“I will attempt to shoot you many times”: Morrissey’s life threatened by social media user, prompts concert cancellation

Morrissey has pulled two concerts in the United States after he was targeted by a death threat linked to a planned performance in Ottawa.

According to the Ottawa Citizen, the threat had appeared on BlueSky on September 4 and was traced to a 26-year-old identified as Noah Castellano. The post, reproduced in reporting, read:

“Steven Patrick Morrissey when you perform at TD Place here in Ottawa next week on the evening of September 12th, 2025 at about 9pm, I will be present at the venue in the audience and I will attempt to shoot you many times and kill you with a very large gun that I own illegally.”

Noah Castellano was charged with making death threats and has since been released on $5,000 bail.

Morrissey called off two concerts in New England after receiving an online death threat

Steven Patrick's fans in Boston and Connecticut were caught by surprise when the singer cancelled both shows after receiving a threat. His team announced the update on Facebook on Friday, September 19.

“In recent days, there has been a credible threat on Morrissey’s life. Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of both the artist and audience, tonight’s engagement at Foxwoods has been cancelled,” shared his team.

A second update read:

“Due to recent events and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of both the artist and band, the upcoming shows this weekend at Foxwoods and MGM Music Hall have been cancelled. All tickets will be refunded automatically at your original point of purchase. We appreciate your understanding.”

According to Us Weekly, the singer has been on a world tour and was set to perform in Philadelphia on Tuesday, September 23. The BBC noted his long history of taking public stances, including his 2006 refusal to tour Canada in protest against the annual seal hunt.

Morrissey announced plan to sell all business interests in the Smiths

Steven Patrick revealed he was ready to part with the Smiths’ legacy, telling fans he intended to sell off his share of the band’s business rights. The Guardian reported on September 5, 2025, that the announcement appeared on his website Morrissey Solo in a post titled “A Soul for Sale.”

The proposed deal covered the band’s name, artwork created by Steven Patrick, as well as merchandising, compositions, recordings, and publishing rights. Explaining his decision, the singer said he was “burnt out by any and all connections” to former bandmates Johnny Marr, Mike Joyce, and the late Andy Rourke.

“I have had enough of malicious associations, with my entire life I have paid my rightful dues to these songs and these images. I would now like to live disassociated from those who wish me nothing but ill will and destruction, and this is the only resolution,” he explained.

“The songs are me - they are no one else - but they bring with them business communications that go to excessive lengths to create as much dread and spite year after year. I must now protect myself, especially my health,” he added.

Johnny Marr disputed Steven Patrick's claim over the Smiths trademark and copyright:

Marr’s stance on reviving the Smiths had long been clear. He said he once declined an “eye-watering” offer for a reunion.

“It was a little bit about principles, but I’m not an idiot, I just think the vibe’s not right,” he remarked, pointing to both political and personal distance between himself and Steven Patrick.

Disputes resurfaced in 2024, when Steven Patrick claimed Marr had acquired the band’s trademark “without any consultation” and held copyright that could open the door to a tour with a new vocalist. Marr disputed the claim.

His spokesperson clarified:

“In 2018, following an attempt by a third party to use the Smiths’ name - and upon discovery that the trademark was not owned by the band - Marr reached out to Morrissey, via his representatives, to work together in protecting the Smiths’ name. A failure to respond led Marr to register the trademark himself. It was subsequently agreed with Morrissey’s lawyers that this trademark was held for the mutual benefit of Morrissey and Marr," explained the spokesperson.

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“As a gesture of goodwill, in January 2024, Marr signed an assignment of joint ownership to Morrissey. Execution of this document still requires Morrissey to sign,” aded the spokeperson.

Marr added that he had no intention of touring with the Smiths’ name or singer replacement, and had even rejected Warner Music Group’s proposal to issue another compilation album, citing how many already existed.

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