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]

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.

So you're saying Morrissey took advantage of Andy's debilitated condition to keep his share of the money. Nice one, good friend that Morrissey.

 

[Luji Lujissey]

M may be a diminished figure but the music he made with his group remains intact" what the f*** says Riky ? , Moz has an outstanding solo career, Ricky doesn't even step on Moz's heels, Ricky Ricky's voice is ugly but ugly!!! when he sings it seems that he has a potato nailed, there is God that misfortune that this calamity sings songs of Mozys!!!!!

 

[Luji Lujissey]

Ricky Ricky the exit is by alla!!!!!!

 

[Luji Lujissey]

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."

An adonis and a RicyBicho!!!!!

 

[Flibberty]

So you're saying Morrissey took advantage of Andy's debilitated condition to keep his share of the money. Nice one, good friend that Morrissey.

No, I didn't say that in the least. As the professional advice states, "It is not the artist’s responsibility."

It wasn't remotely Morrissey's job to make sure that Andy got himself a songwriting publisher.

 

[Anonymous]

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.

Perfectly summed up. Yes I remember a certain Benny The British Butcher who used to post here. He was a prime example of what you describe. The pathetic argument he had was he has to enlighten others and Morrissey's fall was oh so hilarious. He was posting here for years. Amazing.

Morrissey was a huge part of my formative years and I bought into his vision too. However even before the far right stuff started I tired of his forever alone tone. I guess many people just grew up. Still I'm very grateful I ran into his art, I'll still buy his records and I'm glad he is still making art.

 

[Gregor Samsa]

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.

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. !

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

TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU

This. Entertainment of the highest order.

 

[BrummieBoy]

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 ?

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

Concern Troll: FAIL!...spare me the home-spun philosophy...etc..

I don't 'hate' Morrissey as that's against my religion. And it's 'Sunday Morning...well, it was when I started typing this but someone interrupted me on Skype. Anyroads...

Actuellement, sunshine, I think he's one of the greatest comics currently active in contemporary culture! His 'late-in-life' conversion to 'Komedic Karaoke Koncert Kraokathons' will be retrospectively seen as his finest hour of self-flagellating descent into the abyss we predicted for 'That Bitch' from the outset...Rick Astley is expertly balancing the complex equation:

1) Respectfully eulogising Morrissey's contributions to The Smiths Family radical art collective of the 80s.

2) Thoughtfully expressing concern at the contemporary 'karaoke ' Melvis Morrissey Solo -Troll and his wanton, incendiary face-tine attention whore antics as a, ahem..'political controversialist' ...

3) Providing a 'safer space' for 'fan' casualties still oblivious to Morrissey and Marr's devious, truculent and unreliable trickery of the soi-disant 'lawnmower parts' of aforementioned Smith Family: who were, in fact, its irreplaceable beating rhythmic heart.

No Sabbath reunion without Bill Ward.

Led Zeppelin with Bonham's son drumming was eulogy, not reunion.

Genesis without Hackett and Gabriel isn't Genesis...Well, it is...an iteration..a version...but...they are a very complex 'my life is pop-rock Royals soap-opera', as are Fleetwood Mac and Yes over the decades.

No reunion of The Smiths without crucial family members Joyce and Rourke. End of.

I don't 'hang around' here, I remotely monitor proceedings and comment as & when I'm bored and/or it amuses me to do so. That's how this 'Internet discussion board' stuff works, ya numpty.

I agree with you that Morrissey delivers a 'solution, as in turd-like, C List failed Fame Whore set list...yawn...but I see a more complex dynamic of Ritual self-immolation taking place as he is forced to accept he's just another cog in the Corporate Rock Whore 'star maker machinery behind the popular song'... Except he's not popular and never really was... Never even got to #1....Bless!

'Isn't it enough for you to enjoy the bands you love who are not playing the corporate whore game ?'

I'm currently trekking around the UK on a gig binge apres lockdown. So far I've seen 3 x Kings Of Convenience gigs, 4 x Steve Hackett gigs, 1 x Genesis gig and I'm also on a post-divorce sex binge. But it's now Sober October so I have to reign that side of the demon in...sigh...get on with your boring life with your boring wife and your boring daughters. "Come on and bore me, doll-face."...

