UPDATE: Andy Rourke says he is not actually involved.
Still no apparent luck of getting a Smiths reunion, but bassist Andy Rourke, drummer Mike Joyce, and Craig Gannon (who was briefly The Smiths’ second guitarist and also briefly played with Morrissey) will reunite for “Classically Smiths,” a collaboration with the Manchester Camerata Orchestra which will feature orchestral re-imaginations of Smiths songs and more. NME points out that versions of “The Boy With The Thorn In His Side,” “A Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours,” and “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” are all expected. “There’ll be Smiths classics in the set, but I can’t wait to play the songs that have never been heard live before,” Mike Joyce told the Manchester Evening News.
UPDATE: Andy Rourke says he is not actually involved.
“Classically Smiths” will take place on June 28 in Manchester, June 29 in London, and July 2 in Edinburgh. Tickets go on sale Friday (1/26).
Andy Rourke was also a member of D.A.R.K. with Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan, who passed away last week. He was one of the many musicians to pay tribute to Dolores:
I am heartbroken by the unexpected passing of Dolores. I’ve enjoyed the years spent together and privileged to call her a close friend. It was a bonus to work with her and witness her breathtaking & unique talent, I will miss her terribly. My condolences to her family/loved ones. pic.twitter.com/DBRhznK1Ug
— Andy Rourke (@AndyRourkeMusic) January 16, 2018