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Irish Post
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
From Disco Pigs to adapting Sing Street for the stage, Enda Walsh tells all
ENDA WALSH is an Irish writer, playwright and screenwriter. He cast Cillian Murphy in his first play Disco Pigs and recently worked with him on the film Small Things Like These. In his latest project, Enda takes us back to the 80s with an adaptation of his book, Sing Street at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, West London. He chatted to CLAUDIA REDMOND about the show, being mistaken for a Corkonian, and what it was like being taught by Roddy Doyle. Enda Walsh has adapted his book Sing Street for the stage So what are you up to? We are here today at a rehearsal showing of Sing Street. I think it is pretty joyful: it is set in 1984-1985 in Ireland. A group of school kids put a band together, they go from their school uniforms to dressing up like Duran Duran. It is pretty chaotic but they end up finding their voices. It is a story about friendship and community. It's a beautiful film that John Carney made. It's a beautiful story and a real honour to put it on stage. It is bitter sweet at times, it's all the Irish stuff, it's quite chaotic, funny, a little bit sad: that sort of vibe. What was your look back in 1985? The thing about the 1980s was every sort of three months there seemed to be like a different style of dress. I went through the early electronic sort of stuff, Duran Duran, Gary Numan all that sort of thing, and Human League. But by 1985 I was probably into The Smiths, so there were a lot of cardigans. Roddy Doyle was one of your teachers at school. What was he like and was he strict? He was an extraordinary teacher. Roddy got us all into English, I turned out a writer but there were other people in my class who were probably better writers: I just stuck with it. It seemed like we did the curriculum and then he opened up this cabinet at the end of the room, and it was full of these books. A lot of American literature. He introduced us to a whole range of different writers, and it was true we used to sort of bum cigarettes off one another in the yard and talk about Charles Bukowski or whoever it was. What is your favourite Roddy Doyle book? When I read Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha he talks about the estate Kilbarrack being built that was just behind my house. So I know that terrain really well as a very young boy. It's a beautiful book: the story of a relationship breaking down, a divorce, but through a kid's point of view. What are your Irish roots? I am a Dubliner but a lot of people in Ireland think that I'm from Cork because I started making work in Cork. I had a play called Disco Pigs when I was a younger man, and a Dublin man moving to Cork was a bit of a strange move. They gave us a civic reception, and when the Cork people found out that I was a Dublin man they almost took it away from me. There was a bit of 'What!? You're actually a Dub! Jesus!' But I loved that city. Cork is an amazing City, it's always been great, the scale of it is fantastic. The shape of it is like an amphitheatre, so to me as a Dubliner moving down there it was always very theatrical. Cork people themselves because it is the second city they've got a lot to prove, so I've always loved their attitude. Cork star Cillian Murphy You're well known for giving a famous Cork man, Cillian Murphy, his start. How did that come about? Cillian was in a band not unlike the Sing Street guys. He was 18 at the time and in a band called The Sons of Mr Green Genes. They were like kids just like these fellas here, a fantastic band and they were just about to be signed to an Acid-Jazz label and I had a play called Disco Pigs that we were casting. I wrote it for Eileen Walsh this great Cork actor, and she was very young at the time, she was 18, but I had seen her in a play and thought she was extraordinary. Then we were looking for this guy and we were all obsessed with Cillian in this band. He just had this magnetism and it just turned out that he could act, so I auditioned him, gave him the role. We've made a ton of work since: he's just got something. What is the next project you have in mind to work on together? We always want to work with one another. We made a movie last year: 'Small Things Like These.' When you work with friends the shorthand is there, it's quite joyful and fun and I'm sure we will work again together. The cast of Sing Sing (Pic: Richard Southgate) What is your favourite theatre in Ireland? It's just about to be pulled down, and it's barely a theatre. I love Galway a lot, and I've premiered a lot of my own shows in the Black Box in Galway, which is in a car park. I remember bringing producers from around the world, they would come to see my shows and they would walk through this car park asking, 'what are you doing here?' But the venue itself has an amazing atmosphere and that is my favourite place. I have made a ton of shows in there and now they are pulling it down which is super sad. How do you think theatre is doing in Ireland at the moment? I don't live there, but I go back. We've always had incredibly strong actors but I think now we've got really great directors, so I think the work has become really quite dangerous and expressive and unusual, and I'm really proud of that. It's changed a lot in the last 15 years, a lot of young companies. But it's hard work. It's hard to keep it going I think for all of them. But it's always been like that. Even when I was a boy in my twenties it was always a difficult profession to be in and to stay in. I am excited though when I go back and see these really quite arresting productions. The Irish are taking over London at the moment, with Conor McPherson having back to back productions