Staples Center Going Vegetarian for Morrissey Show

2/18/2013 by David Greenwald

morrissey-london-england-650-430 — Marc Broussely/Redferns

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 07: Morrissey performs on stage at Brixton Academy on August 7, 2011 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Broussely/Redferns)

The arena will go meat-free for the first time on March 1

Don't look for meat on the menu at Staples Center on March 1.

For the first time, the Los Angeles arena's vendors will offer 100% vegetarian cuisine during Morrissey's headlining performance. McDonald's outlets in Staples will be closed for the sold-out show. According to a release, Paul McCartney was previously denied the same request. In addition, a portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to PETA.

"I don't look upon it as a victory for me, but a victory for the animals," Morrissey said in a statement.

Morrissey Scratches More U.S. Dates, Apologizes to Fans

Morrissey, an avowed vegetarian, said recently that Coachella had previously offered him a meat-free festival to encourage a Smiths reunion. The disbanded group's sophomore album, released in 1985, was titled "Meat is Murder."

The rock icon has cancelled or postponed a number of performances in the last few weeks after falling ill with a bleeding ulcer and Barrett's esophagus, but he appears to be on the mend: he's set to resume the tour Feb. 26 with an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"