The Smiths And New Order Stars Unite For Charity Gig

The Smiths’ Andy Rourke, Peter Hook and Badly Drawn Boy united last night (February 23) for a special one-off performance.

The musicians came together for the annual Manchester Versus Cancer gig at the MEN Arena.

The makeshift super group played covers of ‘Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want’ by The Smiths, ‘Let The Sunshine In’ from the musical ‘Hair’, Joy Division’s ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ and ‘Instant Karma’ by John Lennon.

The collaboration closed the five-hour concert, which also saw performances from bands such as The Enemy, The View, Happy Mondays and The Fratellis.

This year’s event took on extra poignancy after the death of Factory Records’ Tony Wilson last summer from the disease.

The Farm chose to dedicate their most famous hit ‘All Together Now’ to the music mogul, and ex-New Order bassist Hook paid tribute to him, saying: "Rest in peace, Tony."

Hometown heroes Happy Mondays received a rapturous welcome, with Shaun Ryder and Bez indulging in some rough play fights.

Other highlights included the massive sing-alongs that greeted The Fratellis’ ‘Chelsea Dagger’ and The View’s ‘Same Jeans’, as well as The Enemy’s blistering headline set.

The fundraiser was the third to be held in successive years. Ex-Smith Rourke is the driving force behind the show as a trustee of the Versus Cancer charity, which is dedicated to making a difference to those suffering from cancer both in the UK and around the world.

The charity hopes to raise over £1 million in 2008.

Source: www.nme.com