The Recording Academy recognized many of the musicians and people who worked behind the scenes in the music industry who have died in the past year during the Grammy Awards on Sunday night. Tony Bennett, Sinead O’Connor, Clarence Avant, Jimmy Buffet, and Tina Turner were among those celebrated.
Stevie Wonder, who on Thursday presented Mariah Carey with the Global Impact Award at the Black Music Collective Ceremony, performed a touching piano-backed rendition of Bennett’s “For Once in My Life,” reviving a duet together as a video of Bennett played in the background,...
Stevie Wonder, who on Thursday presented Mariah Carey with the Global Impact Award at the Black Music Collective Ceremony, performed a touching piano-backed rendition of Bennett’s “For Once in My Life,” reviving a duet together as a video of Bennett played in the background,...
- 2/5/2024
- by Kory Grow and Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
This charming man is at it again. Morrissey has published a statement on his website, Morrissey Central, in which he claimed that there is an “obvious media shift to delete [him] from being the central essence of The Smiths.”
In the blog post, titled “Cancel Culture Begins at Home,” Morrissey refuted apparent claims from Rough Trade Records founder Geoff Travis and unidentified media publications about The Smiths’ origins.
“Several news sites now claim that the initial meeting at Rough Trade Records was with ‘Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke,’ even though Andy wasn’t even a committed band member at that point,” Morrissey wrote. “The meeting, of course, was Morrissey and Marr. Even Geoff Travis has now suddenly decided that he ‘can’t remember who was with Johnny,’ even though Geoff looked me squarely in the eye on that very day and said ‘we’d like to release Hand In Glove immediately...
In the blog post, titled “Cancel Culture Begins at Home,” Morrissey refuted apparent claims from Rough Trade Records founder Geoff Travis and unidentified media publications about The Smiths’ origins.
“Several news sites now claim that the initial meeting at Rough Trade Records was with ‘Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke,’ even though Andy wasn’t even a committed band member at that point,” Morrissey wrote. “The meeting, of course, was Morrissey and Marr. Even Geoff Travis has now suddenly decided that he ‘can’t remember who was with Johnny,’ even though Geoff looked me squarely in the eye on that very day and said ‘we’d like to release Hand In Glove immediately...
- 1/12/2024
- by Emma Carey
- Consequence - Music
Johnny Marr teamed up with a 30-piece orchestra for the first of a two-night homecoming run in Manchester, England.
Across a 16-song setlist, the British guitar icon reimagined songs from his solo repertoire along with classics from The Smiths and his dance project with Bernard Sumner, Electronic. Highlights included “How Soon Is Now?,” “Easy Money,” and, of course, “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” during which Marr paid tribute to his late Smiths bandmate, Andy Rourke, who died this past May.
Speaking about the experience, Marr said that he couldn’t “help feeling a little bit emotional” hearing his songs receive symphonic treatment. “I’ve had two experiences of playing with an orchestra — Hans Zimmer, obviously, and also with Pet Shop Boys — but to actually sing in front of an orchestra playing my own work, that’s a first,” he said (per NME). “It’s been really enjoyable working on the arrangements.
Across a 16-song setlist, the British guitar icon reimagined songs from his solo repertoire along with classics from The Smiths and his dance project with Bernard Sumner, Electronic. Highlights included “How Soon Is Now?,” “Easy Money,” and, of course, “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” during which Marr paid tribute to his late Smiths bandmate, Andy Rourke, who died this past May.
Speaking about the experience, Marr said that he couldn’t “help feeling a little bit emotional” hearing his songs receive symphonic treatment. “I’ve had two experiences of playing with an orchestra — Hans Zimmer, obviously, and also with Pet Shop Boys — but to actually sing in front of an orchestra playing my own work, that’s a first,” he said (per NME). “It’s been really enjoyable working on the arrangements.
