The Smiths Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

Johnny Marr was joined onstage by Gaz Coombes to perform The Smiths‘ classic ‘There Is A Light That Never Goes Out’ at Lakefest 2023 this weekend.Performing on the first day of the festival at Eastnor Castle, Ledbury on Thursday (August 10), the Smiths guitarist and Supergrass frontman performed the track from the former’s 1986 album ‘The Queen Is Dead’.“Love and thanks to the great Gaz Coombes for joining us last night,” Marr shared in an Instagram post, along with a snap of their performance.You can watch a snippet of their performance, which included an ethusiastic singalong from the crowd, on the second slide below.A post shared by Jas

The Sopranos star Michael Imperioli has defended Morrissey, saying he still “gives him the benefit of the doubt”.The former frontman of The Smiths has come under scrutiny in recent years for making a number of comments that have deemed be racist. However, in a new interview with The Guardian, Imperioli explained how other members of the band had led him to believe that racism is not a part of who Morrissey is.“I’m not sure how racist the things he said were,” said the actor. “To me they weren’t flagrantly racist.

tributes have poured in — but The Smiths frontman and perennial provocateur Morrissey isn’t convinced by the sudden admiration.In a post titled “You Know I Couldn’t last” uploaded to his personal website yesterday, the English singer-songwriter paid tribute to O’Connor, who passed away yesterday at the age of 56.The title is a reference to one of Morrissey’s own songs, and the content of the message is as much a call-out as a tribute to the late Irish singer and activist.Morrissey took aim at the the industry and the public figures whom he claimed failed to offer O’Connor the support she needed and deserved while she was still alive, noting that “she was dropped by her label after selling seven million albums for them.”“There is a certain music industry hatred for singers who don’t ‘fit in,'” he wrote, referencing O’Connor’s controversial past, “and they are never praised until death — when, finally, they can’t answer back.”The post continued, “The cruel playpen of fame gushes with praise for Sinead today … with the usual moronic labels of ‘icon’ and ‘legend’ … You hadn’t the guts to support her when she was alive and she was looking for you.“She was a challenge, and she couldn’t be boxed-up, and she had the courage to speak when everyone else stayed safely silent. She was harassed simply for being herself.

Morrissey has publicly criticised Jet2holidays for selling tickets to a Tenerife zoo that offers animal shows.The former Smiths frontman wrote a letter to the holiday firm, offering the tour operator to drop its links to the marine parks that continue to use captive orcas and dolphins for public entertainment.Addressed to Steve Heapy, the chief executive of Jet2, the musician expressed that the animals at the zoo belonged in the ocean and should have the ability to socialise and find food — something they are unable to do while kept in a “cramped, concrete tank”.One of the main marine parks that Morrissey referred to was the Loro Parque Zoo in Tenerife, which Jet2holidays sells tickets for and promotes on its website. The venue was previously featured in the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which explored the premature deaths of orcas held at the resort.“Day in and day out, these animals can do little else but swim in endless circles.

Morrissey cancelled his scheduled sold-out gig in Nottingham last night (July 9).The former Smiths frontman had been due to perform at the city’s Royal Concert Hall as part of his current UK and Ireland headline tour, which began in Portsmouth last Saturday (July 8).However, it was announced yesterday morning that the second date of the trek had been shelved.“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Morrissey’s show at Nottingham Royal Concert Hall will not be going ahead tonight,” read a tweet from Gigs And Tours, the official website of promoters SJM Concerts.“Ticket holders are asked to hold onto their tickets and a further announcement will be made in due course.”In a follow-up post, the company confirmed that Morrissey’s next gig remained “unaffected” and was “due to go ahead as planned” at Millennium Square in Leeds on Wednesday (July 12).Wednesday night’s show at Leeds Millennium Square is unaffected and is due to go ahead as planned. We apologise for any inconvenience.— gigsandtours (@gigsandtours) July 9, 2023“We apologise for any inconvenience,” the statement concluded.Morrissey has not yet commented on the cancellation, and there are currently no further details available.Many fans have since aired their frustrations on social media.

Blossoms and Rick Astley‘s suprise set at Glastonbury consisting solely of covers from The Smiths‘ discography.The musicians’ supergroup covers band played an hour-long set at the Woodsies Stage today (June 24).

Rick Astley and Blossoms have announced the return of their Smiths supergroup covers band for a secret set at Glastonbury 2023, with the pop icon telling NME about what went into it and the backlash from Johnny Marr.Astley, who this weekend made his Glastonbury debut by opening up the Pyramid Stage, made headlines last year when he joined Blossoms on stage in London to perform a number of Smiths covers – before they then played a number of full gigs dedicated to the iconic ’80s indie icons. Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr was less than pleased having not been told about it, before telling NME that he’d been in touch with Blossoms and “dealt with it“.Now, they’ve announced that the tribute project will be performing at Glastonbury on the Woodsies stage at 6pm tonight (Friday June 23), filling in one of the TBA slots with a secret set.“I can’t tell you how much I love doing this,” Astley told NME of the covers band. “I know it’s sacrilege and they should hang the lot of us on the line for doing it, but I also just don’t care.

