# Morrissey's Riot Fest Set Sparks Debate

> Morrissey's Riot Fest set draws backlash over immigration comments.
- Title: Morrissey's Riot Fest Set Sparks Debate · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Morrissey's Riot Fest set draws backlash over immigration comments. Morrissey's Riot Fest performance faced community backlash due to past immigration…
- Keywords: morrissey, riot fest, chicago, immigration, community backlash, local groups, singer, festival, news, local, Morrissey's, Riot
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/music/2026/09/19/review-morrissey-riot-fest
- Published: 2026-09-19T23:48:22.342+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: morrissey, riot fest, chicago, immigration, community backlash, local groups, singer, festival, news, local
## Morrissey at Riot Fest
Morrissey performs at Chicago's Riot Fest on Saturday.

> I’m pleased to be here. I’m pleased to be alive. It’s a miracle.
## Set Shortened
His set was cut to 50 minutes due to weather concerns.

> The rain, the mud, the thunder, the lightning! We’re all gonna die.
## Community Backlash
Local groups painted fencing with 'racist Morrissey not welcome'.

> Racist Morrissey not welcome!
## Morrissey's Response
He joked about the rushed set and crowd reaction.

> Welcome to our soundcheck. Can you hear us crystal clear? Is it disgusting?
## Immigration History
Morrissey has made past comments on immigration and supported right-wing movements.

> We believe immigrants make a country. White Christian nationalism isn’t going to fly.
## Festival Context
Social Distortion ended their set with anti-racism remarks.

> We believe immigrants make a country. White Christian nationalism isn’t going to fly.
## Musical Legacy
Morrissey influenced rockers, balladeers, and goths globally.

> How Soon Is Now, Every Day Is Like Sunday, Billy Budd, First of the Gang to Die.
## Chicago Connection
Morrissey's drummer has Chicago roots and played with The Smashing Pumpkins.

> Matt Walker, drummer for Morrissey, once logged time in The Smashing Pumpkins.
## Personal Message
Morrissey shared a personal message about time and living.

> When I was a teenager, I worried and worried about wasting time and I wasted 10 years worrying about wasting time.
## Legacy Debate
Morrissey's influence on music remains undeniable despite controversy.

> It would be hard to negate Morrissey’s influence on legions of rockers, balladeers and goths.
## What Happens Next
Community tensions may escalate over Morrissey's appearance.

> Racist Morrissey not welcome!
## Key takeaway

Morrissey's Riot Fest performance faced community backlash due to past immigration remarks, with local groups painting his appearance as 'racist Morrissey not welcome'.