Morrissey Cancels Stockholm Concert: Exhaustion and Lack of Industry Support
In a heartbreaking announcement for fans, former Smiths frontman Morrissey has canceled his upcoming concert in Stockholm, citing severe exhaustion among his band and a lack of support from the music industry. The 66-year-old was scheduled to perform at Stockholm’s Hovet Arena on Monday, June 23, but the show has been called off.
In a statement on Morrissey Central, he expressed the pain of not being able to reach Stockholm this week, stating, “The pain at not reaching Stockholm this week is horrific for the band and crew. We dream of Stockholm, Reykjavik, Trondheim, Helsinki, Aarhus… but there is no financial support from imaginary record labels to get us to such places.”
Morrissey further explained that despite having visited six countries in the past week, the constant travel has taken its toll on the group. “We are travel-weary beyond belief,” he said. “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.”
According to the tour schedule, no other Scandinavian dates are booked. Fans who purchased tickets for the Stockholm show received a message reading, “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.”
Morrissey also expressed ongoing frustrations with the state of the industry, pointing out the contrast between high ticket sales and a lack of backing from labels or radio. “No label will release our music, no radio will play our music… and yet our ticket sales are sensational,” he said. “What does this tell us about the state of Art in 2025?”
He added, “The wagon rolls on to Berlin, 27 June. With the grace of God we will all gather. I love all of you with whatever is left of my doomed heart.”
His comments come as tensions continue over his unreleased album Bonfire of Teenagers. The project, recorded between 2020 and 2021, was originally slated for a 2023 release on Capitol Records but remains shelved following his split from the label in 2022.
Morrissey has had a long and contentious relationship with record labels—even dating back to his days with The Smiths. The band was signed to independent label Rough Trade and frequently voiced frustration over the lack of star treatment and criticized what they called the label’s “defeatism” when it came to promoting their music. As The Smiths grew in popularity and attracted interest from major labels, they became increasingly frustrated with their Rough Trade contract, which bound them for at least two more albums after “Shakespeare’s Sister.” Regardless, The Smiths officially disbanded in 1987 after internal tensions made it increasingly difficult for the group to continue.
Morrissey's decision to cancel the Stockholm concert due to exhaustion and apparent lack of industry support highlights both his commitment towards performative health as well a shared frustration among some artistes with inadequate logistical backing in today’s music scene.
Morrissey's cancellation of the Stockholm concert amidst exhaustion and a perceived lack in industry backing is disappointing, yet another example highlighting artist struggles against poor logistical support despite much-deserved recognition for his talent.
Morrissey's cancellation of the Stockholm concert, citing exhaustion and lack of industry support as reasons for his decision to withdraw from performance #TheIndustryImpactOnArtistsRemainsDaunting.
The cancellation of Morrissey's Stockholm concert due to exhaustion and a perceived lack虽of industry support highlights the delicate balance musicians must navigate between personal well-being, artistic expression; ending in another chapter formusic fanatics thriving on his unique brand.
Morrissey's decision to cancel his Stockholm concert due of exhaustion and lack of industry support reflects not only on the challenges faced by independent artists in securing proper backing, but also highlights their dedication amidst fatigue.
The cancellation of Morrissey's Stockholm concert due to exhaustion and lack of industry support highlights the delicate balance between artist well-being, fan expectations, and financial realities in live music events.
The cancellation of Morrissey's Stockholm concert due to exhaustion and lack of industry support marks an unfortunate turn for fans, highlighting the challenges faced by independent musicians in securing necessary backing.