Morrissey has announced plans for a tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of his music career.The jaunt dubbed the ’40 Years Of Morrissey’ tour, will kick off in Mexico City on September 10 before calling at venues in Peru, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.From there, the former Smiths frontman will head to North America, performing several shows in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Washington DC and New York.He will conclude his tour stateside with a four-night residency at New York City’s United Palace, which wraps up on October 25. You can view the full list of dates below.A pre-sale for Morrissey’s 40th anniversary tour will begin tomorrow, (June 22) at 10am local time before tickets will go on general sale on Friday (June 23).

Morrissey has accused Capitol Records of “fascism” after the label shelved his latest album ‘Bonfire Of Teenagers’.The controversy around the album stems back to 2022, when the singer-songwriter and former Smiths frontman revealed that he had “voluntarily withdrawn from any association with Capitol Records” — despite announcing that he would be releasing the LP with them just two months earlier.He also revealed that Miley Cyrus — who recorded backing vocals for ‘Bonfire’ track ‘I Am Veronica’ in 2020 — had asked to have her vocals removed from the song.Both severed partnerships came in relation to the musician’s political stance and his support for controversial far-right anti-Islam political party For Britain, which he previously wore a badge for during a 2019 television appearance.Upon announcing his departure from Capitol, the label seemingly shelved ‘Bonfire Of Teenagers’ in February, and the album remains unreleased. Now, in a new statement released on his website, Morrissey has accused the brand of “fascism” and having a “creeping culture of censorship”.“It’s a clear display of how censorian the music industry has become.

Noel Gallagher has spoken about working with Johnny Marr on his new album ‘Council Skies‘ – hailing the former Smiths turned solo star as “the G.O.A.T.”The pair have long been friends and collaborators – with Marr contributing to Oasis‘ 2002 album ‘Heathen Chemistry’ as well as playing on The High Flying Birds‘ ‘Ballad Of The Mighty I’ in 2015 and ‘If Love Is The Law’ from 2017. They teamed up again for three songs on Gallagher’s new album ‘Council Skies’, namely lead single ‘Pretty Boy’ along with ‘Open the Door, See What You Find’ and the title track.“Sadly, we’ve never sat down to write a song,” Gallagher told NME for the latest in our In Conversation series.

Lewis Capaldi’s new album ‘Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent’ is already outselling the rest of the Official Albums Chart Top 20 combined, and set to reach the Number One spot.The album arrived last Friday (May 19) and marked the second full-length LP from the Scottish singer-songwriter.

Smiths drummer Mike Joyce appeared on BBC Breakfast today (May 21) to pay tribute to his late bandmate Andy Rourke.Rourke died after “a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer”, confirmed a statement from bandmate Johnny Marr on Friday (May 19). He was 59 years old.Since then, tributes from across the music industry have poured in, with Joyce himself hailing Rourke’s “perpetual” musical legacy, while Morrissey said of Rourke: “I just hope … wherever Andy has gone … that he’s OK.

New Order and Joy Division co-founder Peter Hook ran the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run this morning (May 21) in honour of The Smiths’ Andy Rourke.Rourke died earlier this week after “a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer”. He was 59.Speaking to BBC Sport after completing the Great Manchester Run, Hook told host Jeanette Kwakye that: “I lost a really good friend this week, Andy Rourke from The Smiths.

Johnny Marr and his late Smiths bandmate Andy Rourke reuniting on stage last year, following the news of his death.Rourke died after “a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer”, confirmed a statement from Marr this morning (May 19). He was 59 years old.Last year, Rourke made a guest appearance at one of Marr’s New York City shows, joining Marr on stage at Madison Square Garden when supporting The Killers to play ‘There Is A Light That Never Goes Out’ and ‘How Soon Is Now?’.See footage from the show below.We got a mini-Smiths reunion at Madison Square Garden! Johnny Marr just brought up Andy Rourke for There Is A Light That Never Goes Out@mainlyoasis pic.twitter.com/irPi6lNR5L— Robbie Fox (@RobbieBarstool) October 1, 2022After the on-stage reunion, the pair then went on to reunite for their first new song in 35 years with Blitz Vega, the band comprising Rourke and ex-Happy Mondays guitarist Kav Blaggers.Upon the release of the new song, Rourke reflected on reuniting with his old bandmate.

