And the Classically Smiths drama continues to unfold...
1/19: Mike Joyce teased a project with his ex-Smiths bandmates Andy Rourke and Craig Gannon.
1/22: A press conference was held in the morning to announce Classically Smiths - an orchestral production featuring the ex-Smiths members performing iconic songs backed by the Manchester Camerata Orchestra. Three UK shows were announced with the promise of a fuller UK tour to follow.
1/22: In the late afternoon Andy Rourke issued a statement distancing himself from the project; claimed he never agreed to participate.
Now the latest:
Mike Joyce has followed suit and bowed out of Classically Smiths. Joyce issued a statement indicating that everyone knew late in the game that Rourke wasn't going to take part. Despite this Joyce participated in the press conference; he was hoping to leave out any mention of Rourke's involvement but claims he was not allowed to do so. He's now decided to pull out the the shows as well:
"After much deliberation and soul searching I have decided that without Andy, an integral part of why I agreed to take part in the first place, I have come to this difficult decision. I still believe the shows and concept to be a fantastic idea and wish them all the success they deserve."
Classically Smiths is down to one original member of The Smiths - Craig Gannon. Tickets for the three UK shows are scheduled to go on sale this Friday, though it's hard to imagine the shows will go on at this point. Expect more finger pointing and issuing of press statements as the drama continues to unfold.
Read the full statement from Mike Joyce below:
"It is with much regret that I have to announce that I will not be taking part in the show(s) Classically Smiths. I entered into agreement in good faith to perform these shows with Andy Rourke and Craig Gannon. Unfortunately it became apparent very late that Andy would not be taking part. I agreed with Andy that I would take part in the press conference and inform people that he would not be taking part. Unfortunately on the morning of the press conference I was informed I would not be able to say this. I therefore agreed to take part in the press interviews but did so without discussing Andy's participation in the venture at any point during all tv, radio and print interviews.
After much deliberation and soul searching I have decided that without Andy, an integral part of why I agreed to take part in the first place, I have come to this difficult decision. I still believe the shows and concept to be a fantastic idea and wish them all the success they deserve."
Published January 23rd, 2018