You can fake it as a Whore claiming Culture, Moz, but The Big Nosed, Big Swinging Dick BrummieBoy was always hip to your fake-arse Outsuder Rebel Yell bullshit shtick....oh, forgot to add 3 day binge at Brum urban park-life festival...bumped into Janice Long at Moseley 'Folk Festival '...she gasped and said "Alfie!!!!"....my name is...my name is... LOLOLOOOL!

Highlights at that festival wuz: Richard Hawley, Waterboys...can't remember...*senior moment*...

Nice to chat, mt8...take care.

Sincerely yours
BB

...Sharon, can you check ✔ this for typos. Busy...

 

[BrummieBoy]

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

I always did...

 

[BrummieBoy]

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

Morrissey and Green Gartside?

Morrissey was as obsessed with the Princess Di impersonating falsetto Tom Jones- Taffy genius Caerleon songbird as me, mt8. Still 7s, I'd wager...

'White Bread, Black Beer' is ...the fcUKin dogz bollockz, mt8...saw them again last night, the last night of the tour in Shepherds Bush...shite venue ruined it, left early to go whoring...

"...the boom-boom bap...the rap-a-tap-tap...that's the beat of my life..."

Here's a clip I took at the Caerdydd gig...if I can find it on this phone yoke...Sharon!!..help!!!...oh, can't upload own video ...to stop Porno For Pyros stuff I guess, so just a pic...nope..can't find it...

 

[Deleted member 30524]

Morrissey and Green Gartside?

Morrissey was as obsessed with the Princess Di impersonating falsetto Tom Jones- Taffy genius Caerleon songbird as me, mt8. Still 7s, I'd wager...

'White Bread, Black Beer' is ...the fcUKin dogz bollockz, mt8...saw them again last night, the last night of the tour in Shepherds Bush...shite venue ruined it, left early to go whoring...

"...the boom-boom bap...the rap-a-tap-tap...that's the beat of my life..."

Here's a clip I took at the Caerdydd gig...if I can find it on this phone yoke...Sharon!!..help!!!...oh, can't upload own video ...to stop Porno For Pyros stuff I guess, so just a pic...nope..can't find it...


View attachment 76718

Sorry BB i tried to listen but only managed 30 seconds....
Then the flash backs started

 

[BrummieBoy]

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.

U that blogger lass? Can't remember yer name...

 

[BrummieBoy]

Perfectly summed up. Yes I remember a certain Benny The British Butcher who used to post here. He was a prime example of what you describe. The pathetic argument he had was he has to enlighten others and Morrissey's fall was oh so hilarious. He was posting here for years. Amazing.

Morrissey was a huge part of my formative years and I bought into his vision too. However even before the far right stuff started I tired of his forever alone tone. I guess many people just grew up. Still I'm very grateful I ran into his art, I'll still buy his records and I'm glad he is still making art.

Paging BtheBB!!!

 

[Deleted member 28251]

I *may* be in Carlisle shortly...the authorities are on red alert

I’m gig binging too. I’ve had to dump Eddi Reader for Rick Astley. And I’m in the process of flogging my James tickets as they’re in conflict with The Charlatans. I’m getting too old for consecutive nights on the sauce.

 

[Deleted member 30524]

I’m gig binging too. I’ve had to dump Eddi Reader for Rick Astley. And I’m in the process of flogging my James tickets as they’re in conflict with The Charlatans. I’m getting too old for consecutive nights on the sauce.

Your still in shorts compared to BB
I’ve heard (unconfirmed) that he’s late 60s

 

[Deleted member 28251]

Your still in shorts compared to BB
I’ve heard (unconfirmed) that he’s late 60s

Little wonder he corresponds so eloquently with us two coffin dodgers.

 

[Deleted member 30524]

Little wonder he corresponds so eloquently with us two coffin dodgers.

Speak for yourself
One gig a week Jack

 

[Deleted member 30524]

Speak for yourself
One gig a week Jack

Rick seems to be the flavour of the month of late....
Never gonna give you up ...
Is my tip for the Christmas no 1

 

[Deleted member 29227]

Rick seems to be the flavour of the month of late....
Never gonna give you up ...
Is my tip for the Christmas no 1

No, I reckon it'll be either Some Trees Are Bigger Than Others, or This Charming Ham...

 

[Deleted member 30524]

No, I reckon it'll be either Some Trees Are Bigger Than Others, or This Charming Ham...

Or... for us poor people,
This charming spam.