Morrissey has paid tribute to former Smiths bassist Andy Rourke following the news of his death.Rourke died after “a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer”, confirmed a statement from Johnny Marr this morning (May 19). He was 59 years old.Expressing his “deep sadness” over his passing, Marr added: “Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans.”The soloist has since shared a longer message, in which he described Rourke as “one of those rare people that absolutely no one doesn’t like”. Marr went on to say that he’d “be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by everyone who knew him”.Elsewhere, ex-Smiths drummer Mike Joyce hailed Rourke as “not only the most talented bass player I’ve ever had the privilege to play with but the sweetest, funniest lad I’ve ever met”.He continued: “Andy’s left the building, but his musical legacy is perpetual.

Andy Rourke, the bassist in seminal British indie rock band The Smiths, has died age 59. The news was announced on Friday by Rourke's former bandmate Johnny Marr, who paid tribute to "a kind and beautiful soul" and confirmed Rourke passed away following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. In his statement, Marr wrote: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.

Smiths drummer Mike Joyce has paid tribute to his ex-bandmate Andy Rourke, following the news of his passing.Rourke died after “a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer”, confirmed a statement from Johnny Marr this morning (May 19). He was 59 years old.Expressing his “deep sadness” over his death, Marr added: “Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans.”Rourke formed The Smiths in Manchester with Marr, Morrissey and Joyce back in 1982.Writing on Twitter today, the latter hailed Rourke as “not only the most talented bass player I’ve ever had the privilege to play with but the sweetest, funniest lad I’ve ever met”.Joyce continued: “Andy’s left the building, but his musical legacy is perpetual.

Twitter.Rourke befriended Marr when he was 11 years old, with the two regularly jamming together in their teenage years before forming The Smiths with frontman Morrisey and drummer Mike Joyce in 1982.The Manchester native was a key band member until their 1987 breakup, before the release of their fourth studio album “Strangeways, Here We Come.”Rourke continued to work with Morrissey on his solo project and performed alongside artists Sinéad O’Connor, The Pretenders, Badly Drawn Boy, and guitarist Aziz Ibrahim, according to CNN.Bassist Mat Osman of Suede praised Rourke’s unique talent as he mourned the rocker.“A total one-off – a rare bassist whose sound you could recognise straight away. I remember so clearly playing that Barbarism break over and over, trying to learn the riff, and marvelling at this steely funk driving the track along,” the rocker tweeted.“I am so saddened to hear this news! Andy was a superb musician and a lovely guy,” longtime Smiths producer Stephen Street tweeted.“I first met Andy aged 17 @simonWolstencr1 party.

The Smiths, has died. He was 59.Rourke’s death was announced today (May 19) by former bandmate Johnny Marr on social media.

Johnny Marr has announced a series of headline shows, set to take place across the UK later this year.Announced today (April 25), the new tour will feature eight stops at venues across the UK and work around the numerous festival appearances the former Smiths guitarist is already set to play.The tour spans throughout summer 2023, and will kick off with a performance at the Picturedrome in Holmfirth on July 17. From there, Marr will embark on shows in Lincoln, Northampton and Tunbridge Wells for the remainder of the month, before playing four more gigs in August.These will feature sets in Wrexham, Frome and Plymouth, before ending with a show at the Empire in Middlesbrough on August 25.

Johnny Marr has announced an upcoming photo book, “a labour of love” that celebrates his important guitars.Set for release on October 17, Marr’s Guitars will pay homage to over 100 of the guitars that he has had throughout his 40 year career and include anecdotes about the milestones he faced during this time.“Guitars have been the obsession of my life – they’ve been a mission and sometimes a lifeline,” the former Smiths guitarist turned solo star and composer said in a statement. “So I’m delighted to have made Marr’s Guitars.

Morrissey has announced details of a summer UK tour for July 2023. Check out full dates and ticket details below.The former Smiths turned solo star previously announced an outdoor show at Leeds Millennium Square, and will now be playing additional headline gigs around the dates in Portsmouth, Nottingham, Dublin and Liverpool.

The Charlatans and Johnny Marr have announced an outdoor co-headline show for this summer – find all the details below.The two acts are due to perform at The Piece Hall in Halifax, West Yorkshire on Saturday, August 26.Tickets go on general sale at 10am GMT this Friday (March 17) – you’ll be able to buy yours here. Alternatively, Piece Hall members can access a pre-sale from the same time today (March 14).In a statement, Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess said: “Yorkshire crowds have always been among our warmest and loudest supporters and we cannot wait to play for them again alongside our good friend Johnny Marr.”Marr added: “I’ve played some truly memorable gigs in Yorkshire and I can’t wait for another unforgettable night in Halifax on August 26.

