Spiritualized announce 'And Nothing Hurt' LP + premiere new songs

After a week of morse-code teasing, Spiritualized unveiled new music along with details behind their first new album since 2012's Sweet Heart Sweet Light. The band's eighth studio album And Nothing Hurt features nine songs and will be released on September 7th. Two of the songs are available to enjoy now -- watch the short film for "I'm Your Man" starring J Spaceman (aka Jason Pierce) which sees our hero visiting The Joshua Tree and Gram Parsons' memorial; plus stream the studio version of "A Perfect Miracle," a song Spiritualized debuted live in 2012 but has been unreleased until now. Take it all in below:



Over the last few years Jason Pierce has been warning fans that the next Spiritualized album may be his last because he thinks so much ground has been covered and "everybody's said everything" already. For example he told The Quietus in 2017 that making a Spiritualized record is an extensive process and it only makes sense to continue if he has something meaningful to say:

"I feel like there aren’t going to be many more; I said a while back it may very well be my last record. I wanted to make something that was really worthy of that, a kind of glorious ‘this is what it’s all about’ kind of thing. And it reaches far – it covers a lot of ground. It’s not just another collection of songs – it’s a big record. It’s also [taken] years of work…I don’t want it to be a light undertaking. I want it to say something and be a big deal."

Today Pierce issued a statement addressing his "final record" comments and said he's not sure what the future will hold:

“I was quite sincere about that and I still feel like it might be the case. It was such hard work. I found myself going crazy for so long. It’s not like there’s no coming back, I’m fine now… it’s just such a hard thing to do, to make a record like this on your own.”



Pre-order And Nothing Hurt through the official Spiritualized store.

And Nothing Hurt tracklisting

1. A Perfect Miracle
2. I'm Your Man
3. Here It Comes (The Road) Let's Go
4. Let's Dance
5. On The Sunshine
6. Damaged
7. The Morning After
8. The Prize
9. Sail On Through

Published June 11th, 2018

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Classic Alternative - Episode #59: Crepitation

Presenting Classic Alternative - Episode #59: Crepitation

Rock it old school with a brand new episode of Time Warp. This week's show includes music from Depeche Mode, The Clash, Suede, Squeeze, Blur, Ministry, Catherine Wheel, Sugarcubes, The Cure, Joy Division, The Smiths, and more.

Stream below or here and check out the full archive of Time Warp episodes here or here.


Music news stories from the past week

Robert Smith interview + hosting BBC radio special this week
Stephen Morris reveals passion for military vehicles
Johnny Marr talks ex-bandmates in new interview
Dr. Martens introduce boots ft Peter Saville's iconic Joy Division + New Order artwork
Johnny Marr on influence of The Smiths, The Cure, + Depeche Mode
Ron Asheton tribute concert ft J. Mascis, Kim Gordon + more in Ann Arbor
New Order share Mixtape: New Order
Morrissey talks songwriting, social media + new LP
Video: Johnny Marr debuts new music on Conan
Morrissey returns with two releases in July
Suede premiere majestic new song "The Invisibles"
Smashing Pumpkins debut first reunion song
Ministry announce North American tour; play Detroit

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Robert Smith talks The Cure + being grumpy and lines up BBC Radio event

Robert Smith of The Cure curated this year's Meltdown Festival which kicks off this Friday, June 15th. The festival includes Nine Inch Nails, My Bloody Valentine, The Church, The Psychedelic Furs, Mogwai and many more, plus Smith himself will close out the festival with a performance on June 24th. In promotion of Meltdown, this Friday June 15th Smith will be taking over Iggy Pop's BBC Radio 6 Music show to discuss Meltdown, the curation process, and more. Stream the two hour show starting at 2pm ET here.

Meanwhile, Smith has done a few interviews recently which always turn out to be great reads -- check out some nuggets from a recent interview published in The Guardian:

Smith revealed that as a "birthday treat" on his 53rd birthday in Mexico City, The Cure attempted to break Bruce Springsteen's record for performing the longest concert ever (4 hours, 6 minutes). Alas, The Cure miscalculated and fell short by three minutes. The "birthday treat" turned to tragedy because Smith said "I was a bit crushed...because we could have honestly kept going for another half an hour."

The Cure's nemesis in the 80s was Duran Duran:

"It was generally Duran Duran...which is really sad because they loved us and they used to come to our shows. But they represented everything we hated: the whole glamorous 80s, consumer bullshit; this horrorshow that we were up against."

