Morrissey Postpones San Diego Concert Hours Before Showtime Due To Local Hospital Admission

Fans of former Smiths frontman Morrissey faced disappointment yet again when the famously unpredictable singer postponed his May 1, 2025, performance at the San Diego Civic Theatre mere hours before showtime - though this time, a local hospital admission provided a valid reason for the last-minute cancellation.

Ticket holders received an email in the late afternoon on Thursday - just a few hours hours before the 8pm showtime - informing them that the concert had been rescheduled for January 6, 2026. The venue’s website confirmed the postponement and noted that previously purchased tickets will remain valid for the new date. Refunds are available through June 1 for those unable or unwilling to wait another eight months.

Initially, no reason was given for the abrupt cancellation. However, on May 3, a statement posted on the "Messages from Morrissey" section of the singer’s website revealed that Morrissey had been treated in hospital for a severe sinusitis attack following his April 30 performance in Bakersfield, California. He was admitted to Coronado Hospital in San Diego, prompting the postponement of both the San Diego and Rancho Mirage shows. The Rancho Mirage concert, originally set for May 2, has been rescheduled for October 24, 2025.

According to the official statement, Morrissey’s U.S. tour will resume on Monday, May 5, at Tucson Centennial Hall in Arizona. "Morrissey, the band and crew, are very appreciative of those who convey understanding at difficult moments during tours," the post said.

The 65-year-old singer, known for his poetic lyricism and outspoken persona, has developed a reputation for canceling or postponing performances - sometimes with little or no warning. By some counts, including fan-run archives, the San Diego Civic Theatre postponement marks roughly the 348th canceled, delayed, or cut-short show in his solo career.

In 2024 alone, 9 out of 23 scheduled dates were canceled, including multiple stops in Latin America, citing "physical exhaustion" and medical supervision in Zurich. The year before, a dengue infection in Mexico and undisclosed "technical issues" led to the rescheduling or cancellation of 14 out of 49 concerts.

Even San Diego fans are no strangers to these abrupt changes. On June 3, 2007, Morrissey cut his set short at Viejas Concerts at Bayside after performing 15 songs, while in November 2018, his performance at Copley Symphony Hall ended early due to multiple stage invaders.

Despite these frequent disruptions, Morrissey maintains a devoted fanbase drawn to his poetic lyricism, theatrical flair, and emotional candor. As the voice behind The Smiths’ cult classics and a prolific solo artist with albums like Viva Hate, You Are the Quarry, and I Am Not a Dog on a Chain, his influence on indie and alternative music remains profound.

Those still holding out hope to see Morrissey live will need to wait until early next year - assuming the new date holds. The San Diego Civic Theatre advises fans to keep their tickets for the January 6, 2026, performance and offers a refund window through June 1, 2025, via original points of purchase. Whether the singer will finally take the stage in San Diego remains to be seen. Given his decades-long pattern of postponements, fans may be wise to hope for the best - and prepare for the unexpected.

For updates on the San Diego Civic Theatre event, visit sandiegotheatres.org or follow official Morrissey channels.

Originally published on May 2, 2025.