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And Finally Artist News Gigs & Festivals
Andy Rourke denies involvement in Classically Smiths show
By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 23 January 2018
Well, the (sort of) Smiths reunion is going well. Already lacking a Morrissey and a Marr, now Andy Rourke says he’s not taking part.
Yesterday, the Manchester Camerata Orchestra announced a new show featuring orchestral versions of Smiths songs. Like the orchestra’s Hacienda Classical show, a big selling point is the involvement of some of the people originally involved in the music being performed. In this case, the big names are Smiths bassist Andy Rourke, drummer Mike Joyce and guitarist (for a few months in 1986) Craig Gannon.
In a press release, Rourke was quoted as saying: “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 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”.
Except he’s now claiming that he didn’t say that at all. In fact, he says, that whole quote – even the bit about being THRILLED – had nothing to do with him.
In a statement, Rourke says: “I am deeply saddened that during the week of the death of my dear friend Dolores O’Riordan, that false statements are made on my behalf. 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”.
In a further statement, a spokesperson for Rourke says: “At no point in time did Andy Rourke agree to participate or otherwise license or authorise the use of his name, likeness or any personal quotes in any manner in connection with this Classically Smiths project. The parties involved were advised of this on multiple occasions prior to them going to press. A press conference and press release were scheduled and serviced to the media without Andy Rourke’s or his team’s knowledge or approval”.
“Any quotes by Andy Rourke that were attributed in any press materials in regards to the Classically Smiths project were not provided, authorised or otherwise approved by him or his representatives”, they add.
Neither production company Bad Productions or the Manchester Camerata Orchestra have offered any comment as yet. Nor have Joyce and Gannon, although they have been pushing the show, including Rourke’s involvement, on social media.