The Cure are teaming up with director Tim Pope to create a 40th anniversary career-spanning documentary. Smith explains why he agreed to the project:

“I knew a few people wanted to – what’s a nice way of saying exploit? – celebrate the 40th anniversary with projects. I said no, but I knew that they would probably go ahead anyway unless I made it very obvious that we were doing something.”

Smith says he was "very optimistic" when he was young and is the opposite now. He refers to himself as a "grumpy old man" and claims he's "at war" with the modern world:

"It’s insane, people’s lust for technology and new things."

As for new music, he says he's been listening to a lot of new music which has inspired him to create new music. He's committed to making a new Cure album and says he'll be upset if it doesn't work out.

Read the full interview with Robert Smith over at The Guardian.

Published June 10th, 2018

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Video: Stephen Morris details fascination with military vehicles in film 'At Leisure'

Let's all take a moment to acknowledge the immense prowess and mastery of Joy Division/New Order drummer extraordinaire Stephen Morris - his talents and intensity behind the kit transcend all others and he is truly the supreme drumming dominator. The best, hands down, case closed. Now that we've agreed upon that...

Stephen Morris was recently profiled in The Quietus' new video series At Leisure, which explores hobbies and interests of cult musicians and artists. In the nine minute short, Morris reveals his surprising fascination with collecting military vehicles and tanks!  Morris is always an engaging interview, so even if you're not exactly a military tank fan this short film is well worth checking out. View Stephen Morris At Leisure below:



Published June 10th, 2018

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Johnny Marr talks ex-Smiths bandmates in new interview

Johnny Marr continues his press tour in promotion of his third solo album Call The Comet which arrives on June 15th. The Guardian published a new interview with Marr yesterday - he answered questions about his new album, being a vegan, and his successful, long term marriage. Along with those questions, he was asked for the millionth time whether The Smiths will reunite ("no"), plus he answered a few questions about his ex-bandmates:

Does he ever feel he's being disloyal to Morrissey when he's asked to comment on Morrissey's controversial opinions?

"It’s just been so long – a lot can happen in 30 years. Morrissey and I were always different – everybody knows that. I understand why I’m asked – we were a big group, we’re still a huge group. But being his keeper, being disloyal, doesn’t come into it, because I do have a life."

Marr and Morrissey were sued for royalties by former members Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke. How does Marr feel about the case now?

"I resented it at the time, but you just get on with your life. It’s just part of being in a big band – drug busts, deaths, court cases… sometimes all three."

Read the full interview in The Guardian here.



Published June 10th, 2018

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Smashing Pumpkins debut reunion single "Solara"

The Smashing Pumpkins debuted their first new reunion single this week -- the first song to feature Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin in over 18 years. Stream "Solara" below:



Smashing Pumpkins hit the road in North America next month on their Shiny and Oh So Bright reunion tour. View the itinerary for the tour below:

The Smashing Pumpkins - The Shiny And So Bright Tour

Jul 12 -- Glendale, AZ @ Gila River Arena
Jul 14 -- Oklahoma City, OK @ Chesapeake Energy Arena
Jul 16 -- Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
Jul 17 -- Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
Jul 18 -- Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
Jul 20 -- Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
Jul 21 -- Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Centre
Jul 22 -- Atlanta, GA @ Infinite Energy Arena
Jul 24 -- Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena
Jul 25 -- Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena
Jul 27 -- Baltimore, MD @ Royal Farms Arena
Jul 28 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
Jul 29 -- Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
Jul 31 -- Boston, MA @ TD Garden
Aug 01 -- New York City, NY @ Madison Square Garden Arena
Aug 02 -- Homdel, NJ @ (30th anniversary series)
Aug 04 -- Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
Aug 05 -- Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
Aug 07 -- Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell
Aug 08 -- Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
Aug 09 -- London, ON @ Budweiser Gardens
Aug 11 -- Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center
Aug 13 -- Chicago, IL @ United Center
Aug 14 -- Chicago, IL @ United Center
Aug 16 -- Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
Aug 17 -- Indianapolis, IN @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Aug 19 -- St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
Aug 20 -- Omaha, NE @ Centurylink Center
Aug 21 -- Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford Premier Center
Aug 24 -- Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
Aug 25 -- Portland, OR @ Moda Center
Aug 27 -- Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
Aug 28 -- Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center
Aug 30 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Forum
Aug 31 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Forum
Sep 01 -- San Diego, CA @ Viejas Arena
Sep 02 -- Las Vegas, NV @ T-Mobile Arena
Sep 04 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ Vivint Smart Home Arena
Sep 05 -- Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center Arena
Sep 07 -- Boise, ID @ Ford Idaho Center
Sep 08 -- Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
Sep 09 -- Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place

Published June 10th, 2018

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Dr Martens selling classic docs featuring Peter Saville's iconic artwork

Dr Martens have introduced three new versions of their classic boot featuring Peter Saville inspired designs. Pictures of these boots have been making the rounds on Joy Division, New Order, and Peter Saville social media fan accounts, but be rest assured these boots are no joke; they are legit available to purchase now through Dr Martens webstore.