Morrissey has announced a pair of outdoor UK headline shows for this summer – find all the details below.The soloist and former Smiths frontman is due to perform at Crystal Palace Park in south London on Sunday, July 9 before heading to Millennium Square in Leeds the following Wednesday (July 12).Morrissey will be joined by special guests The Slow Readers Club in Leeds. It’s not yet known who’ll support the singer at the London concert.Tickets for both dates go on general sale at 10am GMT this Friday (March 10) – you’ll be able to buy yours here.

Morrissey has once again hit out at former label Capitol Records for seemingly shelving his unreleased album ‘Bonfire of Teenagers’, following his exit from the label at the end of last year.In a new statement posted on his website, the singer has contrasted Capitol not releasing ‘Bonfire of Teenagers’ with its decision to continue publishing Sam Smith‘s records. Smith has released all four of their studio albums – from 2014’s ‘In the Lonely Hour’ to last month’s ‘Gloria’ – via Capitol.“Capitol Records (Los Angeles) proudly promotes Sam Smith’s ‘satanism’; yet they consider the honest truth of Morrissey’s factual ‘Bonfire of Teenagers’ to be their biggest threat and they will not release it despite their contractual obligation and promise to do so,” the statement reads.

Johnny Marr was joined on stage by Smiths bandmate Andy Rourke at his Madison Square Garden gig last night (November 30) – check out footage below.The gig came as part of Marr’s tour in support of The Killers, which began back in August. At the first two shows of the tour, he joined them for a number of songs in the encore.In Seattle, he came on stage for performances of Smiths songs ‘There Is A Light That Never Goes Out’ and ‘What She Said’, before helping The Killers end the set with ‘Mr.

Morrissey has performed his new song ‘Kerouac’s Crack’ for the first time in Blackpool. Watch a clip of the performance below.He debuted the track, which comes from his upcoming album, ‘Bonfire Of Teenagers’, last night (September 28).

The Smiths‘ Mike Joyce has discussed the band’s final album ‘Strangeways, Here We Come’ on its 35th anniversary.The legendary Manchester quartet’s fourth studio LP came out on September 28, 1987, a few months after the band split up.Speaking to BBC News to celebrate its birthday, Joyce said “it was a great experience recording that album,” adding that he marks it out from the band’s previous records because it is “a story album”.Joyce added: “I think it’s just an unusual-sounding album. There’s great songs on the others, but it just pips it for me, in terms of what we ended up with as an album and the whole thing in its entirety, rather than individual songs.”Remembering the recording process for the album, Joyce said: “A lot of it was written in the studio.

Morrissey has shared ticket details of his forthcoming 2022 UK and Ireland tour.The soloist and former Smiths singer announced the tour earlier this month – more than two years on from his last UK live date at Wembley’s SSE Arena in London.Morrissey’s tour includes two London dates at two iconic venues – The Palladium and O2 Academy Brixton – and takes in stops at locations including Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Brighton and more along with his previously announced concert in Ireland.It’s now been announced that tickets for the UK dates go on general sale this Thursday (June 23) at 9.30am BST here, with tickets for Killarney, Ireland available via here.Morrissey UK and Ireland 2022 live dates:SEPTEMBER 2022Saturday 24 – Killarney INEC ArenaWednesday 28 – Blackpool Opera HouseFriday 30 – Doncaster DomeOCTOBER 2022Sunday 02 – Glasgow SEC ArmadilloTuesday 04 – Manchester O2 ApolloWednesday 05 – 2022 Birmingham O2 AcademyFriday 07 – Stockton GlobeSunday 09 – The London PalladiumTuesday 11 –  London O2 Academy BrixtonFriday 14 – Brighton CentreMeanwhile, last month Morrissey played the first night of his 2022 US tour and debuted his new single ‘I Am Veronica’ as well as aired some rarely played solo and Smiths tracks.Fans of the singer were eager for news on new music after it emerged that ‘Bonfire Of Teenagers’, Morrissey’s album first since leaving his label deal with BMG, will be sold to the highest record label bidder.Announced via the singer’s website, ‘Bonfire Of Teenagers’ has 11 tracks and was completed in Los Angeles.“The worst year of my life concludes with the best album of my life,” a quote from Morrissey states of the album, with a note adding: “Morrissey is unsigned.

Morrissey has shared full details of dates and venues for his forthcoming UK tour.Last week, the former Smiths star announced nine forthcoming shows in Blackpool, Doncaster, Glasgow, Stockton, Manchester, Birmingham, London and Brighton along with his previously announced concert in Ireland.Now, he has given a further update on the tour on his Instagram page. The jaunt will see Morrissey kick off the tour at the Gleneagles INEC Arena in Killarney on September 24 before wrapping up at Brighton Centre on October 14.The tour will also include two London dates at the capital’s Coliseum and the O2 Academy Brixton on October 9 and 11.