‘Classically Smiths’ reunion has now been cancelled


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Photo: Paul Bachmann




If the ‘Classically Smiths’ project had any intention of capturing the behind-the-scenes unprofessionalism which plagued the band for most of their all-too-short career, then they’ve pretty much nailed it.

The venture, which was announced to some fanfare earlier this week with the apparent involvement of former members Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce and Craig Gannon, together with the Manchester Camerata Orchestra, has been abruptly cancelled after Rourke denied any involvement barely 24 hours after planned gigs in London, Manchester and Edinburgh had been publicly announced.

“In response to recent comments in the press, the planned Classically Smiths events will now, no longer be taking place,” a statement from Bad Production Ltd confirmed.

Rourke had claimed organisers, who went to press detailing a classical reworking of The Smiths‘ back catalogue with the three former bandmates, had done so with ‘false statements’ and quotes which were not ‘provided, authorised or otherwise approved by him or his representatives’.


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