at the Old Vic with The Brightening Air and Girl from the North Country and yourself of course. Are you surprised? Yes and Mark O'Rowe at the Kiln Theatre with Reunion. When I play in America and they say 'Why are there so many Irish writers?' I think it has to do with our geography. I think it has to do with the fact that we're on the edge of Europe so a lot of the work is to do with identity and self-analysis, about who we are. Who we are in relation to Britain used to be the old plays, or who we are in relation to America, a whole load of plays about that. Back in the day in the 1700s, back in the villages you had the Seanchaí in the town who would stand up and proclaim who we were at the time and talk out these stories. It's all about where we are, who we are, what we're doing, what we want to do, and that's a very island mentality. Irish people have always been like that. That is why there are a ton of writers, poets, and musicians. What is your favourite memory as a child back in Ireland? I grew up in Dublin and on a Sunday we would go on a walk around Howth: it's very beautiful. If anyone is in Dublin they should take the DART out there, get off at the harbour and there is a great chipper at the end of the harbour. I have had so many conversations with my mother walking up there, and she used to take all of us. I still do it with my brother or friends, it is a ritual thing. What advice would you give to aspiring writers? It is tricky, but when I was in Dublin in my twenties and starting out, I worked with friends at the back of pubs, or the centre of pubs. In Cork we were given the Triskel Arts Centre to do shows and it was just trying out material. Over the course of three years we got our Arts Council funding and we took it very seriously. Young people just need to persevere and have a go at it. A lot of it is luck, most of it is luck. I have been incredibly fortunate. You have to be ready for the luck so you have to show up a little bit. What's your next project? I'm doing a lot of film at the moment. I am working for MGM on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a new version of it, which is really fun, so I'm writing that at the moment, so my head is in that incredibly weird, dark, funny world. Sing Street runs from the July 8 to August 23 at the Lyric Hammersmith. Click here for tickets. See More: Cillian Murphy, Disco Pics, Enda Walsh, Sing Street
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Morrissey cancels Stockholm Concert: Reasons behind burnout, tour struggles, fan reactions, and what's next for his European tour
Morrissey cancelled his Stockholm concert citing extreme exhaustion from an intense tour schedule and a lack of industry support. The singer, who performed in six countries in seven days, stated his band was "travel-weary beyond belief." Despite strong ticket sales, Morrissey expressed frustration with the absence of sponsorship and financial assistance, particularly in Scandinavia. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Morrissey cancels Stockholm show Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Morrissey's music career and background FAQs Claiming to be burnt out and not being supported from within the fraternity, Morrissey cancelled his concert in Stockholm on June 23. Set to take place at the Hovet Arena, he says his band is too tired to keep said the reason was extreme tiredness after touring too much. He and his band performed in six countries in just seven days, which made them super exhausted, as per the report by said they are "travel-weary beyond belief" and couldn't go on with the Stockholm show. Refunds will be given to fans at the point where they bought tickets. He confirmed the next concert is still on and will happen in Berlin on June also said there has been "zero support" from the music industry during this tour, even though ticket sales were strong. He complained that doing shows in Scandinavia is super hard now because there's no sponsorship or financial help, as stated by isn't the first concert he canceled recently. Earlier in June, he skipped a show in Madrid because of bad sinusitis. Before that, he also canceled shows in the US due to illness and have mixed feelings, some feel bad for him and support his honesty, but others are upset with all the cancellations. Still, many fans hope the Berlin concert will happen and that Morrissey gets better soon, according to the report by shot to fame as the lead singer for up and coming band The Smiths, one of the most successful British bands between 1982 and 1987. However in 1987,The Smiths broke up, setting up Morrissey's solo career. His debut album, Viva Hate, broke records and was at the top of the UK charts, as per the report by has released several other albums since then, many of which placed in the Top 10 of UK charts. His influence stretches far even to artists such as Noel Gallagher and Jeff Buckley who have credited him during their 1959, Morrissey was born in Lancashire and later relocated to Manchester where he had to endure harsh life conditions while growing up. In comparison to The Smiths era, Morrissey's music today deploys combinations of sad yet funny content blended alongside some dark themes. He once served briefly as a vocalist for punk groups like Nosebleeds. Among his hit albums are Your Arsenal released in 92 and Vauxhall I which came out in 94 claiming a No.1 spot on the UK chart, according to the report by also faced backlash over his political opinions which found him entangled in controversy when he paraded the Union flag during a performance back in ' taking time away from performing around the late '90s, he made an incredible comeback in '04 when he released 'You Are The Quarry'. Health struggles like bleeding ulcer and pneumonia derailed Morrissey's career a bit, with some shows getting cancelled. His autobiography was published in 2013, along with the release of his album World peace is canceled the Stockholm concert due to extreme exhaustion and lack of support from the music industry during his next concert is scheduled to take place in Berlin on June 27.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Morrissey forced to CANCEL concert in Sweden due to exhaustion and 'zero industry support' - as furious fans slam singer for 'making excuses'
