A fan who threw a bottle at pop star Morrissey during an arena gig ruined a brilliant night out for thousands of music lovers, the manger of the venue said today.
The former Smiths frontman stormed off stage mid way through his second song at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, after a plastic bottle of beer struck him in the eye.
Merseyside Police have been informed about the incident, Echo Arena general manager Tim Banfield said.
“We are exceptionally disappointed that one individual should choose to recklessly cause the concert to be abandoned, ruining what should have been a brilliant night out for thousands of Morrissey fans.
“The Echo Arena team take great care to ensure the safety of visitors and artists at the venue.
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“However it appears that one person was determined last night to throw an object at the stage with the intention of causing as much disruption as possible,” he said.
Morrissey, who collapsed on stage three weeks ago, had opened the concert with the words: “It’s Saturday, it’s Liverpool, it’s raining, it’s perfect” before launching into the Smiths’ hit This Charming Man.
He had shown no signs of the respiratory illness which saw him spending the night in hospital on October 24.
But during his second song, Black Cloud, the 50-year-old stepped to the front of the stage to shake the hands of fans when a plastic bottle of beer was hurled toward him.
The singer stood up and said “goodnight” to the stunned 8,000 strong crowd before walking off stage.
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His fans then burst into chants of “Morrissey, Morrissey. Morrissey” in an effort to get the performance back on track.
But about five minutes later an announcement was made to a chorus of boos that he had been hit on the head and would not be resuming the concert.
Iain Kavanagh, 33, from Liverpool, said: “Some people were complaining afterwards because he’s been in the game for years and he should be used to it by now.
“But he’s a 50-year-old man who has just been ill and he deserves better than that.”
Mr Banfield said he will now review all food and drink arrangements “to tackle the small minority who appear incapable of behaving in a responsible manner.”
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Concert goers have been advised to contact their ticket retailer to find out if they will get their money back.