Smiths Reunion? (sort of)

[Panorama]

http://www.nme.com/news/smiths/21746
Smiths reunion in Manchester!
Members of the legendary band to play together
Smiths pair Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke are to reunite onstage for the first time since the band split in 1987.

The pair will appear together at Lancastrian super-gig Manchester Vs Cancer, tickets for which are set to go on sale next week.

The show, featuring a host of Manchester legends, takes place at the MEN Arena on January 28, and is being organised by Andy Rourke to raise funds for the city's Christie Hospital.

Rourke and Marr, along with New Order, Badly Drawn Boy, Doves, Mani and Stephen Fretwell are all appearing, with more acts expected to be announced soon.

Speaking about his involvement in the evening, Marr said: "Andy and I go back a long way, since our school days. We have been hanging out and seeing each other and he told me about this project. I literally applauded him and said I wanted to get involved with it if he needed any help. It's a privilege to be part of it as I am aware of the work that Christie does.

"It's not the easiest thing getting something like this together because it needs to be done on a fairly big scale to have any significance so I think Andy is really brave. But who would refuse his offer to get involved? I mean, who could refuse it? You can't unless you are out of the country on tour. I made sure I was around and I'm looking forward to it - it will be a good night."

He added: "It's going to be interesting. We might even get a version of 'Blue Monday' on the kazoo."

Tickets for the bash will go on sale at 10am on December 17, for more information go to Manchestervcancer.co.uk/.

----------

By Jonathan Cohen
Tue Dec 13, 3:44 PM ET

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr and bassist Andy Rourke will perform together at an English charity show January 28 for the first time since the legendary act split up in 1987.

Rourke is overseeing the lineup for the Manchester v. Cancer show at the Evening News Arena, which will also feature New Order, Doves, Badly Drawn Boy, Primal Scream's Mani, and Stephen Fretwell. Rumors have circulated that former Smiths frontman Morrissey will be involved in the show but at present there's no indication he will participate.

"Andy told me about this project he was involved in and of course I literally stood up and applauded," Marr said in an audio interview posted on the event's official Web site (http://www.manchestervcancer.co.uk). "I said I'd get involved if he needed any help. Absolutely glad to do it. It's a privilege to do it. It's not the easiest thing in the world to get something like this together, because it has to be on a fairly big scale for it to be significant."

The Smiths' unhappy breakup has of late been back in the news, after former drummer Mike Joyce attempted to sell unreleased Smiths material on eBay. Morrissey responded by posting a detailed account of the lawsuits Joyce has filed for back royalties in recent years on the fan site True to You (http://www.true-to-you.net/).

Tickets for Manchester v. Cancer go on sale Saturday via Ticketmaster. "It will bring together people and bands that have made Manchester famous," Rourke said. "The idea is that this will be the start of an annual event to raise money for charity whether it is helping cancer or arthritis."

Reuters/Billboard

---------------------------
"Photography with a Vision"
http://www.cooganphoto.com

[Frau_Blucher]

Dammit, I was SO hoping this was Manchester New Hampshire!

I'd love to see this. Badly Drawn Boy is a huge bonus - Damon Gough's a great musician and writer. While they're at it, they should try to reunite the Buzzcocks too, tho I don't suppose Oasis would be a good mix. And sticking Morrissey with cancer patients could be a downer.