September 14, 2009 22:41

Morrissey denies Smiths Andy Rourke postcard sacking

Singer says he's 'naturally irked' by the allegation

Photo Gallery: Morrissey

Morrissey has denied claims that he sacked Andy Rourke from The Smiths by leaving a handwritten note on his car.

The singer told True-To-You.net that Rourke had again made the allegation in a new interview with Eyeweekly.com.

Morrissey said: "It is a recurring comment whereby Andy confirms that his dismissal from The Smiths was made via a handwritten postcard from me telling Andy, 'You have left The Smiths'".

He added: "I would like to state to anyone interested in the truth of this matter that no such postcard was ever written by me, and no dismissal postcard was ever placed on Andy's car with my knowledge or consent".

"I am naturally irked that such an alleged deed has gone down in the fairy tale footnotes of Smiths lore."

Morrissey went further by saying: "If such a postcard ever existed, it is likely that an unfunny stunt was played on Andy by someone attempting Morrissey-scrawl - easily done".

"Secondly, Andy's 'dismissal' from The Smiths would not be a decision solely made by me, and would not be announced by me on a note bearing only my name. It would also not be executed by a handwritten note carelessly thrown on to the hood of a car (or window-wipers, as has often been reported). Doesn't anyone have the wit to work this one out?"

Rourke was sacked by The Smiths in 1986 for his alleged drug use but the bassist rejoined the band after a fortnight.