Morrissey fans were left baffled after a California gig of his was brought to an abrupt end – moments after the singer complained of feeling ‘extremely cold’.
The Smiths frontman had been performing at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday 12 November when he walked off stage after performing just a handful of songs.
Footage shows Morrissey telling the audience: “As I think you know, it's extremely cold.”
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As audience members laughed and cheered, he continued: “Can you tell? I can. However, we will steam on, where to? Who knows.”
He then launched into a rendition of ‘Billy Budd’.
However, around 30 minutes into his set, Morrissey surprised his fans when he suddenly left – leaving a band member to return to the stage to apologise to the audience.
"Sorry, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the show is not going to continue,” he said.
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As ‘loud boos’ erupted from the crowd, he added: “Very sorry. We’ll see you next time.”
According to the Daily Mail, at the time, the temperature in Los Angeles was 53 degrees Fahrenheit – or 11.6 degrees Celsius.
While an official reason for the cancellation has not been confirmed by Morrissey, a statement on his social media platforms thanked fans for coming to the shorter-than-expected show.
It said: “Thank you for coming out last night, LA. We love you and are grateful for your support.
“Please stand by for further announcements coming shortly.”
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A message on the Greek Theatre’s website also confirmed Morrissey’s concert had been ‘postponed to a TBD date’, adding: “Please continue to monitor out website for further information.”
A number of fans have speculated online that his departure was linked to feeling the chill, with one tweeting: “So, #Morrissey just walked off the stage at @Greek_Theatre after 30 min. Apparently he was too cold. Meanwhile, it's in the 50s.”
Someone else fumed: “Shame! Shame! Shame! @officialmoz Your fans spent hard earned time and money to see you and you’re TOO COLD to continue after 30 minutes? #Ticketmaster I want a refund.”
Another said: “Morrissey legit just cancelled his concert 5 songs in because he was 'cold' after starting almost an hour late... BRO WHAT we spent 300 dollars on each ticket and won't get refunded.”
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A fourth wrote sarcastically: “Soooo glad I didn’t give in and buy that middle section $300 ticket for my Birthday gift!!! Oh THANK GOD I didn’t spend my 63th birthday for 30 minutes of Morrissey!!!”
But others defended the star – with one fan saying: “It's an outdoor venue, forested, and at a higher elevation. I'm sure it felt colder than 50° How could you really enjoy if you're too busy shivering?”
Some also pointed out that people should avoid ‘judging’ until we have the facts, with someone claiming they had spoken to venue staff and was told the singer was feeling unwell – although this has not been confirmed.
LADbible has reached out to Morrissey's reps for further comment.
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Either way, as someone who feels the cold, I can at least empathise. It’s currently 12 degrees Celsius where I am, and heaven knows I’m miserable now...
Jess Hardiman