The Times: "Rick Astley on his latest unlikely sell-out venture — covering the Smiths with Blossoms" (September 30, 2021)

I haven't read the whole article (because paywall), but it starts as follows and the link is here:

"Rick Astley and Morrissey are not obvious musical bedfellows. One is among the most revered artists in British music history and the other is — well, Rick Astley.

News that Astley was teaming up with the Stockport band Blossoms for two concerts to play songs from the Smiths was a gift to social media. The ripostes came flying: from “Heaven knows I’m miserable now” to “Please, please, please let me get what I want”. “This is both funny and horrible and at the same time,” the Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr tweeted. Of course tickets for this week’s shows sold out in minutes."

 

[Anonymous]

In different ways and to differing degrees both Morrissey and Marr have constructed 'solo' careers based on karaoke impersonations of their previous personas, so it's a bit rich that the 'usual suspects' move from peevish disapproval to hissy fit at the idea of a genuine 80s pop superstar impersonating such C List cultist also-rans.

Both Morrissey and Marr flog their dead horse cabaret by implicitly promising promoters that their sets will include a Smiths Karaoke segment to get suburbanite bums on seats.

Most gigs by Boomer losers like Morrissey and Marr these days are chocka with gormless ex-'punks' still flaunting their gaudy faux rebellions of four decades past as 'cutting edge' or 'radical' when they're pure panto.

I was at the Kings Of Convenience shows in London and Southampton last weekend. Now, there's a group who don't give a fcUK about playing the Corporate Rock Whore game...unlike both Maher and Morrissey.

Tonight, I'm in the delightful cultural epicentre of East Yorkshire, Scunthorpe, after an utterly incendiary gig by Steve Hackett, another genuine rebel.

Then it's my 3rd Scritti Politti gig on Saturday Night in That London.

I'm really looking forward to Rick Astley and The Blossoms at The Forum in Kentish Town where I saw so many transformative gigs as a youngster.

Lockdown was vile, particularly because it precluded live music, although a bonus was that it stopped the execrable Morrissey from cavorting aimlessly on stage.

Time for bed before crossing the Pennines to yonder Bradford tomorrow.

Sincerely yours
BB

You sound so angry. If you hate Morrissey so much why hang round a board focused on his art ?

I took my daughters to see Morrissey. I don't remember seeing any gormless ex-punks there. There were a few Smiths songs and plenty of Morrissey solo tracks played. It was a solid gig, not brilliant but enjoyable. I went because he and the Smiths were part of my teenage years. They meant something to me. I wanted my kids to understand the positive aspects and the sensitive angle that his writing bought to music. I agree with Rick, it's hard to believe the guy who wrote such incisive songs could become such a plonka.

Criticise Morrissey for sure but please don't take out your disappointment by presuming to know the fans. Isn't it enough for you to enjoy the bands you love who are not playing the corporate whore game ?

 

[Deleted member 28251]

Scritty polliti
The man who sings like he’s being
Fingered by an entire orchestra
Come along BB, I grown to like/ admire you late night rants about Moz, and you present as a highly intelligent person

But I have to draw a line now.

SHITTY POLITYI Can’t ever be mentioned in the same breath as Moz or Johnny. I forbid you....

They were the worst band in the 80s
And we’re no where near the Smiths, no where near Moz still to this day...

That said... I hope you’ve enjoyed your little self and I hope you enjoyed your porn star martinis

Sounds like Brum might be the kind who prefers The Blue Nile to Blue Monday these days.

 

[anusskaa]

The fake media meakes up stuff . Jut singles out one they don't like of think like them. And attack. In the case Morrissey he is against the monarquí and oligarts. The media works for the monarchy and gov. So they want people against morrisey. In USA Donal trump said I will stand in the middle of 5 the ave. And shoot some one and I can get away with it!!. Ha. here Media didn't take it seriously !you figure , In England a few just can't let Morrissey go. Because they still kissing the monarchy 's ass But. Guess what media. We.I have my own brain. And I'm loyal to Morrissey ,the more media attack him the more I love him The British people should make.Morrissey. A national treasure He is a true brave and talented living artist.

