As Close to a Smiths Reunion as We're Gonna Get

Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke, guitarist and bassist, respectively, of the Smiths, are set to take the stage together for a charity gig in Manchester, England, later this month (read the BBC's report here). Rourke is putting the benefit together, which will also feature New Order.

Rourke and Marr have not performed publicly together since the Smiths broke up in 1987. Rumours that Morrissey and drummer Mike Joyce may be joining the two--culminating with the rapture--are unsubstantiated. The Beeb reports: "Websites dedicated to the band have been buzzing with speculation that Morrissey would also appear at the gig, but the rumour was denied by concert organisers.

"A spokeswoman said: "As far as I know, it's just going to be Andy and Johnny, but what conversations have gone on other than that I don't know."