The proposed partial Smiths reunion announced yesterday has fallen at the first hurdle as Andy Rourke denied that he had agreed to take part, prompting Mike Joyce to withdraw from the “Classically Smiths” concerts scheduled for this summer.
A representative of bassist Rourke told Rolling Stone magazine that despite the recent announcement – which included a quote attributed to Rourke – he had not agreed to take part in the concerts. “At no point in time did Andy Rourke agree to participate or otherwise license or authorize the use of his name, likeness or any personal quotes in any manner in connection with this Classically Smiths project,” the rep told Rolling Stone. “The parties involved were advised of this on multiple occasions prior to them going to press. A press conference and press release were scheduled and serviced to the media without Andy Rourkeβs or his teamβs knowledge or approval. Any quotes by Andy Rourke that were attributed in any press materials in regards to the Classically Smiths project were not provided, authorized or otherwise approved by him or his representatives.”
Rourke himself told Rolling Stone: “I am deeply saddened that during the week of the death of my dear friend Dolores O’Riordan, that false statements are made on my behalf. At no time did I give my consent for anyone in connection with this Classically Smiths project to act on my behalf or my name and nothing was ever confirmed, approved or contracted by me or my team.”
Following this announcement, Mike Joyce has now also withdrawn from the project, claiming that when he agreed to participate he “wasn’t informed” that Rourke would not be taking part and wasn’t allowed to mention Rourke’s absence at the press conference. In a Facebook update, Joyce added: “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.” However, a spokesperson for the show’s production company subsequently confirmed to NME that “in response to recent comments in the press, the planned Classically Smiths events will now no longer be taking place.”