Photo: Paul Bachmann
An unexpected twist on the Smiths story we brought you yesterday: Andy Rourke has emphatically denied his involvement in a new classical reworking of the band’s material, accusing those who are involved of going to press with ‘false statements’ and quotes which were not ‘provided, authorised or otherwise approved by him or his representatives’.
It was reported yesterday that Rourke, Mike Joyce and Craig Gannon had all reunited and arranged gigs in London, Manchester and Edinburgh with the Manchester Camerata Orchestra when they would be performing Smiths tracks in a new classical form similar to the orchestra’s work with Hacienda Classical.
However, Rourke has issued a firm denial to NME via a statement which begins:
“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.”
The shows were announced for June 28th, June 29th and July 1st at the Manchester Apollo, Brixton Academy and Usher Hall respectively.