When Morrissey was announced as one of Riot Fest Chicago's headlining acts last week, Twitter lit up with speculation that the outspoken vegan performer might demand that the Douglas Park festival go meat-free on the day of his set. Others wondered if the former Smiths frontman would even show up—Morrissey has developed a reputation for canceling entire tours at the last minute (including several Chicago shows, most recently a gig at the Civic Opera House in 2014).
Now it seems as if Riot Fest organizers may have jumped the gun by including his name in the festival's 2016 lineup. A statement posted on the official Morrissey fan website True To You specifies, “As of this date (May 23), Morrissey is not a part of this year's Chicago Riot Fest.”
We've reached out to Riot Fest representatives and will update this post with any response. Unless the festival comes to an understanding with Moz, your chances of hearing “Meat is Murder” in Douglas Park this summer seem slim.
UPDATE 5/27/16: Morrissey has confirmed, once again via True To You, that he will be appearing at Riot Fest. Of course, he could change his mind again, so keep your fingers crossed.