel-weary beyond belief,†he added, expressing a heartfelt plea for assistance. “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.†Unfortunately for fans, no other Scandinavian dates are currently scheduled.
Those who purchased tickets for the Stockholm show received a disheartening message: “Due to exhaustion among the band and crew, the Morrissey headline engagement at Hovet has been canceled. Refunds will be available at the point of purchase.†This cancellation highlights Morrissey’s ongoing struggles with the music industry, which he critiqued fiercely, noting the disparity between high ticket sales and abysmal backing from labels or radio stations. “No label will release our music, no radio will play our music… and yet our ticket sales are sensational,†he remarked. “What does this tell us about the state of Art in 2025?â€Â
Morrissey’s frustrations extend to his unreleased album Bonfire of Teenagers, a project that has remained in limbo since its completion between 2020 and 2021. Originally set for a 2023 release under Capitol Records, it has been shelved following his split from the label in 2022. “There is no arts media anymore in England,†he lamented, attributing the current state of affairs to what he calls an “idiot culture.†He believes that genuine artists are being stifled by those resistant to alternative opinions.
The storyline takes on a deeper layer considering Morrissey’s historic conflicts with record labels, which date back to his time with The Smiths. Alongside guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke, and drummer Mike Joyce, Morrissey faced hurdles in promoting their music while signed to independent label Rough Trade. Their rising popularity led to frustrations with the label’s unwillingness to elevate their platform. The Smiths officially disbanded in 1987, a culmination of internal tensions that made it increasingly difficult for the group to thrive.
Despite the turmoil, Morrissey remains resilient, looking ahead to Berlin on June 27. “With the grace of God, we will all gather. I love all of you with whatever is left of my doomed heart,†he shared, a beacon of hope amidst mounting challenges. As fans await his next move, the anticipation lingers in the air, underscoring Morrissey’s enduring impact on the music landscape.