- 12/8/2023
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Music
The Smiths’ Andy Rourke has died, according to a statement from guitarist Johnny Marr. Marr said his bandmate’s death came after “a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.” Rourke was 59.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.
Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans.
We request privacy at this sad time pic.twitter.com/KNehQxXoFz
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) May 19, 2023
Rourke joined the Smiths soon after his friend Marr and singer Morrissey formed the group in 1982. His basslines often locked in alongside Mike Joyce‘s drumming to create a steady rhythm section that contrasted with Marr’s intricate melodies.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died In 2022
He played in the band until its split in 1987 ahead of the release...
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.
Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans.
We request privacy at this sad time pic.twitter.com/KNehQxXoFz
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) May 19, 2023
Rourke joined the Smiths soon after his friend Marr and singer Morrissey formed the group in 1982. His basslines often locked in alongside Mike Joyce‘s drumming to create a steady rhythm section that contrasted with Marr’s intricate melodies.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died In 2022
He played in the band until its split in 1987 ahead of the release...
- 5/21/2023
- by Alex Nguyen
- Uinterview
If you were ever 16, clumsy, and shy, Andy Rourke’s bass is part of the story of your life. That’s why the music world is in shock and grief today, mourning the beloved Smiths bassist, who passed away from pancreatic cancer, only 59. His bass was the most underrated element in the Smiths’ sound, but it was a crucial part of their unique four-way chemistry. Andy Rourke is why you won’t forget the songs that made you cry, the songs that saved your life.
His unmistakable sound was there from the start,...
His unmistakable sound was there from the start,...
- 5/19/2023
- by Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
Andy Rourke, the bass player for the Smiths, died today of pancreatic cancer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He was 59.
His death was announced by his former bandmate, the Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, who said in a statment on social media, “Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul and as a supremely gifted musician.”
The moody band from Manchester, England, whose jangly guitar sound, steady post-punk rhythms and mordantly humorous lyrics sung in a dark-of-night baritone by frontman Morrissey, was one of the most influential rock bands of the 1980s, scoring multiple hit records in the UK and becoming a mainstay in the U.S. of what was then the fledgling college radio circuit.
Rourke was a member of the band throughout its relatively short run of 1983-87, and added his melodic bass playing to all four of the band’s studio albums:...
His death was announced by his former bandmate, the Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, who said in a statment on social media, “Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul and as a supremely gifted musician.”
The moody band from Manchester, England, whose jangly guitar sound, steady post-punk rhythms and mordantly humorous lyrics sung in a dark-of-night baritone by frontman Morrissey, was one of the most influential rock bands of the 1980s, scoring multiple hit records in the UK and becoming a mainstay in the U.S. of what was then the fledgling college radio circuit.
Rourke was a member of the band throughout its relatively short run of 1983-87, and added his melodic bass playing to all four of the band’s studio albums:...
- 5/19/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Andy Rourke, who played bass for The Smiths on all four of the English band’s albums, died today of pancreatic cancer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He was 59.
Tributes from the music world poured in following the announcement of Rourke’s death, which was made by his friend and Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr this morning.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer,” tweeted Marr. “Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans. We request privacy at this sad time.”
Marr followed up with an image of himself and Rourke from The Smiths’ days.
The Smiths in 1985, from left: Johnny Marr, Morrissey, Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke
Rourke was born on January 17, 1964, in Manchester, England, becoming friends...
Tributes from the music world poured in following the announcement of Rourke’s death, which was made by his friend and Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr this morning.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer,” tweeted Marr. “Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans. We request privacy at this sad time.”
Marr followed up with an image of himself and Rourke from The Smiths’ days.
The Smiths in 1985, from left: Johnny Marr, Morrissey, Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke
Rourke was born on January 17, 1964, in Manchester, England, becoming friends...
- 5/19/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Morrissey has paid tribute to his late Smiths bandmate Andy Rourke, who recently passed away at the age of 59 following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
“Sometimes one of the most radical things you can do is to speak clearly,” Morrissey wrote on his website. “I just hope … wherever Andy has gone … that he’s Ok. He will never die as long as his music is heard. He didn’t ever know his own power, and nothing that he played had been played by someone else.”
