UPDATE: Sadly, it appears the South American tour has been postponed.
Morrissey is set to return to the stage tonight for his first live show since March. All eyes are focused on the Lima, Peru kickoff, especially after Morrissey revealed more about the illness that caused him to cancel his North American tour earlier this year. [In January, Moz abruptly canceled his Detroit area gig (Flint, Mi) and was admitted to a hospital in Royal Oak. Morrissey later returned to the stage, however he eventually took ill again and finally canceled the rest of his tour dates in March.] Morrissey explained to Latercera what happened in the hours prior to canceling the Flint show in a recent interview (for perspective, note that Morrissey played January 22nd in Columbus, Ohio, and the next scheduled show was January 24th in Flint):
"I played in January in Ohio, and I was perfect, but the next night at the hotel collapsed. I lost consciousness and when I recovered, it was covered in black blood and did not know what it was. I was taken to a hospital quickly discovered I had an ulcer, Barrett's esophagus, and then all finished in double pneumonia. I spent over four weeks with serum, but I refused a blood transfusion. I managed to do some more shows in the U.S., but when I arrived in Mexico the doctors told me to stop. Not being able to finish the tour was devastating, but doctors warned me: 'A few weeks ago you almost died, and now you say you'll do 18 shows more? Are you trying to kill you? '. In fact, I think that was what I was doing."
Read the rest of the interview here (translated version is here).
Since scrapping the North American tour, Morrissey has been quietly spending time recovering, though he has been spotted or photographed at events/shows including Queens of the Stone Age, Scott Weiland, Aviva Stadium with Robbie Keane, and hanging out with Tom Jones & Mel Gibson. Tonight's gig kicks off a string of dates in South America and perhaps if things go well (health-wise), more shows in other areas could very well be announced.
So far Morrissey has been welcomed with open arms in Peru, and he's offered up some kind words to the locals:
"I am humbled beyond belief by the reception here in Lima, Peru, and also by the ongoing welcome. For me, it is incredible - once more. If Chile, Argentina and Brazil are as giving, I shall ask no more and die happy. Peru, Peru - my heart's lighthouse."
Watch fan filmed video of Morrissey signing autographs for fans in Lima outside his hotel
Morrissey's confirmed tour itinerary is as follows (note there are also rumors of another "secret" show in Lima, but nothing has been officially confirmed):
July
09 - Lima, Peru @ Jockey Club
10 - Lima, Peru @ Jockey Club
15 - Vina del Mar, Chile @ Sporting Club
16 - Rancagua, Chile @ Monticello Grand Casino
18 - Puerto Montt, Chile @ Arena
19 - Concepcion, Chile @ Gimnasio Municipal
22 - Santiago, Chile @ Teatro la Cupula
23 - Santiago, Chile @ Teatro la Cupula
25 - Santiago, Chile @ Amanda Club
26 - Santiago, Chile @ Movistar Arena
28 - Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Tecnopolis
30 - Sao Paulo, Brazil @ Credicard Hall
August
02 - Brasilia, Brazil @ Espaco Iguatemi
04 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil @ Citibank Hall
Watch Morrissey's final song from his last gig on the ill-fated North American tour. The show ended with "Still Ill" which, was (sadly) a fitting end to the tour.
Morrissey's live concert film Morrissey 25: Live will screen in theaters in August. Worldwide screening dates should be announced soon.