 

[anusskaa]

I have to say. Ricky Ashley is a pussy looser. Who are you to repit the stupid media words against mozz? you shout your mouth how can you say !!! The smiths songs are to big for you. And Morrissey!!! Do not attack him. !

 

[Seymour Glass]

Yes Rick that Tommy Bahama Hawaiian shirt is SO very Morrissey. I remember when he would also wear surf trunks and sandals on Top of the Pops. Clueless.

 

[billybu69]

We can all be to precious over this stuff. It's a tribute band, nothing else, a night out with a few beers and a sing along. Smiths indeed, smiths ltd, that Mexican crew all do the same and no one bats an eye. It's a tribute band and doesn't matter.

 

[Anonymous]

Morrissey deserves a ton of respect.

The man has a prolific discography filled with songs that have touched your intellect as well as your heart. Not all of them, but MANY - many more than most artists deliver. Those who love Morrissey's music understand what I mean.

It's easy nowadays to get on the hate bandwagon for ANYTHING. One can't ever compare Morrissey's entire musical output and the contributions he has made musically to anything Rick Astley did. Now, let me say that Rick A. seems like a decent person. Rick had his moment, and he's still living in it - and good for him. Morrissey has had 40 years of NEW moments. You can't beat that.

Now, I don't agree with everything Morrissey says, but he is very much entitled to his opinion. He has proven throughout the years, at least with the things that he says in his music, that he is intelligent and his opinions should be heard (in 2021, ANYTHING GOES in terms of opinions ---- you don't even have to be intelligent, you can just GRUNT and someone will LIKE your post) - you don't have to like Morrissey's opinions, but he is entitled to have them.

I'm glad he still makes music.

 

[Mike Rourke]

You sound so angry. If you hate Morrissey so much why hang round a board focused on his art ?

I took my daughters to see Morrissey. I don't remember seeing any gormless ex-punks there. There were a few Smiths songs and plenty of Morrissey solo tracks played. It was a solid gig, not brilliant but enjoyable. I went because he and the Smiths were part of my teenage years. They meant something to me. I wanted my kids to understand the positive aspects and the sensitive angle that his writing bought to music. I agree with Rick, it's hard to believe the guy who wrote such incisive songs could become such a plonka.

Criticise Morrissey for sure but please don't take out your disappointment by presuming to know the fans. Isn't it enough for you to enjoy the bands you love who are not playing the corporate whore game ?

There are some very damaged people hanging out round here. A lot of them effectively based their whole persona on Morrissey/the Smiths back in the day. The clothes, the hair, the posters on the wall, the brilliantly witty quotes from interviews, the hatred of Thatcher, the meat industry, royal family, McDonalds etc.
They absolutely loved Morrissey and everything he stood for, and their colleagues, friends and family all knew about their obsession. Not a healthy way to live one's life beyond the teenage years but some of these people stuck with the adulation well into middle age. And then, when Morrissey came out and urged people to vote for the far right, it was just absolutely devastating for these super-fans because people would naturally assume they shared Morrissey's view. The bigger the Smiths fan you were, the more devastating it was having Morrissey tell everyone to support these For Britain clowns. So, these people have gone into damage-limitation overdrive, spending vast amounts of their spare time on websites like this, telling the world how much they hate Morrissey and ridiculing his every move. Of course, the sensible grown-up thing to do would be just to move on but they're simply not able to let go. He's become too big a part of their headspace and probably always will be.