The former Smiths vocalist continued, “His distinction was so terrific and unconventional and he proved it could be done. He was also very, very funny and very happy, and post-Smiths, he kept a steady identity — never any manufactured moves. I suppose, at the end of it all, we hope to feel that we were valued. Andy need not worry about that.”
Rourke’s death was announced on Friday,...
“Sometimes one of the most radical things you can do is to speak clearly,” Morrissey wrote on his website. “I just hope … wherever Andy has gone … that he’s Ok. He will never die as long as his music is heard. He didn’t ever know his own power, and nothing that he played had been played by someone else.”
The former Smiths vocalist continued, “His distinction was so terrific and unconventional and he proved it could be done. He was also very, very funny and very happy, and post-Smiths, he kept a steady identity — never any manufactured moves. I suppose, at the end of it all, we hope to feel that we were valued. Andy need not worry about that.”
Rourke’s death was announced on Friday,...
- 5/19/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
Andy Rourke, the bassist for the Smiths, has died aged 59. The band’s guitarist Johnny Marr confirmed the news on Twitter this morning.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer,” Marr wrote. “Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans. We request privacy at this sad time.”
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after...
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer,” Marr wrote. “Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans. We request privacy at this sad time.”
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after...
- 5/19/2023
- by Emily Zemler and Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Andy Rourke, bass guitarist of The Smiths, one of the most influential British bands of the 1980s, has died after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer, his former bandmate Johnny Marr said Friday. He was 59.
In a lengthy post on Instagram, guitarist and songwriter Marr paid tribute to Rourke, who he first met when both were schoolboys in 1975.
“Throughout our teens we played in various bands around south Manchester before making our reputations with The Smiths from 1982 to 1987, and it was on those Smiths records that Andy reinvented what it is to be a bass guitar player,” Marr said.
During their short time together as a four-piece band, The Smiths deliberately stayed away from the mainstream of popular music, garnering a cult following on the independent music scene.
Though much of the attention focused on the song-writing partnership of Marr and frontman Steven Patrick Morrissey, better known as Morrissey, the...
In a lengthy post on Instagram, guitarist and songwriter Marr paid tribute to Rourke, who he first met when both were schoolboys in 1975.
“Throughout our teens we played in various bands around south Manchester before making our reputations with The Smiths from 1982 to 1987, and it was on those Smiths records that Andy reinvented what it is to be a bass guitar player,” Marr said.
During their short time together as a four-piece band, The Smiths deliberately stayed away from the mainstream of popular music, garnering a cult following on the independent music scene.
Though much of the attention focused on the song-writing partnership of Marr and frontman Steven Patrick Morrissey, better known as Morrissey, the...
- 5/19/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Andy Rourke, bassist of The Smiths, has died at the age of 59 following a battle with cancer.
Rourke’s death was announced by his longtime friend and former bandmate, Johnny Marr. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer,” Marr wrote. “Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans. We request privacy at this sad time.”
Rourke first met Marr at the age of 11 while living in Manchester. As teenagers, they frequently played music together and formed several bands, with Rourke eventually picking up the bass guitar. In 1982, after Marr and Morrissey formed their own band together, they invited Rourke to come aboard as bassist. The group, which was rounded out by drummer Mike Joyce, became known as The Smiths.
Throughout The Smiths’ career,...
Rourke’s death was announced by his longtime friend and former bandmate, Johnny Marr. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer,” Marr wrote. “Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans. We request privacy at this sad time.”
Rourke first met Marr at the age of 11 while living in Manchester. As teenagers, they frequently played music together and formed several bands, with Rourke eventually picking up the bass guitar. In 1982, after Marr and Morrissey formed their own band together, they invited Rourke to come aboard as bassist. The group, which was rounded out by drummer Mike Joyce, became known as The Smiths.
