Morrissey is refusing to play any shows in Canada in support of his upcoming album, “Ringleader of the Tormentors,” in protest of the nation’s “barbaric slaughter of over 325,000 baby seals.” Morrissey is also encouraging fans to boycott Canadian goods.
“I fully realize that the absence of any Morrissey concerts in Canada is unlikely to bring the Canadian economy to its knees, but it is our small protest against this horrific slaughter — which is the largest slaughter of marine animal species found anywhere on the planet,” the artist said in a statement on the noted fan site True to You.
He proceeded to rail against the use of seal skins as a commodity. “The Canadian Prime Minister also states that the slaughter is necessary because it provides jobs for local communities, but this is an ignorant reason for allowing such barbaric and cruel slaughter of beings that are denied life simply because somebody somewhere might want to wear their skin,” he said.
As previously reported, “Ringleader of the Tormentors” is due April 4 via Attack/Sanctuary. A European tour begins Saturday (April 1) in Gothenburg, Sweden.