Stomp out disorder in this 1460 Unknown Pleasures. The boot features the iconic Joy Division Unknown Pleasures cover art -- a visual translation of pulsar sound waves -- embossed on the boot in tribute to the best post-punk band ever.

No dream attack here; you'll run, go round and round, and have a fine time in the 1460 Technique. The incredibly vivid and vibrant boot features a recreation of the artwork from New Order's classic 1989 masterpiece.

No one will want to leave you alone in the 1460 Power. This boot features New Order's Power, Corruption and Lies artwork on crackle-coated suede to emulate a painted canvas. Ecstasy!

All three boots retail for 155 dollars U.S. and are available now.

Via PeterSavilleinfo +JDNOPics

Published June 6th, 2018

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Johnny Marr on the influence of The Smiths, Depeche Mode & The Cure

Johnny Marr continues his promo tour in support of his forthcoming album Call The Comet. This afternoon Marr answered fan questions as part of a live video interview event with Yahoo.

The interesting part the interview was when host Lyndsey Parker asked Marr his thoughts on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It hasn't gone unnoticed by alternative music fans that The Smiths, along with The Cure, Depeche Mode, and Joy Division/New Order, made such a mark on modern music, yet these influential artists from the 80s have all been overlooked by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Marr responded that he doesn't relate at all to the Hall of Fame but acknowledged that something isn't right about these bands being ignored. He went on say he's proud of The Smiths and their peers for helping change the jock mentality so prevalent in the 1980s.

Fans of The Smiths, Depeche Mode, The Cure, and New Order will truly savor Marr's comments to the fullest, because he nails exactly how things were in the 80s. Dig in:

"I don't really relate to it, I get it, but it doesn't really relate to my tastes or to my career to my band, or any of the bands I've been in. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, I'm not, but it's never been a thing for me ever. To me, I think the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is about Roy Orbison maybe or Tom Petty. If it means something to those people to have that accolade, that's fantastic, it's all well and good.

My opinion on the bands The Cure and Depeche Mode and The Smiths, having gone through that, when we arrived in the United States in 1985 to do those big tours, we played big venues...and it was reflected on me and my band that we were good news for a generation of kids -- boys and girls -- but let's say boys for example, who wanted to be not macho, wanted to be a new type of guy without having the label of being gay, being straight...all they knew is that they didn't want to be a jock. And they thought that they felt that jock culture, as it was called back then -- this was all news to me that I was picking up from the audience and younger journalists -- that this sort of culture of of macho aggressive...it was very old fashioned. And we were these young men from the UK who it didn't matter if we were wearing makeup, say, in the case of Depeche Mode...I guess it was just a new way of being, and there was a lot of projection on young British bands.

And I think I'm proud of New Order and The Smiths and The Cure and Depeche Mode and being part of that movement of bands, because we did that. If we helped to wipe out a certain kind of mentality in colleges around in the 1980s I think that's good that we were sort of part of wiping that stuff out and it's sort of unusual to me that a band like The Cure or Depeche Mode aren't considered to be as important in the culture because those bands were huge; Violator was a a really important modern rock record I think...those guys were wiping out audiences and rocking huge stadiums when I guess some people in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame couldn't put a few chords together, so there's something not right about that"

Stream the full interview with Marr over at Yahoo.

Published June 6th, 2018

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Blind Pig hosting Ron Asheton 70th Birthday Celebration ft J Mascis, Kim Gordon + more

Musical luminaries will descend on the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor on July 17th to commemorate what would have been Ron Asheton's 70th birthday. Kim Gordon, J Mascis, Don Fleming, Mike Watt, and Mark Arm are among the musicians scheduled to perform in honor of the co-founder and guitar player of The Stooges. The birthday celebration will also serve as a benefit for the Ron Asheton Foundation, which was established after Asheton's death in hopes of continuing the charity work Asheton was passionate about, especially in providing financial support to musicians and animal welfare. Find out more about the Ron Asheton Foundation here.

