On Monday, Morrissey’s camp announced that “all vendors within and around” Los Angeles’ Staples Center arena “will be 100 percent vegetarian” for Moz’s sold-out March 1 concert therein. After the news spread on Tuesday, the venue issued its own report which suggested a different story: that they will be “adding a variety of vegetarian food items to those already offered” and that they’re suggesting their neighbors do the same, plus offering PETA space for an info booth.
“As we have done in the past, we are happy to create a menu with a greater variety of vegetarian items for our guests who prefer these types of options,” said Staples senior VP and general manager Lee Zeidman in the statement . It’s worth noting that the arena was recently named PETA’s “most vegetarian-friendly” NBA venue. “We respect Morrissey’s lifestyle and his concern for the wishes of so many of his fans and are happy that we are able to honor his requests in this manner.”
The original release from Moz also announced that the onsite McDonald’s would close for the night — Blogdowntown reports that Staples and the fast food giant are still “in talks” — and that his meatless coup at this location had been attempted unsuccessfully by Sir Paul McCartney. Staples kinda smacked that down: “As [we have] previously coordinated on behalf of artists … including Sir Paul McCartney, all backstage catering will be 100 percent meatless throughout the evening.”
The Los Angeles Times spoke with Staples’ director of communications Cara Vanderhook, who made it quite clear that “flesh as food” would indeed be served: “The original request came through the promoter [Goldenvoice], however going entirely meatless was never an option as it goes against our philosophy of providing our guests with the greatest number of amenities and food options in an arena setting.” So there’s still a chance Moz could smell something he doesn’t like.
Morrissey’s publicist declined comment on the offending press release but told SPIN, “Fans and writers will be able to go to the show and see what Morrissey has accomplished there, see what’s being served for themselves.” It’s possible that the former Smiths singer jumped the gun in releasing his statement when he did. Perhaps he’ll tell us he was only joking? Well, don’t say Bigmouth didn’t warn you.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=FgxEJOi6GtA
