Latest news with #AndyRourke
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Johnny Marr turned down ‘eye-watering' Smiths reunion offer because the ‘vibe' wasn't right
Johnny Marr has confirmed that The Smiths were recently offered the chance to reform for an 'eye-watering' amount but he turned it down because the 'vibe' wasn't right. The indie band, fronted by Morrissey, formed in Manchester in 1982 with Marr as the guitarist, Andy Rourke on bass and Mike Joyce on drums. Rourke died in May 2023, aged 59, following a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer. The group produced several critically acclaimed albums including Meat is Murder (1985) and The Queen is Dead (1986) but split in 1987, with Marr and Morrissey at loggerheads ever since. In a recent appearance on the Stick to Football YouTube show, which is presented by former England and Manchester United player Gary Neville, Marr said the group had been made an offer to reform in 2024. Marr said: 'We got made an offer really recently, in fact, but yeah, I said no. It was a little bit about principles, but I'm not an idiot, I just think the vibe's not right.' He added: 'It was an eye-watering amount of money, but also, I really like what I'm doing now which makes it a lot easier. I like where I'm at. I still want to write the best song I've ever written. I want to be a better performer.' News of a potential reunion was made public at the time thanks to Morrissey, with the singer announcing on his website: 'In June 2024 AEG Entertainment Group made a lucrative offer to both Morrissey and Marr to tour worldwide as 'The Smiths' throughout 2025. 'Morrissey said yes to the offer; Marr ignored the offer. 'Morrissey undertakes a largely sold out tour of the USA in November. Marr continues to tour as a special guest to New Order.' The feud continued between the pair with Morrissey claiming in September 2024 that Marr had applied for copyright of The Smiths name 'without any consultation' with him, and without giving him a chance to object. In a statement, Marr's representatives denied the claims and explainied that he'd offered a joint ownership document to the singer following a third-party attempt to use the band's name. In 2022, Marr said there was 'zero chance' he'd ever work with Morrissey again. Speaking to the late Steve Wright on BBC Radio Two, Marr said it had been '18 or maybe 15' years since he had last spoken to Morrissey in person. At the time the pair were involved in a fresh spat after Morrissey wrote an open letter to Marr asking him to stop bringing him up in interviews. Marr responded to his former bandmate on Instagram, writing: 'An 'open letter' hasn't really been a thing since 1953, It's all 'social media' now. Even Donald J Trump had that one down. Also, this fake news business… a bit 2021 yeah?'
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The Smiths fans hail one member as 'underrated genius' behind the band's success
The legendary British band shot to fame in the 1980s, with many fans still gushing over them today. Fans of The Smiths have been vocal in asserting that the band's success wouldn't have been the same without a certain member, and it might not be the one you'd initially suspect. The iconic 1980s group were renowned for their distinctive sound, contemplative and occasionally existential lyrics, and hits like 'How Soon Is Now?' and 'This Charming Man'. They were fronted by Morrissey with his signature vocals. The lineup was rounded out by Johnny Marr on guitar, Andy Rourke on bass, and Mike Joyce on drums. Despite Morrissey and Marr being hailed as the songwriting masterminds, fans are adamant that another member was indispensable to the band's heyday. In the comments section of the YouTube video for 'Barbarism Begins at Home (2011 Remaster)', music lovers were effusive about the brilliance of the late Andy Rourke. Andy's passing at the age of 59 in 2023 was made public by his ex-bandmate Johnny Marr, who penned a heartfelt Instagram tribute to announce the sad news, reports the Manchester Evening News. Marr's homage read: "Andy and I met as schoolboys in 1975. We were best friends, going everywhere together. "When we were fifteen, I moved into his house with him and his three brothers, and I soon came to realise that my mate was one of those rare people that absolutely no one doesn't like". He continued by reflecting on their shared ambition to become "the best musicians" they possibly could. Marr said: "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 also noted that Andy's baselines were "dazzling". He concluded his message by saying: "Andy will always be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by everyone who knew him, and as a supremely gifted musician by people who love music. Well done, Andy. We'll miss you, brother". Fans took to the comments section of the YouTube video to express their admiration for Andy Rourke's contribution to The Smiths. One fan posted: "RIP Andy Rourke. Often extremely overlooked how vital the rhythm section was for the Smiths". Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "Andy Rourke is a completely underrated bass player," another echoed in tribute. Someone else suggested greater recognition for the bass player, saying: "When people think of The Smiths, they always concentrate on Moz and Marr, but they should also concentrate on the great rhythm section, especially those Andy Rourke bass lines". Praising his musical prowess, a YouTube user exclaimed: "Anyone who knows bass playing understands the true genius of the riff is not just coming up with actually playing the damn thing repetitively for nearly 7 minutes without dropping a note. "Watch them do it live in front of not only a live audience but also millions watching at home LIVE. Andy not only had imagination and obvious skill but b***s the size of talent".