Morrissey has been forced to cancel a concert in Sweden at the last minute due to exhaustion and 'zero music industry support'. The former Smiths frontman, 66, was set to take to the stage for a headline show at Stockholm's Hovet Arena on Monday night, but pulled the plug just hours before the show was due to start. Taking to Instagram to share a statement, Morrissey claimed that he and his crew were 'travel-weary beyond belief', having travelled to six countries in seven days amid their current UK and European tour. The Suedehead hitmaker also pinned the blame on 'zero music industry support', claiming to have 'no financial support from imaginary record labels' to get them to venues across Scandinavia, while also moaning that 'no radio will play our music.' However, furious fans have hit out at the singer's cancellation reasonings, slamming him for 'making excuses'. Alongside a snap of him performing, alongside a bizarre still from 2006 Norwegian slasher film Cold Prey, Morrissey wrote on Instagram: 'SCANDINAVIA! The pain at not reaching Stockholm this week is horrific for the band and crew. 'I know it's impossible for people to understand, but we dream of Stockholm, Reykjavik, Trondheim, Helsinki, Aarhus ... but there is no financial support from imaginary record labels to get us to such places. 'In the last seven days we have traveled into six countries, and we are travel-weary beyond belief. We can barely see. We pray to God that someone, somewhere can help us reach Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Denmark ... where we have thousands upon thousands of friends, yet absolutely zero music industry support. 'No label will release our music, no radio will play our music ... and yet our ticket sales are sensational. What does this tell us about the state of Art in 2025?' He concluded: 'The wagon rolls on to Berlin, 27 June. With the grace of God we will all gather. I love all of you with whatever is left of my doomed heart. MORRISSEY.' Taking to the comments, several of his social media followers expressed their bewilderment and irritation at the statement. They penned: 'A very confusing statement, basically your tired after a few weeks of touring? Stockholm is almost completely sold out tomorrow so can't see how you wouldn't 'afford' to make the trip? 'A confusing post… Are they asking to crowdsource tour transportation.' 'This reasoning makes absolutely zero sense.' Taking to Instagram to share a statement, Morrissey claimed that he and his crew were 'travel-weary beyond belief', having travelled to six countries in seven days amid their current tour However, furious fans have hit out at the singer's cancellation reasonings, slamming him for 'making excuses' 'What a moronic and confusing post. Your old bandmate Johnny Marr seems to have no problem navigating around the world and releasing music. How does he stay so put together?' 'Logic only Morrissey understands.' 'Why schedule so many dates without proper funding?? Just say you don't have the money rather than making excuses.' Ticketholders were reportedly informed: 'Due to exhaustion among the band and crew, the Morrissey headline engagement at Hovet has been cancelled. Refunds will be available at the point of purchase', report The Metro. This isn't the first time Morrissey has left fans disappointment amid his recent tours. He recently had to pull out of a gig in Madrid after being struck down with acute sinusitis. While he also cancelled some US concerts last year, including two in Southern California, due to 'physical exhaustion'. Morrissey was scheduled to perform at the Honda Center in Anaheim on January 26 2024, and at the Kia Forum the following night in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his heralded album You Are The Quarry, but were called off at the last-minute that were initially blamed to 'unforeseen circumstances.' 'Morrissey is receiving medical supervision for physical exhaustion,' the iconic crooner's tour manager Donnie Knutson wrote on his Instagram page. 'He has been ordered to rest for two weeks, and he will remain in Zurich.' As a result, a run of the singer's upcoming South American shows, scheduled to kick off on February 3, were also canceled, according to NME. Morrissey (born Steven Patrick Morrissey) had planned to perform his seventh solo studio album You Are The Quarry (2004) in full for both shows, according to Deadline. The record features four singles that made the UK Top 10: Irish Blood, English Heart, First of the Gang to Die, Let Me Kiss You and I Have Forgiven Jesus. The Davyhulme, Lancashire, England native co-founded the rock band The Smiths in 1982, and proceeded to gain a loyal fanbase who swooned over the mesmerizing music of guitarist Johnny Marr and Morrissey's dark his baritone voice and distinctive lyrics. Eventually considered to be indie music darlings, the band went on to release four studio albums that were hits in the UK, all while garnering fans across the world. Strangeways, Here We Come (1987) marked the last of those four records before the group, who also featured Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums), decided to break up after a five-year run. After going solo, Morrissey has since released 13 studio albums between 1988 and 2019, including You Are The Quarry, which turned out to be a huge comeback statement following a seven year recording hiatus. Consisting of four hit singles that all went top 10 on the UK Singles Chart, the record also reached number 11 on the billboard 200, making it his highest-charting album in the U.S.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Why did Morrissey cancel Stockholm show? Fans left fuming after The Smiths alum's last-minute decision
