Morrissey, the rock icon whose views on immigration sparked a legal row, has stepped in to rescue a major free anti-racism rock concert tomorrow

Organisers of the Love Music Hate Racism event in Hackney, East London, said the former Smiths singer had provided funds to ensure the show goes ahead after a sponsorship deal fell through.

Morrissey had made a “significant financial contribution” to the gig, which features Damon Albarn, Hard-Fi and former members of The Clash. The deficit was around £75,000.

More than 30,000 fans are expected to attend the six-hour show, designed to ward voters away from the BNP before next week’s elections.

Word magazine this month issued a High Court apology to Morrissey over an album review which he claimed depicted him as a racist and a hypocrite.

Morrissey is taking legal action against the NME after it pictured him on its cover alongside the quote: “The gates of England are flooded. The country’s been thrown away.”

Morrissey said: “This is a historic event spreading an important, anti-racist, message so it must be allowed to go ahead. This is something I am commited to and we appreciate everyone coming together so quickly to make it happen.”

Morrissey claimed that the NME was the organisation which had pulled out of backing tomorrow’s event. Organisers said Morrissey had asked his management, booking agency and promoters to help make up the deficit.

However an NME spokesman last night said the company was not involved in the concert.

He said: "While supporting Love Music Hate Racism on a number of fronts in the last year – including giving away a themed covermounted CD album – NME had no planned commercial participation in this weekend’s Carnival. Of course NME will have an editorial presence at the event and plans to report on it in the usual way.”

The Loves Music, Hates Racism gig marks the 30th anniversary of a famous Rock Against Racism free gig featuring The Clash at the same Victoria Park venue.

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