Morrissey U-turn means he is now playing Chicago festival after all

Singer had previously stated he was pulling out of Riot Fest.

Morrissey has said he will appear at Chicago festival Riot Fest, despite claiming earlier this week (May 23) that he was cancelling his appearance.

On Monday, a statement on Morrissey’s website True To You said: “As of this date, Morrissey is not a part of this year’s Chicago Riot Fest.” But a new statement on the site says: “Morrissey is confirmed to headline the Chicago Riot Fest on Saturday September 17.”

Celebrating Riot Fest’s punk-themed line-up, Morrissey’s one-line statement was accompanied by a photo of Bruce Lee destroying a lamp.

NMEAndrew Hughes
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The reason for Morrissey’s original cancellation isn’t certain, but Morrissey has previously had disputes with festivals he was apparently billed to headline. He cancelled his Isle Of Wight Festival slot in 2005, saying “I have never, at any time, agreed to play Isle Of Wight Festival”, leading festival promoter John Giddings to comment: “As far as we were concerned, Morrissey definitely said yes. His record company Sanctuary confirmed he would appear.”

Morrissey was previously reported to have cancelled Glastonbury in 1992, plus Benicassim, KROQ Inland Invasion and San Francisco festival Now And Zen in 2004.

Riot Fest in Chicago on September 16-18 stars Misfits, Ween, Rob Zombie, Brand New, Descendents, Deftones, Refused, NOFX, Pierce The Veil, Jimmy Eat World, GWAR, Thursday and Bad Religion as well as Nas, The Specials, Jake Bugg, The Hives and Death Grips.

A sister Riot Fest in Denver on September 2-4 doesn’t feature Morrissey, but does star Tyler The Creator, Jane’s Addiction, Yo La Tengo and The Dandy Warhols in addition to Misfits, Ween and Death Cab For Cutie.

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