The Smiths’ Mike Joyce confirms permanent mural of Andy Rourke in Manchester will go ahead

The Smiths drummer Mike Joyce has confirmed a permanent mural dedicated to late bassist Andy Rourke will go ahead.

• READ MORE: Andy Rourke, 1964 – 2023: The Smiths bassist was a key thread in their rich tapestry

It comes after a crowdfunding campaign was set up by Joyce earlier this month to honour the late sticksman’s legacy and impact.

Additionally, the campaign was also set up to raise funds for the charity organisation Pancreatic Cancer Action. This is notable as Rourke died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 59 last year.

Now, Joyce has confirmed the crowdfunder for the mural, which will depict Rourke performing at Dundee’s Caird Hall in 1985, as captured in an image by tour photographer Nalinee Darmrong, has raised more than its initial £20,000 target.

He told BBC Radio Manchester (via BBC News): “He was such a brilliant musician and such a great bloke that I thought a permanent memorial would be apt for the man.”

The mural is due to be unveiled in November, which is pancreatic cancer awareness month and donors will receive a photograph print of the mural signed by Joyce and the mural artist.

The mural will be created by renowned street artist Akse, who has previously depicted footballer Marcus Rashford in Withington and David Bowie on the side of a pub in Oak Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter

Joyce said he hoped it would raise awareness of “getting an early diagnosis”.

Elsewhere, Morrissey fired his management team following Johnny Marr‘s statement refuting several claims regarding The Smiths earlier this week.

The former Smiths singer took to his website to announce that he had parted ways with his management, but offered no further details. He wrote: “Morrissey has severed all connections with Red Light Management/Pete Galli Management.”

It’s the latest move Morrissey has made following a string of claims he made regarding The Smiths and Johnny Marr.

Marr and his management team on Tuesday (September 17) put all of Morrissey’s claims to rest in a single statement.

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