# Morrissey campaign against bullfighting in Spain

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/morrissey-campaign-against-bullfighting-in-spain
> Updated: 2026-07-30T10:38:47.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 4.

In late July 2026, Morrissey sent an open letter to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urging a ban on bullfighting, aligning with a parliamentary proposal to strip the sport of its protected cultural‑heritage status and a petition that had gathered more than 715,000 signatures. He reiterated the appeal during his inaugural Barts Festival performance in Barcelona and again on his "Make‑up is a lie" Iberian tour, describing bullfighting as a “barbaric” tradition.

His Madrid stop at the Movistar Arena at the end of July (reported on 29‑30 July) featured a mixed‑reception set plagued by technical issues, but he used the platform to repeat the call for a nationwide ban, sparking renewed debate in Spanish media.

On 1 August, Morrissey performed at the Super Bock Arena in Porto, Portugal, as part of the same tour, promoting his new album released in March 2026, which received mixed reviews and a Metacritic score of 59. The tour continues to draw attention both for the music and for his outspoken animal‑rights stance.

## Claims

- Morrissey is touring Spain with concerts in Barcelona and Madrid as part of his 'Make‑up is a lie' tour. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Morrissey wrote a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez requesting a ban on bullfighting. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Spanish press has recorded about 360 concert cancellations by Morrissey since 1991, representing roughly 25‑40 % of his shows each year. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Reasons for Morrissey's cancellations include health problems, personal issues, travel difficulties and unsafe venues. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Morrissey's first Spanish concert cancellation occurred at the Benicàssim festival in 2004 due to flight problems; he returned two years later. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Morrissey performed at the Barts Festival in Manchester shortly before traveling to Spain. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-30: Morrissey calls on Spain's Prime Minister to end bullfighting during Iberian tour

Morrissey urged Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez to ban bullfighting as he toured Iberia, performing shows in Barcelona, Madrid and Porto while promoting his new album.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morrissey-performs-in-madrid-urges-pm-snchez-to-ban-bullfighting

### 2026-07-27: Morrissey petitions Spanish PM to ban bullfighting on Spain tour

Morrissey tours Spain and writes to PM Pedro Sánchez seeking a bullfighting ban, amid a history of 360 concert cancellations representing 25‑40% of shows.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morrissey-petitions-spanish-pm-to-ban-bullfighting-on-spain-tour

### 2026-07-25: Morrissey draws 68,000 fans to Barcelona Barts Festival finale

Morrissey headlined the Barcelona Barts Festival finale, drawing 68,000 attendees, performing hits like “Billy Budd,” and prompting fans to camp overnight; the concert featured vegan food and a brief appeal to

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morrissey-draws-68000-fans-to-barcelona-barts-festival-finale

### 2026-07-23: Morrissey urges Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez to ban bullfighting

Morrissey wrote to PM Pedro Sánchez before his July concerts, urging a ban on bullfighting; the plea, backed by PETA, aligns with a citizen initiative that has gathered over 715,000 signatures to remove the art

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morrissey-urges-spanish-pm-to-ban-bullfighting-ahead-of-madrid-barcelona-shows

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Cite as: Morrissey campaign against bullfighting in Spain. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/morrissey-campaign-against-bullfighting-in-spain