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.”
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“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.
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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.
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.
Featured Images — Nalinee Darmrong Photography/Johnny Marr (via Instagram)
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Coldplay announce huge new UK stadium shows for 2025
Clementine Hall
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 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.
Kylie Minogue announces huge Manchester show at the AO Arena
Daisy Jackson
Global pop icon Kylie has just announced details of a huge 2025 tour, which will include a show at the AO Arena in Manchester.
This will be Kylie Minogue’s biggest tour since 2011, kicking off in her native Australia before heading around the globe.
Last time she performed in Manchester was in 2019 when she did a surprisingly intimate show at Castlefield Bowl – prior to that, it was the Golden tour at the AO Arena.
Now the princess of pop is back with her highly-anticipated Tension Tour, with more dates across Europe and America still to be announced.
Kylie said: “I am beyond excited to announce the TENSION TOUR 2025. I can’t wait to share beautiful and wild moments with fans all over the world, celebrating the Tension era and more!
“It’s been an exhilarating ride so far and now, get ready for your close up because I will be calling Lights, Camera, Action … and there will be a whole lot of Padaming!”
The tour comes in support of Tension II, a brand new collection of 13 songs that’s set for release on 18 October and follows the chart-topping Tension.
The new album will feature nine brand new studio tracks, plus dance hit Edge of Saturday Night with The Blessed Madonna, as well as collaborations with Orville Peck, Bebe Rexha and Tove Lo, and Sia.
Kylie Minogue announces huge Manchester show at the AO ArenaKylie Minogue announces huge Manchester show at the AO Arena
Kylie said: “The Tension era has been so special to me … I can’t possibly let it be over just yet! Welcome to ‘Tension II’.”
This year alone, she’s taken home the Global Icon Award at the BRITs, win the Best Pop Dance Recording Grammy for the smash hit, ‘Padam Padam’, attend the Met Gala, complete her inaugural Las Vegas Residency, perform at WeHo Pride and release a series of high profile collaborations.
Kylie will perform at the AO Arena in Manchester on Monday 19 May 2025.
Tickets for the UK dates will go on general sale at 10am Friday 27 September.
Fans will be able to sign up for venue pre-sale through the AO Arena here.
Danny Jones -
19th September 2024 
