Morrissey forced to cancel US dates

16 March 2013

Former Smiths frontman Morrissey has cancelled the remainder of his US tour due to a "series of medical mishaps", his publicist said.

The 53-year-old singer was forced to call off 22 dates across the US after suffering a bleeding ulcer, Barrett's oesophagus and double pneumonia in recent months.

Publicist Lauren Papapietro said in a statement that fans with tickets would be refunded.

She said: "Despite his best efforts to try to continue touring, Morrissey has to take a hiatus and will not be able to continue on the rest of the tour.

"Morrissey thanks all of his fans for their well wishes and thoughts. Refunds for the remaining shows are available at point of purchase."

The animal rights activist and vegetarian had already postponed 21 concerts so far this year and was hospitalised in Michigan in January.

However, last month he told fans he was "terribly sorry" for any inconvenience and said he should be "as fit as a ferret" for rescheduled concerts.

"The positive from all of this is that there are now no known ailments left for me to try," he said with typically dry humour.