Morrissey, the former frontman of The Smiths, will tour Canada for the first time in 15 years.

In April this year, Moz will kick off his tour with a show in Vancouver before moving on to Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto before ending up in Montreal.

The decision to play Canada is a controversial one if you’ve been a keen follower of Morrissey’s outspoken views. It was back in 2006 when he insisted that he will never play a concert in the country again in protest of their hunting of seals, he said: “I fully realise 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,” at the time of his decision.

Further more , Morrissey again backed his decision to protest the country in 2014 when he said that “until this annual massacre is abolished, Canada itself is regrettably fashionably dead.”

Despite his typically strong views given his strong history as a animal rights activist, Morrissey released a statement via his official website to clarify his decision to return to Canada.

The statement reads:

“My decision to return to Canada after almost 15 years of protest against its savage and Neanderthal annual Baby Seal Kill is entirely because my stance was ultimately of no use and helped no one. My voice was drowned out by the merciless swing of spiked axes crushing the heads of babies. On my return to Canada I feel that I can be of more use by making sizeable donations to animal protection groups in each city that I play.

“The current Canadian government neurotically preach diversity: the understanding that each individual is unique, and has much to offer because of their differences. This tolerance does not extend to the seal family – who hurt no one, yet who have no rights to life in the new non-discriminatory Canada. Will my Canadian tour be a success? I have no idea. I shall give my best and do my best. We are all passionately looking forward to renewed friendships.”

Morrissey 2019 Tour Dates:

04/15 – Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum Theatre

04/17 – Calgary, AB @ Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

04/18 – Edmonton, AB @ Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

04/26 – Toronto, ON @ Sony Centre for the Performing Arts

04/27 – Toronto, ON @ Sony Centre for the Performing Arts

04/29 – Montreal, QC @ MTelus