Tickets for this special event go on sale this Friday, June 8th. Learn more about the event here.

Published June 6th, 2018

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Ministry announce North American tour; play Detroit

Ministry return to the road in North America this fall and will play the Majestic Theater in Detroit on December 1st. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 6th.

Al Jourgensen on the tour: "I think the sets are going to work really well together...I'm looking forward to seeing the masses collapsing into a puddle of sweat by the end of the festivities.”

Ministry - North American tour

Nov 21 -- San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
Nov 23 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
Nov 24 -- Denver, CO @ Fillmore
Nov 27 -- Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theatre
Nov 29 -- Joliet, IL @ The Forge
Nov 30 -- Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre
Dec 01 -- Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theater
Dec 02 -- Toronto, ON @ Rebel
Dec 04 -- Rochester, NY @ Anthology
Dec 05 -- Washington, DC @ Fillmore
Dec 06 -- New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Dec 07 -- New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Dec 08 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
Dec 10 -- Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
Dec 11 -- Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theater
Dec 12 -- Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey
Dec 13 -- Houston, TX @ House of Blues Houston
Dec 14 -- San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theater
Dec 16 -- Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee
Dec 18 -- San Diego, CA @ House of Blues San Diego
Dec 20 -- Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda
Dec 21 -- Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda

Published June 5th, 2018

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New Order share Mixtape: New Order

New Order shared a playlist on Spotify today featuring music from throughout their career along with tracks and remixes from their side projects. In a classy move, New Order chose to include Peter Hook's projects Revenge, Monaco, and Freebass in the playlist, so perhaps there's still hope?!?

Check out Mixtape: New Order over on Spotify or Apple Music.

FYI: in case you're wondering why The Other Two (project featuring Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert) does not appear on the playlist, it's because their music is not on Spotify.



Published June 5th, 2018

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Morrissey talks songwriting, social media, and 'This Is Morrissey' in new interview

A new interview with Morrissey has been published by author and Moz fan Fiona Dodwell. The interesting interview touched on many of the usual topics including vegetarianism, politics, and the music industry, but also tackled questions about social media, songwriting, his greatest hits collection This Is Morrissey, and vinyl vs streaming. Some highlights from This Is Morrissey: An Interview:

Morrissey claims his solo career has been "disregarded because The Smiths were so good" and is annoyed that his music isn't played on the radio, claiming "it's still easier to get hit by lightning than be played on radio."

Though there isn't a DVD release currently in the works, Morrissey films all of his concerts and has amassed quite a collection.

He's very excited about his upcoming greatest hits collection This Is Morrissey, and said he had a hard time choosing which songs from his underrated catalogue to include:

"It's difficult to choose because so many of the songs are fantastic. The album is so full of life, and worthy questions, and great choruses, and quite playful."

On songwriting:

"No one hears the vocal melody until we are recording the song in the studio. We don't ever rehearse, or jam, or even discuss song directions. A studio is booked and we turn up. No one knows anything until the producer presses Record. It's an edginess that usually works. I haven't ever sat together with the band, just strumming through ideas. Even the actual key is unknown until the day of recording."

His thoughts on social media:

"People have an urgent need to express their ... well, it isn't disapproval, it's hatred... like drivers giving you the middle-finger as they speed off at 100mph. If they didn't have such a quick getaway they wouldn't do it. It seems to be the number one human emotion now ... social media shaming."

Read the full fascinating interview with Morrissey here via Roberto Ferdenzi.

As previously reported, This Is Morrissey will be released on July 6th through Parlophone/Warner/Sire. Pre-order info has not yet been announced.

Published June 5th, 2018

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Video: Johnny Marr premieres new song on Conan + live chat on June 6th

Johnny Marr is in North America this week trumpeting his forthcoming album Call The Comet with a series of promotional events.

Last night Marr appeared on Conan and debuted a new song titled "Bug," which is available to view below.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 6th) Marr will be chatting it up with fans during a a live Yahoo event Wednesday, June 6th at 3:30 PM ET. Head here on June 6th for all the action.

UPDATE: Check out highlights from the chat here

Call The Comet arrives June 15th and is available to pre-order here.