 

[Vegan Cro Spirit 444]

There are some very damaged people hanging out round here. A lot of them effectively based their whole persona on Morrissey/the Smiths back in the day. The clothes, the hair, the posters on the wall, the brilliantly witty quotes from interviews, the hatred of Thatcher, the meat industry, royal family, McDonalds etc.
They absolutely loved Morrissey and everything he stood for, and their colleagues, friends and family all knew about their obsession. Not a healthy way to live one's life beyond the teenage years but some of these people stuck with the adulation well into middle age. And then, when Morrissey came out and urged people to vote for the far right, it was just absolutely devastating for these super-fans because people would naturally assume they shared Morrissey's view. The bigger the Smiths fan you were, the more devastating it was having Morrissey tell everyone to support these For Britain clowns. So, these people have gone into damage-limitation overdrive, spending vast amounts of their spare time on websites like this, telling the world how much they hate Morrissey and ridiculing his every move. Of course, the sensible grown-up thing to do would be just to move on but they're simply not able to let go. He's become too big a part of their headspace and probably always will be.

Idolizing the two minor lawnmowers is not exactly prime time

>

 

[Anonymous]

"Idolizing the two minor lawnmowers is not exactly prime time"

Rourke is amazing! If you know, you know. Andy was always close with Morrissey, and respected him. He still does, as I'm sure Morrissey does vice versa.

Joyce had the court battle, but the fact that he buys Morrissey Pint Glasses and still thinks they are cool shows that just the essence of Morrissey is something that Joyce appreciates - and I don't think that's related to cash, I think it's related to time spent.

The Smiths were absolutely great, and the band has been over since '87. Morrissey has been a solo artist for like 35 years, and has done very well. Pretty much TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS musically - Morrissey himself is the connection.

I asked a good friend once, who is now deceased - died in his early 30s, 'who is your favorite Smith'? He replied, 'I like ALL of The Smiths'.

 

[Anonymous]

"Idolizing the two minor lawnmowers is not exactly prime time"

Rourke is amazing! If you know, you know. Andy was always close with Morrissey, and respected him. He still does, as I'm sure Morrissey does vice versa.

Joyce had the court battle, but the fact that he buys Morrissey Pint Glasses and still thinks they are cool shows that just the essence of Morrissey is something that Joyce appreciates - and I don't think that's related to cash, I think it's related to time spent.

The Smiths were absolutely great, and the band has been over since '87. Morrissey has been a solo artist for like 35 years, and has done very well. Pretty much TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS musically - Morrissey himself is the connection.

I asked a good friend once, who is now deceased - died in his early 30s, 'who is your favorite Smith'? He replied, 'I like ALL of The Smiths'.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but Andy Rourke despises Morrissey. Claims he didn't get paid for co-writing "Yes I Am Blind" and "Girl Least Likely To". He said if you ask Morrissey for a pay raise, you get sacked.

Bigmouth Strikes Again: Smiths Bassist Andy Rourke Tells All

Smiths bassist Andy Rourke talks to Michael Moynihan about his acrimonious relationship with Morrissey, the band’s crazy stalkers, his 20-year heroin addiction, and more.

www.thedailybeast.com

 

[nickbatcave]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but Andy Rourke despises Morrissey. Claims he didn't get paid for co-writing "Yes I Am Blind" and "Girl Least Likely To". He said if you ask Morrissey for a pay raise, you get sacked.

Bigmouth Strikes Again: Smiths Bassist Andy Rourke Tells All

Smiths bassist Andy Rourke talks to Michael Moynihan about his acrimonious relationship with Morrissey, the band’s crazy stalkers, his 20-year heroin addiction, and more.

www.thedailybeast.com

Eh, I also remember in 2019 there were quotes from some Andy Rourke interview (I believe it was video? or perhaps a podcast) posted on multiple news sites in May 2019 where his said that Morrissey was "A unique individual and a real talent ... it was special working with him" and " "I think you definitely need some colourful characters, you have got to love ... people like that and Morrissey obviously - without that it would be a boring world."

 

[Anonymous]

Eh, I also remember in 2019 there were quotes from some Andy Rourke interview (I believe it was video? or perhaps a podcast) posted on multiple news sites in May 2019 where his said that Morrissey was "A unique individual and a real talent ... it was special working with him" and " "I think you definitely need some colourful characters, you have got to love ... people like that and Morrissey obviously - without that it would be a boring world."

He must have finally gotten paid!

