Morrissey has written an emotional tribute to his former manager Peter Katsis, remembering him as “a very unusual star” and declaring that “a world has ended”.
Peter Katsis passed away last Thursday, August 6, aged 69. His death was reportedly caused by complications linked to congestive heart failure.
Born in Chicago, Katsis became a respected name within the music world, working as a manager for artists such as the Smashing Pumpkins, Backstreet Boys, Snoop Dogg and Jane’s Addiction. After news of his death emerged, the former Smiths singer initially responded by posting a picture of Katsis.
Morrissey has now published a more detailed remembrance, accompanied by an image showing Katsis dressed in drag while attending a New York Dolls concert in Chicago in 1973.
Looking back at the picture, Morrissey said: “He certainly got into the spirit of things. Given his bustling masculinity, he would roar with laughter to know that I have used this shot in summation of his life.”
“I am justifiably glum this week, and it has taken me several days to even face writing this because PK was a very unusual star: an adventurer who enjoyed biting off more than most people could collectively chew,” he continued. “He was very much liked – which was unusual in a music manager. In a way, a dreamy-eyed romantic, but when necessary, a trick octopus.”
Sharing more memories of Katsis and his larger than life personality, Morrissey added: “All liberties were taken; all fun encouraged and consumed. He knew how and when to give momentum another good shove. Sometimes his Chicagoan knuckle-district dialogue was slightly comic strip, but it was all part of his self-destructive charm… taunting an overdose of Dom Perignon because… well, why not?”
The singer also recalled how the pair viewed the music industry in much the same way. “We were similar in that we were both correct too early – on all predictions. He knew that most modern bands contained neither danger nor mystery, but he gritted his teeth and dealt with the platitudinous industry gabble of Los Angeles.”
Turning to a deeply personal moment in their friendship, Morrissey continued: “When my mother died in 2020, he raced to my side. He knew I couldn’t deal with it. He immediately introduced me to Andrew Watt and we recorded “Bonfire Of Teenagers” faster than the speed of sound – an undreamed-of rescue at a time when another day, for me, might not have come.”
Morrissey ended his message by writing: “The future is now merely the remainder of life. Dead brother buried. A world has ended.”
“Bonfire Of Teenagers” was created across 2020 and 2021 with Watt handling production. The record features appearances from Miley Cyrus, Iggy Pop and musicians from Red Hot Chili Peppers, although the album has still not received an official release.
Several other music figures have remembered Katsis since his passing, including Smashing Pumpkins vocalist Billy Corgan. Corgan described him as “a dear friend and extended member of our family” and praised his role in helping to “usher in the alternative revolution of the ’80s and ’90s and beyond”.
More messages honouring Katsis can be viewed here.
Take That have revealed details of their upcoming album Dreamers, shared news of a fresh single titled Feel My Love, and unveiled international dates for their 2027 Dreamers Tour.
Nearly two months after completing their second Circus tour, the hugely successful trio of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald have announced an extensive European schedule featuring over 30 concerts. They have also revealed that their tenth studio record is scheduled for release later this year.
The album’s third track, Feel My Love, will be available next Friday, September 4, 2026, and features Irish American singer and songwriter Michael Patrick Kelly.
The song comes after You’re A Superstar and Sweet July, both of which were performed throughout The Circus Live tour.
The Dreamers Tour will be Take That’s largest European run in several years, with 31 concerts scheduled across 16 countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Ireland. The journey will open in Zurich on June 3 before concluding in Tüßling, Germany, on July 23, while additional performances are expected to be revealed. Audiences will hear songs from Dreamers alongside favourites from the group’s 30 year catalogue.
Those hoping to access tickets ahead of the public sale can preorder Dreamers beginning September 2 at 10am local time. Presales through participating venues will start on September 3, followed by the general release of tickets one day later. Complete tour information can be found at takethat.com.
The announcement of fresh music and further concerts will come as welcome news to supporters, particularly after Gary opened up about the difficult emotions he experienced following The Circus Live tour.
Speaking honestly in a video posted to Instagram, the 55 year old performer admitted that he had “fallen off a cliff” after the returning tour finished at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on July 4.
He explained that he had spent several weeks attempting to film the message: “Whenever we come off tour, it always feels a little bit of an anti-climax… but for some reason, it just feels like I’ve completely fallen off a cliff since the end of the shows.”
Gary also reached out to anyone experiencing similar feelings after the concerts, explaining that the emotional intensity of performing appears to become stronger with every passing year.
Looking back on the happiness the tour brought, he confirmed that The Circus will not be staged for a third time because the demanding production has become too physically challenging at his age.
While hinting at what comes next, Gary said: “I got to run away with The Circus twice. Now I’m running towards our next exciting, brand-new show."
Alongside a recently released Netflix documentary offering viewers a glimpse behind the scenes, Take That’s Manchester concert during the returning Circus run became the most viewed live streamed UK performance so far after airing through Amazon Music.