Throughout The Smiths’ career,...
- 5/19/2023
- by Alex Young
- Consequence - Music
Tributes have begun to pour in following the death of Andy Rourke, bassist for the Smiths. Rourke died at 59 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, as confirmed by guitarist Johnny Marr on Twitter this morning. Many fellow musicians and collaborators have praised Rourke’s playing and his work with the Smiths.
“Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans,” Marr noted on Twitter. He shared a much longer memory of his life with Rourke on Instagram.
“Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans,” Marr noted on Twitter. He shared a much longer memory of his life with Rourke on Instagram.
- 5/19/2023
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Johnny Marr has widely been considered one of alternative rock’s most influential guitarists. As an homage of sorts to the instrument that made him, his new book Marr’s Guitars, out October 17th, is a retrospective dedication to some of his most epochal strings.
Shot by photographer Pat Graham, Marr’s Guitars will be filled with The Smiths musician’s most notable acoustic and electric guitars, alongside intimate details about the moments and milestones each of them marked in his career. Some embody specific songs, sounds, concerts, and other career highlights. “Guitars have been the obsession of my life,” Marr said in a statement. “They’ve been a mission and sometimes a lifeline.”
Some of Marr’s significant guitars will look familiar to fans, from his Signature Fender Jaguar to his Gibson Es-355 and Rickenbacker 330. Some were passed down to him from other renowned musicians — Bryan Ferry’s Roxy Music Hagstrom,...
Shot by photographer Pat Graham, Marr’s Guitars will be filled with The Smiths musician’s most notable acoustic and electric guitars, alongside intimate details about the moments and milestones each of them marked in his career. Some embody specific songs, sounds, concerts, and other career highlights. “Guitars have been the obsession of my life,” Marr said in a statement. “They’ve been a mission and sometimes a lifeline.”
Some of Marr’s significant guitars will look familiar to fans, from his Signature Fender Jaguar to his Gibson Es-355 and Rickenbacker 330. Some were passed down to him from other renowned musicians — Bryan Ferry’s Roxy Music Hagstrom,...
- 4/18/2023
- by Cervanté Pope
- Consequence - Music
Johnny Marr will use his extensive guitar collection as a jumping-off point for a new book about his life and career, Marr’s Guitars, out Oct. 17 via Harper Design (pre-order here).
In Marr’s Guitars, Marr will pair different guitars with chapters of his life, each instrument associated with a particular moment, song, or sound. The book will cover everything from Marr’s early days as a musician and work with the Smiths all the way up through recent projects, like collaborating with Hans Zimmer on the soundtrack for the James Bond flick,...
In Marr’s Guitars, Marr will pair different guitars with chapters of his life, each instrument associated with a particular moment, song, or sound. The book will cover everything from Marr’s early days as a musician and work with the Smiths all the way up through recent projects, like collaborating with Hans Zimmer on the soundtrack for the James Bond flick,...
- 4/18/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Half of the Smiths — guitarist Johnny Marr and bassist Andy Rourke — have reunited for their first recording together in 35 years. “Strong Forever” is a new track by Blitz Vega, a group featuring Rourke and former Happy Mondays guitarist Kav Blaggers, which they co-produced with DJ Z-Trip. “We’ve got the love, we’ve got the power,” goes the chorus, which kicks off the track over Marr’s signature jangly, shuddering guitar. “We’re in it together, stay strong forever.”
“Andy calls me [one day], and he says Johnny said he’ll record some guitar on the track,...
“Andy calls me [one day], and he says Johnny said he’ll record some guitar on the track,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Rolling Stone interview series Unknown Legends features long-form conversations between senior writer Andy Greene and veteran musicians who have toured and recorded alongside icons for years, if not decades. All are renowned in the business, but some are less well known to the general public. Here, these artists tell their complete stories, giving an up close look at life on music’s A list. This edition features bassist Guy Pratt.
