On Friday, Mike Joyce teased a mysterious project featuring ex-bandmates Andy Rourke and Craig Gannon. Today they've announced what they're up to - an orchestral production titled Classically Smiths.
Joyce, Rourke, and Gannon will perform Smiths songs with guest vocalists backed by the Manchester Camerata Orchestra - the experimental orchestra behind the critically acclaimed Haçienda Classical concerts. The production features reimagined/rearranged versions of beloved Smiths songs and stunning visual imagery. Guest vocalists have not yet been announced.
The setlist will include Smiths mega-classics as well as songs The Smiths never or rarely performed live. These songs have been confirmed to be part of the setlist:
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
The Boy With The Thorn In His Side
A Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours
Hand In Glove
How Soon Is Now?
Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want
Oscillate Wildy
Shoplifters Of The World Unite
Girlfriend In A Coma
Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me
The reunited members are quick to point out they are not The Smiths:
"We are not The Smiths, but we are certainly not to be missed by anyone whose lives were defined – and are still being defined – by the enduring sounds of one of the UK’s finest ever bands. This is the celebration of that.”
Mike Joyce:
"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. 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."
Andy Rourke:
"To have been there the first time round and seen it first hand, and to still be such a big fan of The Smiths today, I am both thrilled and excited to be involved in Classically Smiths.
"I’m really proud of the band’s work, and being able to present those songs again in this particular production format promises to be a real gift for audiences everywhere."
Craig Gannon:
"Classically Smiths will be a refreshing and exciting production, not only for us as musicians, but ultimately for the people coming to see and hear it. I'm really looking forward to playing these great songs with an orchestra and I know people are going to embrace the way in which they are presented."
Bob Riley, Manchester Camerata:
"For us, it’s all about the sound, energy and live performance of an orchestra. We are very excited to be collaborating with members of epic Manchester band The Smiths who were undoubtedly one of the most influential and inspirational bands of the 20th century. We will be bringing the full live orchestral experience to these iconic tunes and are delighted to be able to bring that experience to Smiths fans old and new.”
Classically Smiths debuts in Manchester on June 28th, then moves to London and Edinburgh. Tickets for all three shows go on sale January 26th.
Read the full press statement here via We Are Mozzerians.
Classically Smiths - tour
Jun 28 -- Manchester @ O2 Apollo
Jun 29 -- London @ O2 Academy, Brixton
Jul 02 -- Edinburgh @ Usher Hall
Published January 22nd, 2018