Organisers of Japan's largest rock festival - the Fuji Festival - have announced that Morrissey has pulled out of the event because of a "sudden disagreement" over his performance. In a statement the festival's promoters told reporters yesterday: "While we had received official agreement regarding the artist's performance from both Morrissey's management and agent, a sudden disagreement arose between the two parties regarding the terms of the performance, upon which we were notified that Morrissey would not be appearing. A further attempt was made between the parties to reach a contractual agreement, but as of now the situation remains unchanged." No comment as yet from Morrissey or his label.
Morrissey has been commenting, however, on the sad death of New York Dolls' bass player Arthur Kane, who died last week, just weeks after a Morrissey organised reunion for the band. Paying tribute to the guitarist Mozza said: "He has left us with some great musical memories - especially 'Private World' and 'It's Too Late'. He was a very gentle soul and I know he lived for many years with the hope of a Dolls reunion. When this happened - at the Royal Festival Hall in June - I know Arthur was thrilled to be back with David and Sylvain playing the music of the Dolls to such enthusiastic crowds over two nights. I will always remember the look of bashful happiness on Arthur's face as people in the audience constantly called out his name. He was finally back where he belonged."