Johnny Marr - North American tour

Sep 15 -- Nashville, TN @ Cannery Ballroom
Sep 16 -- Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest
Sep 17 -- Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
Sep 20 -- Vancouver, BC @ Vogue
Sep 21 -- Seattle, WA @ Showbox
Sep 22 -- Portland, OR @ Roseland
Sep 24 -- Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
Sep 25 -- Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre
Sep 26 -- San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
Sep 28 -- Sonoma, CA @ Old Redwood Barn
Sep 29 -- Dana Point, CA @ Ohana Music & Arts Festival
Sep 30 -- Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
Oct 02 -- Mexico City, MX @ Plaza Condessa
Oct 04 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Theatre at Ace Hotel
Oct 08 -- San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
Oct 09 -- Dallas, TX @ Granada
Oct 10 -- Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room
Oct 11 -- Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
Oct 13 -- Athens, GA @ 40 Watt Club
Oct 15 -- New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Oct 16 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw
Oct 17 -- Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
Oct 19 -- Toronto, ON @ Phoenix
Oct 20 -- Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
Oct 21 -- Boston, MA @ Paradise
Oct 22 -- Philadelphia, PA @ TLA

Published June 5th, 2018

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Suede premiere majestic single "The Invisibles"

Suede debuted the first single off their forthcoming and sure-to-be brilliant eighth album The Blue Hour today. "The Invisibles" is a theatrical and triumphant track featuring heavy emphasis on orchestral elements and powerful lyrics. Stream the magnificent single below.

The Blue Hour arrives September 21st and has been described by the band as "dark and troubling," "diverse" and "complicated" album. Check out the pre-order options here.



Published June 4th, 2018

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Morrissey returns with two releases in July

Morrissey has announced two releases for July to coincide with his summer tour. The first release is a greatest hits compilation titled This Is Morrissey. According to the album artwork, the compilation includes (at least) 13 songs including his previously issued live cover of "Satellite Of Love," the Mael Mix of "Suedehead," "Jack The Ripper," "The Last Of The Famous International Playboys," and more. This Is Morrissey will be released by Parlophone/Warner on July 6th.

Meanwhile, July 6th will also see the release of Morrissey's previously announced single "All The Young People Must Fall In Love" through BMG. The A-side is a remixed version of the track (original version found on Low In High School), and Mozzer's live cover of "Rose Garden" serves as the B side.

Pre-order info has not been announced, but Morrissey Central reveals both releases will be issued on vinyl and digital formats. Head over to Morrissey Central to view the official release announcement.



Morrissey -- World Tour

Jul 04 -- Edinburgh @ Usher Hall
Jul 07 -- Manchester @ Castlefield Bowl
Jul 08 -- Manchester @ Castlefield Bowl
Jul 10 -- Portsmouth @ Guildhall
Jul 12 -- Reading @ Rivermead
Jul 15 -- Berlin @ Mercedes-Benz Arena
Jul 19 -- Sweden @ Dalhalla
Jul 21 -- Helinski @ Black Box

Published June 4th, 2018

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Classic Alternative - Episode #58: Vanquish

Presenting Classic Alternative - Episode #58: Vanquish

Rock it old school with a brand new episode of Time Warp. This week's show includes music from Iggy Pop, Hum, Jellyfish, Sisters Of Mercy, Sex Pistols, The Waterboys, Social Distortion, The Chills, R.E.M., The Charlatans, Joy Division, The Smiths, and more.

Stream below or here and check out the full archive of Time Warp episodes here or here.


Music news stories from the past week

Spiritualized post teasers + Primavera Sound video
Joy Division's debut EP An Ideal For Living turns 40
Matt Johnson issues statement + tribute in memory of his father
Johnny Marr unveils new track + plays Conan on Monday
Morrissey's "Everyday Is Like Sunday" turns 30
Riot Fest lineup announced: Johnny Marr, Killing Joke, Gary Numan + more
Dinosaur Jr add shows; play Detroit
Social Distortion announce fall tour; play Detroit
Johnny Marr announces North American tour

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Spiritualized post morse code teasers + watch video from Primavera Sound

Huh? Spiritualized are up to something - yesterday they deleted all their previous posts on their website and social media and replaced everything with two tantalizing morse code teasers. What does it all mean? It appears the likely motive behind all the teasing is brand new material - so check out the teasers below and stay tuned.

Earlier in the week Spiritualized performed at Primavera Sound in Barcelona backed by an orchestra and choir. Check out video filmed at their performance below:









Published June 3rd, 2018

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Joy Division's debut EP 'An Ideal For Living' released 40 years ago

Joy Division's debut EP An Ideal For Living was released 40 years ago today. The self-produced four track EP was issued on June 3rd, 1978 as a 7" release; later that year it was issued on 12" with new and less controversial artwork (industrial image pictured below replaced Bernard Albrecht's [aka Bernard Sumner] Hitler Youth drumming image found on the original 7" version). An Ideal For Living was most recently reissued in 2014 as a Record Store Day release, though all four songs contained on the EP are featured on the Joy Division compilation Substance.

