Three members of The Smiths reunite for series of UK gigs

"Classically Smiths" – which debuts in the summer with concerts in Manchester, London and Edinburgh before a full UK tour later this year – will combine the sounds of The Smiths with a beautifully orchestrated live concert.

Mike Joyce, Andy Rourke and Craig Gannon will be joined by the Manchester Camerata Orchestra (Haçienda Classiçal) in a live collaboration which will reimage the songs of The Smiths.

Morrissey and Johnny Marr will not be part of the reunion.

Classically Smiths is presented by Bad Production Ltd. Joel Perry, executive producer and creative director, who said: “Classically Smiths is bringing back into the now, from their extraordinary place in history, a reimagining of those irrepressible songs that we believe audiences, and indeed any discerning music lover, deserves to hear. Music that is as valid in 2018 as it was in 1987. Emotive, nostalgic, yet current and refreshed."

He added: “We are not The Smiths, but we are certainly not to be missed by anyone whose lives were defined – and are still being defined – by the enduring sounds of one of the UK’s finest ever bands. This is the celebration of that.”

Joyce said: “There’ll be Smiths classics in the set, but I can’t wait to play the songs that have never been heard live before. With the addition of an orchestra, it will sound as totally unique as it will immense.

"I’m really looking forward to fans being able to hear the songs in a way they’ve never been heard before, either on record or live. On the stage, or out front, this is going to be quite an experience for us all.”

Rourke said: “To have been there the first time round and seen it first hand, and to still be such a big fan of The Smiths today, I am both thrilled and excited to be involved in Classically Smiths. I’m really proud of the band’s work, and being able to present those songs again in this particular production format promises to be a real gift for audiences everywhere.”

Gannon said: “When using an orchestra with a band, there are so many different approaches you can take. But rather than us bending something out of shape or forcing a completely different musical angle on it, we're doing this with the greatest respect and admiration for the songs we all love.

“I played most of these songs live (and on some of the original recordings) when I was in The Smiths in 1986 and I'm really looking forward to revisiting them again.”

Full list of upcoming live dates:

JUNE 28 – MANCHESTER, O2 APOLLO

JUNE 29 – LONDON, O2 ACADEMY, BRIXTON

JULY 2 – EDINBURGH, USHER HALL