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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Liam Gallagher says Oasis reunion rehearsals have begun after blatant hints at tour support acts
Danny Jones
Liam Gallagher has confirmed that rehearsals for the Oasis reunion are now underway and has been teasing the acts that could be supporting them on the tour.
The incomparable frontman has been very vocal on social media (more so than usual) ever since the talk of their comeback was actually confirmed to be real, though we’ll admit we’re still having to pinch ourselves every few days.
Nevertheless, the Oasis reunion IS happening, the tickets have gone and even a slate of North American dates have now sold out along with an Australian tour set to do exactly the same – though there has been some furore over price differences.
Although the gigs are still a little ways away, practice for summer 2025 has to start sometime and after a fan asked Gallagher a point-blank question online, he had a simple but exciting answer.
The idea of the two actually being back in the same room still feels so surreal but we’re SO glad they are.
After the pair were first snapped posing for the reunion press shots by photographer Simon Emmett, it sounds like the two are not just in each other company but now practising those songs they first played together some 20-30 years ago.
The Britpop icons and legendary rock band also announced a new special collection of the seven-inch Definitely Maybe single pressings to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’; there are only 4000 up for grabs and they come in the actual 1996 cigarette-style CD (vinyl) box.
After rehearsals are all said and done, one thing that we still don’t know for sure is who will be supporting Oasis on their reunion tour, but that hasn’t stopped the 52-year-old from having fun with some rather heavy hints.
We don’t know how blatant or serious any of these names are, or if this is just a clever red herring or two, but let’s just say we’d be happy with any of them.
Liam is very much enjoying the usual wind-up and toying with Oasis fans.
As well as Manic Street Preachers and Cast – the lattermost having already supported Liam on his Definitely Maybe anniversary tour – there seems to be a lot of debate around whether a potential Richard Ashcroft support would include the rest of The Verve, who haven’t played together since 2017.
That being said, Blossoms have been heavily linked with the tour since they were the band to break the first reunion teaser at their massive Wythenshawe Park gig; there have also been rumblings of Kasabian, The K’s, New Order, Gene Gallagher’s band Villanelle and many more.
Again, we’ve got nothing concrete yet so you’ll just have to take LG at his word – just do so with a big fistful of salt.
Right, we’ll give you three support slots: who would be your dream warm-up acts for the Oasis reunion?
McFly and Busted announce massive joint head-to-head tour – with Manchester arena gig
Daisy Jackson
Two of the world’s greatest pop-punk bands, Busted and McFly, have just announced details of an unmissable head-to-head tour.
Busted last night stormed the stage at McFly’s 21st birthday show to announce Busted Vs McFly, which will include huge arena shows in Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.
The two groups, which are collectively behind some of the biggest pop-rock hits of the last two decades, will be visiting some of the biggest venues around the UK.
The shows announced (so far) on the Busted vs McFly tour include the AO Arena in Manchester, the Utilita Arena in Sheffield and the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
It’s all set to take place next autumn, with both groups challenging each other to a live battle on stage.
Speaking of the tour, McFly threw down the gauntlet and commented: “Busted gatecrashed our show tonight (not cool), and challenged us to a VS tour next year. They’re old men now, and we are gonna blow them and their carers off the stage next year.
“We’ve had a great time celebrating our 21st birthday this week and next year is going to be even better. P.S. Busted Suck.”
Busted fought back and added: “There’s been a lot of talk recently…. This is where the talking ends….! We are ready to show who is the better band once and for all. McFly suck and Busted Rock!”
Busted. Credit: Publicity pictureMcFly. Credit: Publicity pictureMcFly and Busted announce massive joint head-to-head tour – with Manchester arena gig
Busted’s biggest hits over the years have included Year 3000, Crashed The Wedding, and Air Hostess, while McFly have been responsible for hits like All About You, Five Colours In Her Hair, and Star Boy.
Just last year Busted scored a number one album position with Greatest Hits 2.0, and sold out 26 UK arena gigs.
Meanwhile McFly’s seventh album Power To Play hit the number two spot on the UK Albums Chart last year, joined by a run of massive shows, including two sold-out gigs at the O2 Arena to mark 21 years since the release of their debut.
Tickets for the unmissable Busted vs McFly tour go on sale via artist pre-sale HERE from 9am on 16 October, and general tickets are on sale on 18 October at 9am HERE.
Danny Jones -
19th September 2024 
