"Racist Morrissey Not Welcome": Inside Morrissey's Controversial Riot Fest Appearance

Morrissey took the stage at Chicago’s Riot Fest and greeted the crowd. “I’m pleased to be here. I’m pleased to be alive. It’s a miracle”, the British singer said.

Because bad weather was on the way, Riot Fest organisers and the city decided to end the festival early at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Morrissey’s set was moved up to 5:10 p.m. and shortened to 50 minutes. He joked about the situation, saying, “The rain, the mud, the thunder, the lightning! We’re all gonna die”. He added, “We have been warned we have to be very quick tonight, otherwise I’ll get my face kicked in, which I’m used to”.

Protest graffiti reading "RACIST MORRISSEY NOT WELCOME" along the Douglass Park perimeter fence at Riot Fest in Chicago. Photo: Chicago Sun-Times

Morrissey often finds himself at the centre of controversy, and Saturday’s show was no different. Local community groups criticised the organisers for inviting him, citing his past comments about immigration and his support for right-wing movements. That night, someone spray-painted “racist Morrissey not welcome” on the fencing around Douglass Park.

Before Morrissey finished his set, he had one more thing to say.

“When I was a teenager, I worried and worried about wasting time and I wasted 10 years worrying about wasting time,” he said, “so my message to you, if you want one, is if it feels good, do it”.

Morrissey's Riot Fest Setlist

1. First of the Gang to Die

2. Suedehead

3. Billy Budd

4. Shoplifters of the World Unite

5. Jack the Ripper

6. The Youngest Was the Most Loved

7. Irish Blood, English Heart

8. Everyday Is Like Sunday

9. How Soon Is Now?

10. There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

Read More:

• Will The Smiths Ever Reunite? Inside the Morrissey and Marr Feud

• The story behind The Smiths’ most heartbreaking ballad

• 5 Morrissey Lyrics That Still Haunt Us

Ellis Douglas
Editor, BritRock Heaven