 

[Flibberty]

There is no way that Morrissey has the power to deprive Andy of songwriting royalties.

I think that might have been the alcohol talking. I can believe that Andy barely made any money when the best of album was released a few years ago, but that's because it didn't sell.

 

[Anonymous]

There is no way that Morrissey has the power to deprive Andy of songwriting royalties.

I think that might have been the alcohol talking. I can believe that Andy barely made any money when the best of album was released a few years ago, but that's because it didn't sell.

Didn't Morrissey avoid paying Mike Joyce for years? I'm pretty sure this is also why there is no official Smiths merchandise.

 

[Flibberty]

Didn't Morrissey avoid paying Mike Joyce for years? I'm pretty sure this is also why there is no official Smiths merchandise.

The court case was a different matter entirely. That was money that Morrissey personally had to pay.

If Andy wasn't paid any songwriting royalties for Bona Drag, why did this not become an issue at the time? And why did Kevin Armstrong say that Morrissey was, "very good when it comes to money and songwriting royalties"?

I'm happy to be corrected, but I fail to see how Morrissey could have illegally ordered the record company to withhold all payments to Andy. And I can't see how any company would agree to such a request.

That's not to say that Morrissey couldn't be mean when arranging a specific % for production royalties, as happened with Stephen Street. But songwriting royalties are a different matter.

 

[Anonymous]

The court case was a different matter entirely. That was money that Morrissey personally had to pay.

If Andy wasn't paid any songwriting royalties for Bona Drag, why did this not become an issue at the time? And why did Kevin Armstrong say that Morrissey was, "very good when it comes to money and songwriting royalties"?

I'm happy to be corrected, but I fail to see how Morrissey could have illegally ordered the record company to withhold all payments to Andy. And I can't see how any company would agree to such a request.

That's not to say that Morrissey couldn't be mean when arranging a specific % for production royalties, as happened with Stephen Street. But songwriting royalties are a different matter.

I'll bet it was an issue at the time of Bona Drag and that's why they stopped playing together. Morrissey always controls the purse strings to anything he's a part of. Why would Andy lie about not getting paid?

 

[Flibberty]

I'll bet it was an issue at the time of Bona Drag and that's why they stopped playing together. Morrissey always controls the purse strings to anything he's a part of. Why would Andy lie about not getting paid?

Nope. No artist can control the purse strings to that degree. It isn't like the record company gave Morrissey all of the royalties to Bona Drag and then told him to share them out as he wished. It doesn't work like that.

If Andy didn't have a publisher, that is his fault. As it states on a website dedicated to this topic:

"But above all, most importantly, YOU have to figure out how to collect the songwriter royalties for the songs you write (and co-write). It is not the artist’s responsibility. Not the label’s responsibility. Not the other artist’s manager. YOUR responsibility. If you want your money, YOU register it with the PRO and admin publishing company or mechanical royalty collections company."

If Andy missed out on some payments, it's because he didn't get his own house in order. That would be no surprise because, as he says in that interview, heroin impacted his life for 20 years.

 

[Lujissey.]

The fake media meakes up stuff . Jut singles out one they don't like of think like them. And attack. In the case Morrissey he is against the monarquí and oligarts. The media works for the monarchy and gov. So they want people against morrisey. In USA Donal trump said I will stand in the middle of 5 the ave. And shoot some one and I can get away with it!!. Ha. here Media didn't take it seriously !you figure , In England a few just can't let Morrissey go. Because they still kissing the monarchy 's ass But. Guess what media. We.I have my own brain. And I'm loyal to Morrissey ,the more media attack him the more I love him The British people should make.Morrissey. A national treasure He is a true brave and talented living artist.

ESAAAA!!! MUY BIEN VIVA MOZ !!!!!!

 

[Lujissey.]

I have to say. Ricky Ashley is a pussy looser. Who are you to repit the stupid media words against mozz? you shout your mouth how can you say !!! The smiths songs are to big for you. And Morrissey!!! Do not attack him. !

TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU