Classical event brings The Smiths centre stage

Three members of The Smiths will re-unite on stage for the first time in 30 years – but the returning trio will not include Morrissey or Johnny Marr.

Bassist Andy Rourke, drummer Mike Joyce and guitarist Craig Gannon will perform as part of a new live concert production called Classically Smiths.

Classically Smiths will see some of the Manchester band’s most memorable songs performed in collaboration with the Manchester Camerata Orchestra.

Rourke said: “To have been there the first time round and seen it first hand, and to still be such a big fan of The Smiths today, I am both thrilled and excited to be involved in Classically Smiths. I’m really 0 Andy Rourke said he was ‘thrilled’ to be involved proud of the band’s work, and being able to present those songs again in this particular production format promises to be a real gift for audiences everywhere.”

Joyce said he was “massively excited” to perform again, saying that the introduction of the orchestra would also take it to “another level”.