‘Classically Smiths’ Concerts Scuttled

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for LilySarahGrace – Andy Rourke
Andy Rourke DJs at LilySarahGrace Presents Color Outside The Lines on October 25, 2014 in New York City.

Plans announced Jan. 22 for a series of “Classically Smiths” concerts that were to feature drummer Mike Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke with guest vocalists performing with the Manchester Camerata Orchestra have already been cancelled by Joyce dropping out after Rourke said he never agreed to the gigs.

Joyce said in a Jan. 23 statement to Rolling Stone, “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 [former Smiths guitarist] Craig Gannon. Andy was asked originally but I wasn’t informed that he had passed on this project. Unfortunately, it became apparent that Andy would not be taking part and was never a part of this.”

Rourke told the Guardian Jan. 23 the announcement that included a quote from him was a “false statement” and at no time did he “consent for anyone in connection to 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.”

Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr were not expected to participate in the series, the Guardian said. 

  

Tickets for the shows, scheduled for Manchester, England’s O2 Apollo June 28, London’s O2 Academy Brixton June 29 and Edinburgh, Scotland’s Usher Hall July 2, were supposed to go on sale shortly but the series website has been shut down. 

Bad Productions, the company behind the shows, submitted a brief statement to Spin, saying “In response to recent comments in the press, the planned Classically Smiths events will now no longer be taking place.”