I don't know if you have the info on this yet but Marr himself sang "Meat is Murder". He ended the song with a superb guitar solo and the whole volume seemed ten times louder than any of the other artists. Great to see him playing some Smiths stuff again, not sure about his singing though, I think that should have been left to Morrissey.

Johnny also played guitar for George Michael and Marianne Faithfull.

This weekend's episode of Mystery Science Theatre 3000 (episode #1002 - The Girl In The Gold Boots), had a Moz reference in it. I know this is not the first for this series. A character in the movie was playing a very slow, sorrowful song on an acoustic guitar, and one of the robots commented that it was "One of Morrissey's more upbeat songs."

In the spring issue of Bungei (which is a Japanese literature magazine), about 30 people talk about their own 'Indie Philosopher'. One poet, Aga Wai chose Morrissey as his philosopher.

The Swedish punk band, Refused, who combine an eclectic blend of punk, jazz, hardcore, and electronica quote Morrissey in the liner notes/manifesto in their newest LP, The Shape of Punk to Come on Burning Heart / Epitaph records. On the track 10, "The Shape of Punk to Come" they quote "It's gruesome that someone so handsome should care" amongst their own lyrics "We're all dressed up we got somewhere to go!" A fairly obscure reference, but a clear one.

I would like to invite everyone to come out see the debut of The Salford Lads, this May 1 at the Great Lakes in Park Slope, Brooklyn. We are the East Coast's only Smiths tribute band, and we'll be playing everyone's favorite hits, starting at 9PM. If you would like to be placed on our mailing list to find out about future shows and events, please send me an email and I'll be sure to add your name.

More details to come...

"These Charming Men" are going to play another Smiths-/Moz-Party in Kontich (near Antwerp) on Saturday, 25. September. Takes place at the Lintfabriek, Mechelsesteenweg 199, Kontich. Doors open 9 P.M. DJ: Peter Melis.