When Pink Floyd wrapped up their Wall tour at London’s Earls Court in June 1981, 19-year-old British bass player Guy Pratt sat in the audience,...
When Pink Floyd wrapped up their Wall tour at London’s Earls Court in June 1981, 19-year-old British bass player Guy Pratt sat in the audience,...
- 9/16/2020
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Joy Division/New Order’s Peter Hook discusses his friendship with Dennis Anderson and Lois Kahlert in a new clip — the New York couple are the subject of Chris Cassidy’s new documentary Dennis and Lois, out April 28th.
“They’re iconic in the way that they were there when a movement started,” Hook tells the camera as shots of him performing “Ceremony” play in the background. “When Manchester and New Order came to America and the way it affected the world, [it] was because of New York and people like them.
“They’re iconic in the way that they were there when a movement started,” Hook tells the camera as shots of him performing “Ceremony” play in the background. “When Manchester and New Order came to America and the way it affected the world, [it] was because of New York and people like them.
- 4/27/2020
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
Earlier this week, Morrissey announced plans to play a seven-night Broadway stand at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater. According to a press release, the show will be “an intimate yet exciting exploration of Morrissey’s expansive career from his early days to his upcoming new record California Son: a collection of 1960/70s classic covers.” While this is unlikely to shatter Broadway records like Springsteen on Broadway, Morrissey fanatics are likely to descend on New York in droves and it’s easy to imagine more shows being added to meet demand.
Related: The Smiths: All 73 Songs,...
Related: The Smiths: All 73 Songs,...
- 3/5/2019
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Dennis Anderson and Lois Kahlert – the music-obsessed New York couple who inspired a Happy Mondays song and transcended traditional fandom with their decades of rock dedication – are the subjects of filmmaker Chris Cassidy’s new documentary Dennis and Lois. The movie will premiere as an official selection at the ninth-annual DocNYC Film Festival on November 14th at 3 p.m. Et (IFC Center) and November 15th at 9:45 p.m. (Sva Theater).
A new trailer introduces the duo with glowing salutes from some of their favorite artists, including Happy Mondays’ Paul Ryder...
A new trailer introduces the duo with glowing salutes from some of their favorite artists, including Happy Mondays’ Paul Ryder...
- 11/14/2018
- by Ryan Reed
- Rollingstone.com
Thousands of fans gathered at a Limerick, Ireland, church on Sunday to say their goodbyes to Dolores O’Riordan.
Mourners lined up in the rain, clutching flowers before they streamed into St. Joseph’s Church for a public reposal for the Cranberries frontwoman, according to the Irish Times.
O’Riordan’s mother and six siblings accompanied her wooden coffin into the church, which was decorated with pictures of the singer performing on stage as well as photos of her two meetings with the late Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, the newspaper reported.
Fans said O’Riordan looked “at peace” in the open coffin,...
Mourners lined up in the rain, clutching flowers before they streamed into St. Joseph’s Church for a public reposal for the Cranberries frontwoman, according to the Irish Times.
O’Riordan’s mother and six siblings accompanied her wooden coffin into the church, which was decorated with pictures of the singer performing on stage as well as photos of her two meetings with the late Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, the newspaper reported.
Fans said O’Riordan looked “at peace” in the open coffin,...
- 1/21/2018
- by Stephanie Petit
- PEOPLE.com
Dolores O'Riordan to Be Laid to Rest Tuesday, Though Cause of Death May Not Be Determined for Months
The exact cause of Dolores O’Riordan’s sudden death will not be determined until “various tests” have been completed, a London coroner announced Friday.
The Cranberries singer, 46, died suddenly in a London hotel room on Monday and the official inquest into her death has been adjourned until April 3 so that tests can be run.
“This lady was staying at a hotel in central London when on Monday, Jan. 15, she was found unresponsive in her room,” Stephen Earl from Westminster Coroner’s Court told People in a statement Friday.
