The former Smiths front man was announced as a headliner for this year’s festival back in March. But at the beginning of last week (May 30th) a statement appeared on Morrisseymusic.com – the star’s official site – indicating that Morrissey had pulled from the date, saying: “The pressure of preparing the new album and losing his drummer earlier this month has made it impossible for him to do the gig without massively compromising the gig and the album”

“They started something I couldn’t finish”
However, within hours of that explanation, a contradictory statement purporting to be directly from Morrissey himself was published on fansite true-to-you.net. Not only did this take issue with the official statement, but it also attacked the singer’s record label, Sanctuary. “I have not ever, at any time, agreed to play the Isle Of Wight Festival”, declared the statement. “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.”

“I don’t owe you anything”
The posting went on to disown the official line, stating Morrissey has “no connection at all with the site called Morrisseymusic.com”, insisting that Morrissey and drummer Deano Butterworth are still working together and declaring that the former Smiths man is no longer signed to his label.

“I am not under any pressure with the follow-up to “You Are The Quarry”; everything is in hand, and ready,” it explained. “However, my contract with Sanctuary ended last year and hasn’t been renewed. Hence, no promotional appearances for “Live At Earl’s Court” or the accompanying single. Surely someone noticed?”

Sanctuary refused to comment on the statement, with a spokesperson saying: “We’ve worked closely with Morrissey over the last couple of years and out of respect for our artists we’re not going to comment any further.”

“This not-very-charming man”
However, Nokia Isle Of Wight Festival promoters, Solo, were more vocal about the situation. An initial statement declared: “We are hugely disappointed to be let down and are shocked at Morrissey’s total disregard for the event and for his fans,” before promoter John Giddings elaborated, telling a tabloid newspaper: “I think he (Morrissey) is a wanker. If he can’t be bothered then fine…He always shoots himself in the foot.”

The situation fell into further confusion, as there was no official confirmation that Morrissey was genuinely behind the fansite statement. However, NME can confirm for the first time that the posting definitely came from him. But, as with many of the star’s industry dealings, the situation is far from straightforward.

According to our source, Morrissey’s claim that he never committed to the Isle Of Wight festival is correct, but the exact state of his relationship with his label remains unclear.

Relations between the artist and label have been the topic of music industry speculation since late year, suggesting that the current situation is likely to adversely affect the release of any new Morrissey material.

“You’re the one for me, Franny” The Isle Of Wight festival, meanwhile, has confirmed that Travis will be taking over the headlining slot on June 11th, but many fans who were travelling to the island specifically to see Morrissey have already contacted NME to express their frustration.

“Heaven knows we’re miserable now”
“Scandalous. Booked hotel, ferry and now it’s a disaster. Saturday is rubbish. What a waste of money,” declared NME reader Sean Stevens.

“Morrissey could have made an announcement publicly rather than doling it through small fan sites,” added Danny Carr. “I am gutted. I hope to attain a full refund. Morrissey, Sanctuary and Isle Of Wight: shame on you.”

Morrissey, however, tried to pre-empt criticism in his statement, insisting on his innocence.

“Regardless of the facts, people will always blame me for any unfortunate incidents, somehow believing that I control the whole spectrum of human events,” he wrote. “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.”