I just found out about this show the other day and am very intrigued.
Andy Rourke, the bassist for the Smiths, is performing a DJ set at the Sunset tomorrow night. Rourke was with the Smiths throughout their existence and also briefly with Morrissey on some of his solo stuff. Wikipedia says:
When (Johnny) Marr and Morrissey formed the Smiths, Rourke joined the band after their second gig, and remained with the band almost throughout its existence. Marr claims that Rourke's contribution to The Queen Is Dead LP was "something no other bass player could match". Rourke was briefly sacked from the Smiths over drugs abuse, resulting in a weekend prison sentence, which was posted on TV news. The brief dismissal of Rourke came in the form of a note left by Morrissey under the windscreen wiper of his car; "Andy, you have left The Smiths. Good luck and goodbye, Morrissey".
However, in May 1986 Rourke rejoined the Smiths, just before the release of The Queen Is Dead album. Immediately after the break-up of the band, Rourke and Smiths drummer Mike Joyce played with Sinéad O'Connor - Rourke (but not Joyce) appears on the album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got. They also, along with Craig Gannon, provided the rhythm section for two singles by former Smiths singer Morrissey - "Interesting Drug" and "The Last of the Famous International Playboys" - and Rourke composed the music for Morrissey's songs "Yes, I Am Blind," "Girl Least Likely To," and "Get Off the Stage." Rourke also played bass on "November Spawned a Monster" and "Piccadilly Palare".
Rourke will be spinning records (I'm very curious as to what he's going to play) after three local acts I also enjoy take the stage: Erik Blood of The Turn Ons, Altspeak, and Hotels. Doors open at 9, $10, 21+.
Reviews
1 imaginary dana said on December 9, 2008
I saw Andy Rourke guest DJ several years ago at the Baltic Room (with imaginary stella), and even got to meet his Smithiness, which was very exciting!
I don't recall most of his set, except for one noteworthy moment: when he played his second song, "How Soon Is Now." Total party FAIL, playing not only a Smiths song, but the most predictable Smiths dance floor tune of all.
2 imaginary stella said on December 10, 2008
Holy crap - how did I miss this?? Might have to make an ammendment to the Wed.-night plans!
Dana's right. I still haven't gotten over the magic of meeting a Smith and having him tell me a joke (!). But the set was a little random, if predictable. I recall some Kaiser Chiefs and, I believe, New Order?
The "How Soon Is Now" moment was so cliche though. I mean, if you're going to play one of your own songs, select one that shows zealous fans that you know they know your deep catalog - and a track that shows off your handiwork. "Barbarism Begins at Home" would have been perfect.
Maybe tonight?
3 imaginary dana said on December 10, 2008
@imaginary stella If you're gonna go Hang the DJ, let me know and I might have to show up too.
4 imaginary stella said on December 11, 2008
ChrisB, how was the set? I didn't make it down to Ballard after all. Sad!
5 ChrisB said on December 11, 2008
Oh I didn't to stay for Andy Rourke's set. He was scheduled to go on at midnight but that's exactly when Hotels finished up and I had to leave at that point. That was just way too late for me to be out on a Wednesday night.
I did like all three local bands to play (Altspeak, Erik Blood and Hotels - review forthcoming). :-|
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