“The London Ambulance Service was contacted and verified her death at the scene,...
The Cranberries singer, 46, died suddenly in a London hotel room on Monday and the official inquest into her death has been adjourned until April 3 so that tests can be run.
“This lady was staying at a hotel in central London when on Monday, Jan. 15, she was found unresponsive in her room,” Stephen Earl from Westminster Coroner’s Court told People in a statement Friday.
“The London Ambulance Service was contacted and verified her death at the scene,...
- 1/19/2018
- by Phil Boucher
- PEOPLE.com
Cranberries lead singer Dolores O’Riordan died on Monday, Jan. 15 in London, and her boyfriend Olé Koretsky is speaking out. She was 46. Dolores O’Riordan’S Boyfriend Speaks Out Koretsky is a record producer and had been working with the Cranberries singer, as well as The Smiths’ Andy Rourke, in a new band called D.A.R.K. On the group’s website, […]
Source: uInterview
The post Dolores O’Riordan’s Boyfriend Olé Koretsky Speaks Out About Singer’s Death appeared first on uInterview.
Source: uInterview
The post Dolores O’Riordan’s Boyfriend Olé Koretsky Speaks Out About Singer’s Death appeared first on uInterview.
- 1/19/2018
- by Hillary Luehring-Jones
- Uinterview
Dolores O’Riordan’s partner is speaking publicly for the first time since the Cranberries singer’s death Monday at 46. Ole Koretsky, a DJ and record producer, was working on a collaboration called D.A.R.K. with O’Riordan and former Smiths bassist Andy Rourke. Related: The Cranberries Singer Dolores O’Riordan Has Died At Age 46 In a tribute to O’Riordan...
- 1/18/2018
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
The partner of Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan says that his “heart is broken” and “beyond repair” after her sudden death in London, Monday.
New York-based DJ and record producer Olé Koretsky had been working with girlfriend O’Riordan on a new collaboration called D.A.R.K., alongside ex-Smiths bass player Andy Rourke, and used the band’s website to pay tribute.
“My friend, partner, and the love of my life is gone. My heart is broken and it is beyond repair,” Koretsky wrote in the emotional message, which spoke of the band’s “overwhelming sadness” at O’Riordan’s death.
New York-based DJ and record producer Olé Koretsky had been working with girlfriend O’Riordan on a new collaboration called D.A.R.K., alongside ex-Smiths bass player Andy Rourke, and used the band’s website to pay tribute.
“My friend, partner, and the love of my life is gone. My heart is broken and it is beyond repair,” Koretsky wrote in the emotional message, which spoke of the band’s “overwhelming sadness” at O’Riordan’s death.
- 1/18/2018
- by Phil Boucher
- PEOPLE.com
What's the James Franco version of releasing an album of cover songs? Writing a collection of poems about your favorite songs, and then turning those poems into their own songs. (It's one more degree removed, which makes it art.) Let Me Get What I Want is an upcoming Smiths tribute album from Franco's band Daddy, and the project comes 25 percent Smiths-approved: They got bassist Andy Rourke to play on it. Each song on the album will be accompanied by a short film, which means that James Franco is the new Beyoncé, whether you like it or not. Listen below to Daddy's version of "This Charming Man," the chorus of which goes: "I would go out tonight, but ... I think I'll pass."...
- 11/13/2014
- by Nate Jones
- Vulture
The Smiths: left to right- Andy Rourke, Morrissey, Mike Joyce, Johnny Marr
The Smiths are one of those bands who formed a remarkable legacy and a massive cult following despite only having a very short run time (1982-1987). Whether it was Morrissey’s unique fashion, mannerisms (on and off stage) or unheard of before lyrical style that drew fans in, or Marr’s wizardry on an electric guitar. It is undeniable to see their influence upon British pop music with current bands such as The Heartbreaks, Oasis (Noel Gallagher being a confessed fan of their music) and The Courteeners referencing them within songs, interviews or replicating their sound in the case of The Heartbreaks.
