Former Smiths lead singer Morrissey was tackled to the ground by “one or two” wild fans during a performance in San Jose Wednesday night, abruptly ending the concert .
Morrissey devotee James Fleishman, 44, of Santa Clara took a minute-long video of the tussle, which he said happened about 10:30 p.m. at the City National Civic in San Jose, where the 54-year-old singer was performing.
Concert review: Hug Brings Morrissey's Tour Opener to an End
Fleishman's video shows a string of supporters hopping on stage during Morrissey's second encore. Then, 55 seconds into the clip, one or two fans hug Morrissey so hard, he falls to the ground.
"It just created a melee," said Fleishman, who has been a Morrissey fan since high school. "He ended up hitting the floor and the lights came on within seconds. It was a very abrupt ending. I hope he's OK."
Fleishman said the concert ran smoothly until the second encore. He had seen Morrissey, whose full name is Steven Patrick Morrissey, perform in in Berkeley in 1986 and in Oakland in 2009 and said that on Wednesday, the singer seemed to have "even more energy" than he did five years ago.
In classic Morrissey fashion, the singer had also invited people up to the stage during the show to come introduce the band members. "People had been very gentle, very orderly," Fleishman said.
Unfortunately, Fleishman said, it got unruly at the end.
"No one was trying to hurt him," Fleishman said. "I don't know, they seemed drunk or out of control. It was no fault of Morrissey. Maybe he needs more security, but that's part of the Morrissey experience. People have been storming his stage for 30 years."
According to Morrissey's "Solo" tour website, he is scheduled to perform in Santa Ana Thursday at 8 p.m. and in Los Angeles on Saturday. A phone call on Thursday to Morrissey's talent agency, William Morris Endeavor, wasn't returned.
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