Smell of meat 'offends' Morrissey

Morrissey's latest album is called Years of Refusal

Morrissey walked off stage during his set at the Coachella festival in California on Friday after declaring he could "smell burning flesh".

According to festival goers who reported his comments on internet forums, the committed vegetarian added: "And I hope to God it's human."

Morrissey, 49, was performing at the event but apparently took offence to the smell of barbecues.

His former band The Smiths released an album called Meat Is Murder in 1985.

One contributor to the Coachella message board said Morrissey was "totally choked up and gagged on his way through Some Girls and left the stage only to come back and gag some more".

'So offensive'

One fan said she was "so disappointed" with Morrissey's set although many defended him, particularly regarding his objection to the smell of meat.

A contributor from fan site Morrissey-Solo said: "I know a lot of people think he's being precious about the smell of burning flesh, but I wholeheartedly agree with Morrissey; it's hard to be joyous and uplifting when you're confronted with something that you find so offensive."

Sir Paul McCartney, The Killers and The Cure were among those also performing at the annual event.

Earlier this year, the former Smiths frontman said that reforming the band is unlikely as he is "not stuck in the past".

The singer, speaking on BBC Radio 2, said: "People always ask me about reunions and I can't imagine why. It baffles me."