There was quite a bit of interest amongst fans of The Smiths yesterday when it was revealed that former members of the iconic band had planned to reunite.
Drummer Mike Joyce made an announcement last week that he, bassist Andy Rourke and guitarist Craig Gannon - who was the fifth member of the band for a short time - were teaming up with the Manchester Camerata Orchestra for a newl project based on the band's back catalogue, and were planning to tour it in several UK cities this year.
However, Rourke - who was also a former bandmate of Dolores O'Riordan when they played in the band D.A.R.K. - has now said that he has no involvement in the 'Classically Smiths' project and has not given his permission for his name to be used.
He told NME: "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.”
A rep for Rourke also added: "At no point in time did Andy Rourke agree to participate or otherwise license or authorise the use of his name, likeness or any personal quotes in any manner in connection with this Classically Smiths project. 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 Rourke’s or his team’s 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, authorised or otherwise approved by him or his representatives.”
So far, Joyce and Gannon have not responded to Rourke's comments.
