On the 12/1 Howard Stern Show, Mark Harris, irritating widower of Morrissey favorite Martha Rae, discussed performing with Morrissey during upcoming West Coast tour. He was unclear whether he would be an opening act or would appear onstage w/ Moz. He did, however, seem to think Moz's band would be backing him up (specific mention of Boz and Alain).

And from Fernando:

Its Wednesday morning, and I'm listening to Howard Stern, Mark Harris is there and he is stated that he will either be opening for, or singing with Morrissey, he named both LA nights at the Palladium, and both nights at the House Of Blues and he mentioned the names of Boz Boorer Alain Whyte, Spike Smith... I didn't catch everything he said cause I was half asleep, but I think he was under the assumption that Morrissey is a group... they were busy making fun of Mark's gayness, and talking about his gay experience with his old lover David, and Howard and them were making fun of the... did not quite hear what they said about Moz... I'm sure something was said when he first mentioned him...

Yesterday's Guardian had an interview with Vicki Wickham, who has been a PA of such luminaries as Marc Almond, Holly Johnson, Dusty Springfield... and of course Morrissey. Moz only gets a brief mention, but those interested can see the article here:

Ready, Vicki, Go

excerpt:

"The difficult ones just find me," she says, referring to her role as manager of Almond, and formerly Morrissey and Holly Johnson. All the queens, then? "Gay men just have an affinity for me. I'm at an age where they feel safe, and they see me as a mother, though it's horrifying to think I could be someone's mother. Morrissey is enamoured of the 60s, so he liked the ethic of a strong woman manager. Marc just liked the fact I've been doing it for a while."

Andy Rourke will play disk jockey at the indie extravaganza that is 42nd Street on Bootle Street in Manchester on the 17th of December. He is currently working with Mike Joyce in various rehearsal rooms in the city. I should expect to see him there too.

New Wave City (a monthly club in San Francisco) is hosting a "Salute to the Smiths" night this Saturday, December 4th at the King Street Garage.

They've held similar Smiths Nights each of the past two years with much success. It will be a great way to get ready for the SF shows the next week!