The EP is an impressive introduction to a band that is arguably one of the most important and influential bands in music history. Standout tracks are "Warsaw" and "Failures" though all four songs are classics, despite the production sonics.

Stream An Ideal For Living below:



Published June 3rd, 2018

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Matt Johnson issues statement + tribute in memory of his father

The The's Matt Johnson revealed some devastating news -- his father, Edward Charles Johnson, passed away yesterday morning. Johnson issued a statement indicating he is not canceling The The's upcoming shows due to the financial implications involved, plus he and his brother Gerard had promised their father they would carry on with their careers.

The news is particularly heartbreaking as Johnson's brother Andrew died only a few years ago; Johnson has stated previously that Andrew's death was a major blow to him, but somehow Andrew's death also managed to inspire him to get back to making music (he wrote "We Can't Stop What's Coming" while Andrew was dying from cancer). Last year The The released their first new material in over a decade, and just last week The The launched the Comeback Special tour -- their first world tour in almost 20 years.

Send your healing thoughts and love to Matt Johnson. Read his full statement about his father below:



EDWARD CHARLES JOHNSON (18-5-32 - 2-6-18)

It is with very deep sadness and a very heavy heart that I write this statement.

My beloved father passed away unexpectedly this morning whilst I was en route to Stockholm for tonight’s concert.

I am unable to cancel THE THE’s concerts over the next week due to the massive financial implications, but also in recent weeks, as his health was starting to fail, my dad had made my brother Gerard and I promise that if anything were to happen to him we would both carry on with our careers and make him proud.

Anyone who knew our dad will know what a wonderful man he was. A big man in more ways than one he was well read, funny, charming, loyal, brave, a brilliant storyteller and a man with a deep sense of social justice. Above all he was a family man who loved his large family. It has been a privilege to be his son. We spoke every day, I loved him very, very much and his loss to our family is incalculable.

Lesser people than him who might experience some of the heavy blows he suffered in life may have become embittered, yet it had the reverse affect upon him. Despite losing two sons, a wife, and suffering numerous other hardships that life threw at him, he just grew and grew as a human being and in the intensity of his warmth, kindness and empathy.

While this would normally be a private family matter I am making it public because I find myself trapped in the public eye during the coming weeks and I ask for your understanding and for bearing with me during this difficult time.

Thank you





Published June 3rd, 2018

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Johnny Marr unleashes "Walk Into The Sea" + plays Conan next week

Johnny Marr unveiled another slice of brilliance from his forthcoming solo album Call The Comet. Marr has previously issued the impressive songs "Hi Hello" and "The Tracers," now he's premiered the lovely and cinematic third track titled "Walk Into The Sea."  Watch the official video for "Walk Into The Sea" which was co-directed by Marr below. Call The Comet arrives June 15th and is available to pre-order here.

Heads up: Johnny Marr is scheduled to appear on Conan on Monday, June 4th.

UPDATE (6/5): Watch Marr's performance of "Bug" below:





Johnny Marr - North American tour

Sep 15 -- Nashville, TN @ Cannery Ballroom
Sep 16 -- Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest
Sep 17 -- Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
Sep 20 -- Vancouver, BC @ Vogue
Sep 21 -- Seattle, WA @ Showbox
Sep 22 -- Portland, OR @ Roseland
Sep 24 -- Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
Sep 25 -- Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre
Sep 26 -- San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
Sep 28 -- Sonoma, CA @ Old Redwood Barn
Sep 29 -- Dana Point, CA @ Ohana Music & Arts Festival
Sep 30 -- Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
Oct 02 -- Mexico City, MX @ Plaza Condessa
Oct 04 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Theatre at Ace Hotel
Oct 08 -- San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
Oct 09 -- Dallas, TX @ Granada
Oct 10 -- Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room
Oct 11 -- Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
Oct 13 -- Athens, GA @ 40 Watt Club
Oct 15 -- New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Oct 16 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw
Oct 17 -- Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
Oct 19 -- Toronto, ON @ Phoenix
Oct 20 -- Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
Oct 21 -- Boston, MA @ Paradise
Oct 22 -- Philadelphia, PA @ TLA

Published June 1st, 2018

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