The Smiths are (sorta but not really) reuniting
Two former members of The Smiths are reuniting for a trio of live shows with the Manchester Camerata Orchestra (of Hacienda Classical fame).
Morrissey, apparently hellbent on destroying his legacy, is not taking part. Nor is lead guitarist Johnny Marr. UPDATE: Neither is Andy Rourke, as it happens.
Classically Smiths - as the group is known - will see Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce, and Craig Gannon sharing the stage once more. While Joyce was a member from (nearly) the beginning, Gannon is best known for a short stint as rhythm guitarist in 1986.
As the Manchester Evening News report, the reunion(ish) will feature as-yet-unnamed guest vocalists performing alongside the erstwhile Smiths members and the accompanying orchestra. It'll apparently be an "epic production" with promises of big hits and fan favourites aplenty.
"I’m massively excited to be playing with Andy and Craig again, but introducing a full orchestra into the mix takes this to another level," says Joyce to the MEN. "There’ll be Smiths classics in the set, but I can’t wait to play the songs that have never been heard live before. With the addition of an orchestra, it will sound as totally unique as it will immense. I’m really looking forward to fans being able to hear the songs in a way they’ve never been heard before, either on record or live. On the stage, or out front, this is going to be quite an experience for us all."
Classically Smiths will kick their shows off at the O2 Apollo in their home city, before heading to London and Edinburgh.
- IDLES to headline Bristol’s Queen Square for their only UK shows of 2025
- Listen to never-before-heard versions of George Harrison's “Be Here Now”
- Freddie Gibbs drops surprise album, You Only Die 1nce
- Laura Mvula and Corinne Bailey Rae to perform at Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency celebrating Nina Simone
- Fontaines D.C. share Andrea Arnold-directed video for "Bug" starring Barry Keoghan
- DOVES unveil "Renegade" as first new music in four years and announce forthcoming album, Constellations For The Lonely
- Iggy Pop announces headline show at Alexandra Palace
Get the Best Fit take on the week in music direct to your inbox every Friday