British music icon Morrissey has pulled out of his scheduled concert in Stockholm at the last minute, citing exhaustion and a lack of industry support as the reasons behind the abrupt cancellation. The 66-year-old artist, known for fronting The Smiths before launching a solo career, was slated to perform at Hovet Arena on Monday, June 23. Morrissey canceled his Stockholm show last minute, leaving fans infuriated(Getty Images) Just hours before fans were set to gather, a sudden announcement confirmed that the show would not go ahead. According to a report by ARY News, in a statement shared on his official website, the singer addressed the physical and emotional strain he and his team are facing: 'We are travel-weary beyond belief,' he admitted. 'We've visited six countries in one week, and there is no support from any record label to help us continue.' Fans were formally notified of the cancellation with a message stating: 'Due to exhaustion among the band and crew, the Morrissey headline engagement at Hovet has been cancelled. Refunds will be available at the point of purchase.' The cancellation adds to a growing list of last-minute show withdrawals that have troubled Morrissey's recent tours. Although his fan base remains loyal and ticket demand is high, these abrupt changes have led to rising frustration and criticism. 'Don't book the tour then,' one infuriated fan wrote on X. 'He doesn't even care to give a good excuse anymore. And the silly me bought tickets for Montreal concert in September,' another added. Despite the disruption, Morrissey affirmed that the European tour is not over: 'The wagon rolls on to Berlin, 27 June,' he confirmed. 'With the grace of God we will all gather.' ALSO READ: Morrissey puts autobiography on hold 3 days before release About Morrissey Morrissey first became famous as the lead singer of the band The Smiths in the 1980s. The band released several popular albums like The Queen Is Dead and became known for their emotional lyrics and unique sound. After The Smiths broke up, Morrissey started a solo career, releasing albums such as Viva Hate, You Are the Quarry and World Peace Is None of Your Business. He is known for his strong opinions, poetic lyrics and loyal fanbase. Although often controversial, Morrissey remains one of the most influential figures in British alternative music. FAQs: 1. Why did Morrissey cancel his Stockholm concert? Morrissey cancelled his concert in Stockholm due to exhaustion and a lack of support from the music industry, as mentioned on his official website. 2. What did Morrissey say about the music industry? Morrissey criticised the music industry for offering no support to his tour, saying, 'There is no support from any record label to help us continue.' 3. Will Morrissey's tour continue after the Stockholm cancellation? Yes, despite the cancellation in Stockholm, Morrissey confirmed the European tour will continue, with the next stop in Berlin on June 27. 4. What is Morrissey best known for in music? Morrissey is best known as the lead singer of The Smiths in the 1980s and for his solo career with albums like Viva Hate and You Are the Quarry.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Johnny Marr Reveals Real Reason He Turned Down 'Eye-Watering' Offer To Reunite With Morrissey
Music legend Johnny Marr has said there was a very simple reason he wasn't interested in getting The Smiths back together. In September 2024, former Smiths frontman Morrissey claimed that he and his former bandmate had been made a 'lucrative offer' months earlier to reunite. While he claimed that he'd been in favour of a reunion, he wrote that Marr had simply 'ignored the offer', though the man himself later insisted: 'I didn't ignore the offer – I said no.' During an interview on the podcast Stick To Football, the guitar hero confirmed: 'We [had] an offer [to reunite] recently, but I said no.' He went on to say the decision was 'a little bit about principles', adding: 'But I'm not an idiot, I just think the vibe's not right. Bad vibe.' 'It was an eye-watering amount of money,' Marr noted, but pointed out: 'I really like what I'm doing now which makes it a lot easier. I really like where I'm at. I still work, I craft, I still want to write the best song I've ever written. I want to be a better performer.' In an attempted dig at his former bandmate last year, Morrissey wrote on his official website when Marr's dismissal of a Smiths reunion was made public: 'Morrissey said Yes to the offer; Marr ignored the offer. 'Morrissey undertakes a largely sold out tour of the USA in November. Marr continues to tour as a special guest to New Order.' Morrissey has come under fire on numerous occasions in the last few years for his commentary on politics both in the UK and abroad, as well as his apparent endorsement of far-right groups and parties. Around the time that Morrissey first alleged that Marr had thrown the brakes on a Smiths reunion, the guitarist responded to one X user's calls for the group to get back together with a simple photo of a grinning Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform party, of whom the Everyday Is Like Sunday singer has previously spoken favourably. Morrissey Names 1 Reason He Wanted To Reunite The Smiths After Johnny Marr Declined 'Lucrative' Offer Morrissey Issues Furious Response After The Simpsons' Less-Than-Flattering Parody Of Him Johnny Marr Responds After Morrissey's Open Letter About Him 'Mentioning My Name In Interviews'
