Latest news with #TheSmith
Perth Now
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Johnny Marr turned down 'eye-watering' sum for The Smiths reunion
Johnny Marr turned down an "eye-watering" amount of money to reform The Smiths because "the vibe's not right". The 61-year-old musician has revealed he was asked to get back together with his former bandmate Morrissey for a money-spinning reunion more than three decades after they parted ways back in the 1980s, but Marr rejected the deal because it didn't feel right. During an appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, Marr explained: "We got made an offer recently, but I said no. It was a little bit about principles, but I'm not an idiot, I just think the vibe's not right. "It was an eye-watering amount of money, but also, I really like what I'm doing now which makes it a lot easier. I like where I'm at. I still want to write the best song I've ever written. I want to be a better performer." Morrissey, 66, previously lashed out at Marr over the reunion suggestion - claiming the guitarist "ignored the offer" to get the group back together for a 2025 world tour and accusing him of "blocking" the release of a greatest hits album, as well as acquiring "trademark rights and intellectual property" of The Smith. Morrissey told Medium: "I agreed [to the reunion] because it felt like the last time such a thing would be possible. We've all begun to grow old. "I thought the tour that was offered would be a good way of saying thank you for those who have listened for what suddenly feels like a lifetime. 'It wasn't because I had any emotional attachment to Marr. I have absolutely none.' In response, Marr's management said in a statement: "Here are the facts: In 2018, following an attempt by a third party to use The Smiths' name – and upon discovery that the trademark was not owned by the band – Marr reached out to Morrissey, via his representatives, to work together in protecting The Smiths' name. "A failure to respond led Marr to register the trademark himself. It was subsequently agreed with Morrissey's lawyers that this trademark was held for the mutual benefit of Morrissey and Marr. "As a gesture of goodwill, in January 2024, Marr signed an agreement of joint ownership to Morrissey. Execution of this document still requires Morrissey to sign." Marr then added: 'To prevent third parties from profiting from the band's name, it was left to me to protect the legacy. "This I have done on behalf of both myself and my former bandmates. As for the offer to tour, I didn't ignore the offer – I said no."
Glasgow Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Hollywood legend pictured at beloved Scottish gastropub
Chevy Chase was spotted at The Fox & Willow on Carrick Road in Ayr, South Ayrshire, on Wednesday, June 11. Sharing the 81-year-old's visit, the eatery revealed the actor joined them for 'dinner'. READ MORE: Well-known American actor pictured at top Glasgow cafe READ MORE: Hollywood legend baffled after being confused as Celtic fan In a Facebook post, they said: "Who joined us for dinner tonight? "Do you recognise this face? "He enjoyed his meal so much that he's coming back at the weekend." On top of the gastropub, the comic also dropped into The Smithy at Sandyford near Prestwick on Wednesday, June 11. The restaurant, which is located beside the A77 bypass, is known for dishing up fresh food. Sharing Chevy's visit, they said: "Thanks to Chevy Chase and his family for stopping by for some lunch at The Smith at Sandyford. "Haste Ye Back (come back soon)." The American actor, who is from New York, became the breakout cast member in the first-ever season of Saturday Night Live in 1975, where his recurring Weekend Update segment became a staple of the beloved programme. Since then, the Hollywood icon has starred in several films, including National Lampoon's Vacation, Vacation, Caddyshack, Three Amigos, and many more.
The Courier
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Consultants to 'explore options' for future of Stirling's Albert Halls
A consultancy firm has been hired by Stirling Council to assist with 'exploring improvements' for the city's Albert Halls. The local authority says Ove Arup and Partners Limited has been brought in to look into potential options for the future of the category B-listed arts and conference venue. The company describes itself as 'a global consultancy of designers, engineers and consultants who guide, plan, and design the future of the built environment.' It was the only business to apply for the Albert Halls consultancy contract, which Stirling Council valued at £34,133.20. Ove Arup and Partners has 17 offices across the UK, and its Edinburgh-based team is working on the Stirling project. A Stirling Council spokesperson said: 'Consultants are supporting ongoing work that is exploring a range of potential options for improvements to The Albert Halls, Stirling, via funding from the City Region Deal.' Another external consultancy firm, Glamis Consultancy, was previously hired by Stirling Council to conduct a review of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, sometimes known as The Smith, for a separate improvement project linked to the City Region Deal. This was completed in autumn 2024, and an action plan is expected to be presented to council members in June. However, at a full council meeting in early May, councillors expressed concern over the length of time the review process was taking, as well as the consultancy costs. Opened in October 1833, the Albert Halls on Dumbarton Road were purpose-built as a concert hall. It has capacity for more than 700 people in its Main Hall. Prior to its opening, The Smith was used to stage live performances. The Albert Halls were designed by local architect William Simpson, and were originally known as the New Public Halls.
