Morrissey treated for cancer: 'If I die, then I die'

Morrissey performing live. Photo / AP

Over the past few years, Morrissey has been forced to cancel a string of live dates citing various illnesses - from double pneumonia to bleeding ulcers.

For the first time, the former Smiths frontman has seemingly confirmed that he's been privately suffering from cancer.

Speaking during a Spanish language interview with El Mundo (translated by The Guardian), he appears to explain that he has undergone a series of treatments.

"They have scraped cancerous tissues four times already, but whatever," he told the publication.

"If I die, then I die. And if I don't, then I don't. Right now I feel good. I am aware that in some of my recent photos I look somewhat unhealthy, but that's what illness can do. I'm not going to worry about that, I'll rest when I'm dead."

He went on to say he feels he's reached an age when he "should no longer be making music".

"Many composers of classical music died at age 34. And I'm still here, and nobody knows what to do with me.

"With luck I will be able to stop singing forever, which would make many people happy!"

Morrissey most recently pulled out of a tour of the United States in June, citing a respiratory infection. He said that doctors had warned him last year to stop touring, but that he had ignored the advice because the lifestyle has "ingrained" within in.

In typical Morrissey style, however, he didn't leave the Spanish interviewer without hurling a few lines at a public target. This time, the Beckhams felt his wrath. As did the BBC for their apparently biased coverage of the Scottish referendum.

"They did everything possible to tilt the vote toward no and never reported on the potential benefits of an independent Scotland," the Yes supporter said.

- Independent