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Morrissey: Johnny Marr now has ‘100%’ of The Smiths rights to tour without him – and one potential replacement is trending

Here's a hint: it would be the greatest 'Rickroll' of all-time...

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 17th September 2024

Morrissey has come out to claim that former bandmate Johnny Marr now holds all the rights to The Smiths and their music, even stating that he can now go on and tour without him – and there’s already a very big name being floating around for his replacement.

Yes, as per Mr ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’ himself, the co-songwriter and lead guitarist recently acquired “100% trademark rights/intellectual property” despite Morrisey himself having coined the “musical unit name ‘The Smiths’ in May 1982.”

It is said that this application was secured without any consultation from the former frontman or any chance to object on the 65-year-old’s part.

Although the fellow Manc music legend himself is yet to come out and comment on the reports made on the official Morrissey Central website, fans are already speculating whether Marr is gearing up to head out on tour, the internet was quick to drum up what many are calling the ideal stand-in for a singer.

Though it might have seemed a slightly mad suggestion a few years ago, there are literally tonnes of accounts and music fans from all over calling for Rick Astley to be called in as a replacement frontman should Marr actually end up taking The Smiths back out on tour.

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The ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ singer and Lancashire-born 80s pop star has been enjoying what we’ve affectionately referred to as the ‘Rick-naissance’ over the past few years, playing main stage slots at the likes of Glastonbury, Kendal Calling, Bestival and continuing to release new music.

However, the reason the suggestion of him replacing Morrissey as the lead singer on a would-be tour is actually quite plausible is because he’s already played a number of shows where he performed The Smiths song with Stockport indie band, Blossoms.

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Going on to not only become friends with the group but reiterate what an incredible singer he is – covering classics such as ‘There Is a Light That Never Goes Out’, ‘This Charming Man’ and even the likes of ACDC to tens of thousands on the Pyramid Stage – he’s quietly become one the UK’s favourite all-round performers once again.

That being said, it’s safe to say some people have other thoughts on the suggestion; many believe Marr wouldn’t be interested in doing it, others were aghast at the suggestion or some offered a much easier alternative that’s already proven to be a more than viable option…

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Nevertheless, there seem to be many more people in the pro-Astley camp than there are in the anti, with one user writing, “Johnny Marr, Rick Astley is waiting by the phone!”, and another in America adding: “If Marr tours Smiths songs with Rick Astley in the US, I’m going to every date in the south.”

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As explained in the full post entitled, ‘The Plot Thickens’, Morrissey and his representation said that not only can Marr “now tour as The Smiths using the vocalist of his choice” but doing so will also “also prohibit Morrissey from using the name whilst also denying [him] considerable financial livelihood.”

In fact, according to a previous statement shared at the end of last month, he and Marr were presented with a “lucrative offer” to tour together in June by AEG Entertainment Group throughout 2025 and while he said yes, his counterpart “ignored the offer.”

The plot thickens indeed but, for now, there’s nothing concrete to any of this talk beyond what Morrissey has claimed regarding trademark rights and what a lot of fans would clearly love to see: some kind of The Smiths’ comeback tour featuring Marr and the mighty Rick Astley.

Hey, who knows? We’ve finally got an Oasis reunion and much stranger things have happened – and we’re talking just this week alone…

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Man Alive!/Julio Enriquez/Raph_PH (via Flickr)

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Coldplay announce huge new UK stadium shows for 2025

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall Coldplay announce huge new UK stadium shows for 2025. Credit: Stevie Rae Gibbs

Coldplay have announced several huge stadium shows for 2025 as part of their seemingly never-ending Music of the Spheres World Tour.

The Glastonbury headliners will be heading up north once again to play two huge outdoor summer shows next year.

If you weren’t able to snatch a golden ticket to the iconic festival this year and instead watched the British band from the sofa seething with jealousy, then have we got some news for you.

Following the success of this year’s European leg of Coldplay’s record-breaking Music Of The Spheres World Tour, the band have just announced eight new shows for 2025, The Hoot Leeds reports.

Coldplay are skipping the Etihad Stadium this time (it’s busy working on that big extension) but will still be venturing up north. You’ll just have to make your way over to Hull for this one.

Their tour dates include two dates at Hull’s Craven Park Stadium followed by six dates at London’s Wembley Stadium.

It’s the first time that Coldplay have performed in Yorkshire since 2008 when they took to the stage at Sheffield Arena, so you know we’re in for a fantastic show complete with all the multicoloured bracelets you could possibly imagine.

