After boycotting Canada for 13 years, Morrissey is returning to the Great White North for a spring tour. His eight-city run in April will partially benefit local animal rights organizations, according to the singer.
In 2006, the former frontman of the Smiths issued a statement saying he wouldn’t perform in Canada during his world tour and that he would support a boycott of Canadian goods due to the “barbaric and cruel slaughter” of seals.
“I fully realize that the absence of any Morrissey concerts in Canada is unlikely to bring the Canadian economy to its knees, but it is our small protest against this horrific slaughter – which is the largest slaughter of marine animal species found anywhere on the planet,” he wrote at the time.
In fall 2018, he announced he would once again play in the country, explaining that his original “stance was ultimately of no use and helped no one.” He is also urging animal rights groups to set up booths at his concerts.
“On my return to Canada I feel that I can be of more use by making sizeable donations to animal protection groups in each city that I play,” he wrote, listing Canadian groups such as Toronto Pig Save, Ottawa Animal Save, St. John’s Chicken Save and Vancouver Chicken Save.
In 2018, hunters killed 80,000 seals during the country’s commercial seal hunt. Morrisey’s characterization of the seal hunt has been controversial. Not everyone is excited about his upcoming tour, including many social media users who have criticized his reversal.
Morrissey’s Canadian spring tour dates 2019
April 15: Vancouver, B.C. Orpheum Theatre
April 17: Calgary, Alta. Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
April 18: Edmonton, Alta. Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
April 20: Saskatoon, Sask. TCU Place
April 22: Winnipeg, Man. Centennial Concert Hall
April 26: Toronto, Ont. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
April 27: Toronto, Ont. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
April 29: Montreal, Que. Telus
Morrissey will soon be releasing a covers album, California Son, which is expected to coincide with his tour. Stay tuned to Pursuit for an exclusive interview with Morrisey coming up in the next few weeks.
