Rick Astley and Blossoms Perform The Smiths

Rick Astley and Blossoms Setlist

This Charming Man What Difference Does It Make? Bigmouth Strikes Again Cemetry Gates Ask Hand in Glove Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others The Boy With the Thorn in His Side Girlfriend in a Coma Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now Panic William, It Was Really Nothing Barbarism Begins at Home Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want How Soon Is Now? There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

The biggest thing that came out of Glastonbury 2023 was Rick Astley (and the backup band Blossoms) full greatest hits of The Smiths set. You can watch it on BBC’s iPlayer… but if you don’t live in the UK, you can preview some songs on YouTube.

As you can see, this is possibly the greatest Smiths set ever, and Astley, and company, really knocked it out of the park.

It’s really a shame that the actual Smiths could not reform, especially with the recent passing of bassist Andy Rourke earlier in May 2023

Apparently the special Smiths set by Rick Astley and Blossoms was a secret set. Original Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr was not pleased about the show, but that he “had no problem” with any cover bands or Rick Astley.

Responding to the reaction, Astley told NME: “I’ve never met Johnny Marr and I daresay our paths may never cross, but I get it. I don’t know how I’d feel about it if I was Johnny Marr. What can you say? It’s his work and his life, but it doesn’t seem like they’re ever getting back together – so there are either bands who go out there and do it, or… It’s a difficult one, but I did it from a place of absolute joy and love for those songs.”

As far as Smiths singer Morrissey is concerned, Rick and Steven actually met at a Top of the Pops show, and their photograph is on the cover of the 2013 reissue of The Last of the Famous International Playboys. Originally David Bowie and Morrissey was supposed to appear on the reissue, but Bowie has never forgiven Morrissey for cancelling his supporting act for Bowie’s 1996-1997 tour… so he did not grant permission.Morrissey, for once in his life, actually was grateful, and gave his blessings, “Anything that generates interest in that tired old Smiths warhorse is testimony to the wallop it packed”.