Heaven knows i’m miserable as classically smiths shows are cancelled
BLOW FOR BAND’S FANS AS DRUMMER AND BASS PLAYER PULL OUT OF SUMMER GIGS
Nothing was ever confirmed, approved or contracted by me or my team Andy Rourke
A STRING of classical concerts celebrating the music of legendary Manchester band The Smiths have been pulled just a day after they were announced – as two of the three former Smiths stars involved dropped out.
The Classically Smiths shows had been launched to the media on Monday morning with original Smiths drummer Mike Joyce, bassist Andy Rourke and second guitarist Craig Gannon all said to be joining forces with the Manchester Camerata for the concerts this summer.
Quotes from the three were provided in a press release, with all saying how excited they were to take part in the shows, which would ‘reimagine’ a host of classic Smiths tracks with the orchestra at shows, opening at the 02 Apollo in Manchester in June.
But on Monday night Andy denied he had ever signed up to the shows and that the quotes were ‘fabricated’ – and yesterday afternoon, Mike confirmed he was pulling out.
Organisers Bad Productions have confirmed that the shows will no longer be taking place.
Andy said: “At no time did I give my consent for anyone in connection with this Classically Smiths project to act on my behalf or my name, and nothing was ever confirmed, approved or contracted by me or my team.”
Mike posted a statement to his social media accounts yesterday, saying: “It is with much regret that I have to announce that I will not be taking part in the show(s) Classically Smiths. I entered into agreement in good faith to perform these shows with Andy Rourke and Craig Gannon.
“Unfortunately it became apparent very late that Andy would not be taking part. I agreed with Andy that I would take part in the press conference and inform people that he would not be taking part. Unfortunately on the morning of the press conference I was informed I would not be able to say this.
“I therefore agreed to take part in the press interviews but did so without discussing Andy’s participation in the venture at any point during all TV, radio and print interviews.
“After much deliberation and soul searching I have decided that without Andy, an integral part of why I agreed to take part in the first place, I have come to this difficult decision.”
The M.E.N. spoke to Mike and Craig at the media launch for the shows on Monday at Salford Quays. When we asked where Andy was we were told: “New York.” Both had spoken of how excited they were to take part in the project – and said that they had already started rehearsing a number of classic Smiths tracks including There is a Light That Never Goes Out, I Know It’s Over, Panic and How Soon is Now? in preparation for the show. Mike confirmed that Smiths frontman Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr had not been involved in the Classically Smiths project.