Coldplay announce huge new UK stadium shows for 2025. Credit: Stevie Rae Gibbs
Coldplay announce huge new UK stadium shows for 2025. Credit: Stevie Rae Gibbs

Coldplay will be performing in Yorkshire at Craven Park on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 August 2025.

Coldplay have revealed that 50% of the tickets for the Hull shows – the band’s first ever concerts in the city – will go to local fans with HU, YO, DN or LN postcodes on Thursday September 26 at 6pm.

On Sunday evening, the band placed a poster in the window of the Dublin Castle in Camden, London revealing that 10 per cent of the band’s proceeds from the Wembley and Hull shows will be donated to Music Venue Trust. 

Mark Davyd, CEO Music Venue Trust said: “Coldplay are the perfect example of a UK band who came through the grassroots circuit on their way to worldwide stadium-filling success.

“It’s fantastic to see them celebrating their own pathway to Wembley by giving back to the grassroots music venues that supported them and recognising the artists and promoters that are struggling more than ever to build their own careers.”

In a world first, the band have pledged to power the Wembley concerts’ production with 100 per cent solar, wind and kinetic energy, collected at the venue and elsewhere in the UK, and delivered by a specially-designed electric battery system.

In addition, one of the satellite stages at each show will be powered by energy generated by the audience via kinetic flooring and power bikes.

Tickets go on sale next Friday 29 September from 9am, and you’ll be able to get yours through See Tickets here.

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Official fundraiser set up to create a mural in memory of late The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke

Danny Jones Danny Jones The Smiths drummer Mike Joyce sets up fundraiser for Andy Rourke mural

A fundraiser has finally been set up to create a lasting mural in memory of The Smiths’ late bassist Andy Rourke in Manchester city centre.

Plans were first floated by bandmate Mike Joyce earlier this year following Rourke’s death in May 2023 and with an official charity page now set up, The Smiths drummer has unveiled the plans to create the massive mural in collaboration with local street artist Akse P19.

Manc graffiti and portrait specialist Akse is already famously known for creating the now-restored Ian Curtis mural plastered on the side of the Star and Garter and soon the Joy Division legend will have a new neighbour not too far away in the Northern Quarter.

Set to take pride of place on the recently refurbished Wheatsheaf pub on Oak Street – just behind another much-loved boozer and small gig venue, Gullivers – the mural will be entirely crowdfunded and also raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Action charity.

Joyce said in a statement: “Thanks to this Crowdfunder, fans of Andy and The Smiths can contribute to a permanent memorial in his and the band’s hometown of Manchester, but also increase awareness of this debilitating disease and raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Action.”

“The mural will not only serve as a permanent tribute to Andy’s legacy as a brilliant musician but also as a memory of the funniest, sweetest lad I had the pleasure of knowing. Many thanks, Mike.”

The Andy Rourke mural will be based on an image of The Smiths bass player by photographer Nalinee Darmrong, who has given the project her full blessing. The iconic snap was taken at Caird Hall in Dundee during the band’s 1985.1985/1986 UK/USA tour.

Speaking in a separate post on his own social media, PR for Akse and others contributing to the project added: “Delighted to finally share that after many months of planning, there is an official CrowdFunder running now…

“Your donations will go directly towards the creation of this artwork. We are offering limited editions of 100 x A4 prints for people who pledge £50 and 30 x A3 prints for people who pledge £100.”

Signed by both the artist and Joyce, these funds will also go directly towards the organisation that funds both treatment and research for the condition that Rourke suffered a long battle with before passing away aged just 59.

the smiths murals manchester
L-R: Rourke, Morrissey, Johnny Marr and Mike Joyce (Credit – Picyrl/Wikimedia Commons)

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As the fundraiser reads: “As part of the legendary Mancunian foursome, Rourke created a soundscape which changed the course of music for not just a generation, but for popular culture the world over.

“Andy’s unique style, combining funk rhythms and driving urgency, form the very aural framework for The Smiths’ songbook. His self-effacing sense of humour and laid-back personality often belayed the indisputable impact of his creative genius. 

“Why a mural? With fans the world over often revealing that The Smiths played a significant role in their lives, it seems appropriate that Rourke’s legacy be celebrated in a creative way in his home city of Manchester, which can be viewed for decades to come.”

Set to be unveiled in November, the mural is just the latest testament to a Manc music legend in this city that has been graced by so many over the decades. The fundraiser has already amassed over £11,300 in donations but you can still donate or buy your own special print HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Nalinee Darmrong Photography/Johnny Marr (via Instagram)

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