But there’s not much better to copy. Five years and four almost flawless studio albums have spoiled Smiths fans, with many a debate breaking out over which of these deserves the crowning title of ultimate Smiths album.
The Smiths are one of those bands who formed a remarkable legacy and a massive cult following despite only having a very short run time (1982-1987). Whether it was Morrissey’s unique fashion, mannerisms (on and off stage) or unheard of before lyrical style that drew fans in, or Marr’s wizardry on an electric guitar. It is undeniable to see their influence upon British pop music with current bands such as The Heartbreaks, Oasis (Noel Gallagher being a confessed fan of their music) and The Courteeners referencing them within songs, interviews or replicating their sound in the case of The Heartbreaks.
But there’s not much better to copy. Five years and four almost flawless studio albums have spoiled Smiths fans, with many a debate breaking out over which of these deserves the crowning title of ultimate Smiths album.
- 10/17/2013
- by Patrick Dalziel
- Obsessed with Film
Tony Fletcher A Light That Never Goes Out: The Enduring Saga of the Smiths (Crown Archetype)
For a band whose dying gasp came over two decades ago, the Smiths' brief, entire career has been barely scrutinized. Initially there was the stodgy Severed Alliance by Johnny Rogan, which has long just about sufficed in the absence of anything more, and there has been a ceaseless, incoming tide of books about the songs, and the aura which surrounds their apostle-like leader, Morrissey, when all that was really required was a clear-headed history, a factual consideration, as to why they sprang into life. Tony Fletcher has finally created that with A Light That Never Goes Out, a reasoned, logical, and unhurried recreation of their initially unlikely route to fame.
Johnny Marr wasn't the only kid on the block who wanted to be a guitar hero, but he had immense talent on his side,...
For a band whose dying gasp came over two decades ago, the Smiths' brief, entire career has been barely scrutinized. Initially there was the stodgy Severed Alliance by Johnny Rogan, which has long just about sufficed in the absence of anything more, and there has been a ceaseless, incoming tide of books about the songs, and the aura which surrounds their apostle-like leader, Morrissey, when all that was really required was a clear-headed history, a factual consideration, as to why they sprang into life. Tony Fletcher has finally created that with A Light That Never Goes Out, a reasoned, logical, and unhurried recreation of their initially unlikely route to fame.
Johnny Marr wasn't the only kid on the block who wanted to be a guitar hero, but he had immense talent on his side,...
- 11/22/2012
- by robert cochrane
- www.culturecatch.com
Representatives for both Morrissey and Johnny Marr have again denied rumours of a reunion by The Smiths. Following reports of a comeback in April, new rumours emerged this week that the band would reform in 2013 and play a headline set at the Glastonbury festival. "The Smiths are never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever going to reunite - ever," Morrissey's publicist told Rolling Stone. Marr's manager Joe Moss added to NME :"It isn't happening. We are fully focussed on preparing Johnny's new album for release and booking shows for 2013." The Smiths split in 1987 and following the break-up Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke took Morrissey and Marr to court in a dispute over royalties. Morrissey's appeal against the verdict in favour of Joyce was dismissed. (more)...
- 10/3/2012
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
New rumours have emerged of a reunion by The Smiths. According to Holy Moly, the band will play a number of live shows next year, with it suggested that they will headline Glastonbury 2013. Some alleged sources have claimed that all four members will return, though others have suggested that bassist Andy Rourke will not rejoin the lineup, leaving frontman Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr and drummer Mike Joyce. The last rumours of a Smiths comeback surfaced in April 2012 when Music-News.com claimed that the band had conversations with a "well-known promoter" about a comeback. Marr and Joyce both denied the reports soon after, with Marr posting on Facebook: "The rumour of The Smiths reunion is untrue. It's not happening." In a Twitter conversation after the reunion rumours emerged, Marr quipped: "What's. (more)...
- 10/1/2012
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
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