Ex-Smiths Bassist Organizes Benefit Show In Manchester

Via NME: Smiths legend Andy Rourke is planning to hold the world's biggest busking gig to help raise funds for cancer victims. The bassist is appealing to members of the public to sign up for the event, to be held in Manchester city centre's Exchange Square on January 13. The gig, which will be held between 2pm and 4pm, will see Rourke and his busker bandwagon serenading shoppers with renditions of their favourite songs.

"A record of this kind has never been attempted before so it will be great if we can do it, especially as it's for charity," Rourke said. "We hope to raise £1 million to fight cancer with our 2007 concerts, and we hope this will set the ball rolling nicely. So please, show your support and help us set the world busking record on 13th January and raise some much needed money for charity." To register for the event email your name, contact details and how you plan to busk to busking@greatnorthernproductions.co.uk.

The gig is being backed by Versus Cancer, who are also planning a special concert at the MEN Arena on March 30. Tickets for the gig go on sale from January 12. Acts for the concert will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information go to www.versuscancer.org.

(Andy's on the right of the accompanying photo; Johnny Marr is on the left)

MP3: The Smiths - Half A Person