Morrissey Slams Sanctuary Over Isle Of Wight Fiasco

Morrissey is parting company with his record label, Sanctuary after staff at the label incorrectly informed fans that he would be performing at this year’s Isle Of Wight Rock festival.

It was announced earlier this week that Morrissey was pulling out of his appearance at the festival his reasons being the departure of his drummer from his backing band and pressure to complete his next album.

In a statement posted on the internet Morrissey lashes out at the label and clearly states that he and Sanctuary parted company last year.

He says: “I have not ever, at any time, agreed to play the Isle of Wight Festival. The announcement that I would play was made by Sanctuary - and it was their error. However, record companies will never take the blame for their own mistakes and Sanctuary’s press statement today reflects this.

”In truth, I am not at all under pressure with the follow-up to ‘You Are The Quarry’ - everything is in hand, and ready. However, my contract with Sanctuary ended last year and hasn’t been renewed. Hence, no promotional appearances for ‘Live At Earls Court’ or the accompanying single. Surely somebody noticed?

”Secondly, I have NOT parted company with Deano, and I am annoyed that Sanctuary have thrown this in without consulting either Deano or myself. But that’s just the way it goes. Call it anything other than what it is.

”Thirdly, I have no connection at all with the site called Morrisseymusic.com. It is controlled by Sanctuary and I am neither consulted nor involved.

”When a concert is announced in error - as with Japan last year - the inevitable news to follow is that I have “pulled out”; but I can’t pull out if I’ve never been in, in the first place, and even though Janice Long kindly announced very early on that the IOW wouldn’t happen, unfortunately Sanctuary would not confirm this and this encouraged people to buy tickets.

”I am very angry about the IOW, but I can’t control Sanctuary. I also realise that, regardless of the facts, people will always blame me for any unfortunate incidents—somehow believing that I control the entire spectrum of human events. In truth, since our closing dates last year in London and Dublin, my personal involvement in anything that has followed has been sub minus zero.

”There will be a new signing for the new album, so please wait until you hear the news from my lips. Everything else is just gossip. love to you from MORRISSEY.”

Photo By Stuart Antrobus