Morrissey’s latest album is “Make-Up Is A Lie.” We will now see how, or if, he handles makeup dates.
The former frontman of The Smiths canceled his four-show series at Encore Theater at the Wynn on Friday, a week before opening night. Along with that show, the dropped dates are Aug. 15, Aug. 18 and Aug. 19.
Ticket holders, many of whom surely booked flights and rooms to catch Morrissey on the Strip, were informed via email: “Due to unforeseen logistical issues, the scheduled Las Vegas residency cannot take place.”
Ticketmaster said refunds would be issued under its customary policy within 14 to 21 days.
There is no announcement of return dates from the Morrissey camp or from concert promoter AEG Presents, which books the theater.
Morrissey is a familiar Las Vegas headliner, helming the five-show “Viva Moz Vegas” residency in August 2021. He has also earned a reputation for late cancellations, including three shows at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan from 2012 to 2013, citing illness.
The angst-exuding singer-songwriter also postponed his first two shows of this year, in Rancho Mirage, Calif. and San Diego, “due to an adverse reaction to a prescription medication,” according to morrissey-solo.com. Several websites list his many canceled shows.
These Las Vegas shows were to mark Morrissey’s debut at Encore Theater. “Make-Up Is A Lie” peaked at No. 3 on the U.K. Official Albums Chart and No. 14 on the Billboard Top Album Sales charts. It is his 14th solo album.
This is the 67-year-old front man’s 26th album overall to chart in the U.K., counting his days with The Smiths, which he co-founded in the early 1980s.
The U.K. monthly music pub Mojo Magazine, referred to the new album as, “His most convincing howl for ages.” We will hear that howl from afar.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.