The Smiths: Three members announce reunion shows for 2018

Three members of The Smiths have announced they plan to reunite for a series of shows later this year.

Drummer Mike Joyce, bassist Andy Rourke and second guitarist Craig Gannon will perform under the name Classically Smiths in 2018.

The trio will be joined by the Manchester Camerata Orchestra for shows in Manchester, London and Edinburgh.

“I’m massively excited to be playing with Andy and Craig again, but introducing a full orchestra into the mix takes this to another level,” Mike Joyce told the Manchester Evening News.

Founding members Rourke and Joyce formed the band’s formidable rhythm section throughout the entirety of the band’s career.

Former Aztec Camera member Gannon briefly joined the Smiths in 1986 and featured on singles Ask and Panic before leaving the band the same year.

Johnny Marr and Morrissey are not expected to take part in the tour.

The confirmed 2018 dates are listed below.

June 28 - Manchester, O2 Apollo

June 29 - London, Brixton Academy

July 2 - Edinburgh, Usher Hall

Tickets go on same from Friday, January 26. They can be bought here.