Ex-Smiths bassist Andy Rourke plays Manila for the first time on May 24 at Black Market.
We’re excited. After all, The Smiths, the legendary ’80s band from Manchester, has been called by Rolling Stone as “one of the most influential bands of all time.” It comprised of vocalist Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke, drummer Mike Joyce, and guitarist Craig Gannon. They famously broke up 1987 amid crazy rumors and supposed fights. Morrissey continued as a solo artist, Johnny Marr soldiered on with his plan of pursuing a “wider musical scope.” Craig Gannon became a composer for film and television, while Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce kept busy with a lot of music-related projects.
DJing is one of Rourke’s many projects and it’s brought him around the world. It’s not his first time in Asia—he’s played Shanghai and Singapore—but has no idea what Manila’s clubbing scene is like. Guess what? He’s eager to find out.
We chat with Rourke ahead of his gig at BlackMarket.
Which Smiths songs do you love to play when you’re the DJ?
Well, I always like to play the more dance-driven songs, like “Barbarism Begins At Home,” “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” but it really depends on my mood on the night and the interaction with the crowd.
Do you feel more in control of the music when you’re DJ’ing (as opposed to when you’re playing the bass)?
For me this a strange question. Obviously when playing the bass (and I presume you mean live?) I’m in total control, which can go either way! You can have a great gig or you can have a shit gig! When it comes to DJ’ing it’s just me playing the songs that I love and would like to pass these songs on to the crowd.
Is there a Smiths song that always feels like you’ve just met it for the very first time?
For me, they are mostly all magical songs and sound fresh today as they ever did!
Are there super hit songs from your youth that you like to play that audiences now, these millennial kids are uninterested about?
Hmmm… I wouldn’t say “super hit songs” but I do like to play songs from my “youth” as an education if you like—songs from David Bowie, Roxy Music, Japan, Bob Dylan and of course the occasional Smiths song. 😉
Have there been newish artists you’re into that you suddenly realize have been influenced by The Smiths? Does that turn you on? Or off?
Obviously there are too many to mention, but it is very flattering and it is a turn on, for sure. Every band is influenced by some other band from the past, this is what makes the (music) world go round, this will never change.
You’ve played Singapore, so you’re no stranger to Asia. What have you been told of the scene in Manila?
Yes, It’s true I played in Singapore and had great fun there!!! But they didn’t tell me anything about Manila OR it’s scene so I’m intrigued. 😉
Do you find that your kind of music attracts pretty much the same sort of person, anywhere in the world? What’s that personality type?
I would like to think so yes (same crowd) and over the last few years, that’s been the case. That type of person is usually/hopefully…intelligent and is passionate about great music. I can’t tolerate violence so I like my crowd to be “Lovers Not Fighters.”
What’s most overrated: Sex, drugs or rock n’ roll?
Drugs
Who is the most memorable Filipino you’ve met?
I’ll let you know!
Is there a question you hope people would stop asking you already? What would that question be?
#1 What time is it?
#2 When are The Smiths reforming? 😉
Andy Rourke is Playing at My House! (Live DJ SET) with The Diegos, Huang, Kikimachine and Major Chie, on May 24, 9pm, at Black Market (Warehouse 5, La Fuerza Compound 2, Sabio St near corner Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati). PHP800 pre-selling, PHP1,200 at the door. For table reservations: +63 2 4035019, +63 908 8135622. Coconuts Manila is an event supporter, together with Don Papa Rum and Today x Future.
Photo from Andy Rourke’s My Space page
