Morrissey Replaces David Bowie With Rick Astley on ‘International Playboys’ Cover

Morrissey had a great idea for the forthcoming reissue of his 1989 single 'The Last of the Famous International Playboys': replace the original cover with a previously unseen 1992 photo of himself and David Bowie that was taken by Linder Sterling in New York. But Bowie wasn't down with the idea and used his vast influence to nix the deal, so Morrissey needed another cover buddy. As luck would have it, Rick Astley was available.

Yes, that Rick Astley. As it turns out, Moz and Astley were snapped backstage at BBC's 'Top of the Pops' in 1989, and it's that photo -- which you can see above -- that will grace the single's cover. 'The Last of the Famous International Playboys' reissue is due out April 8, while Morrisey's 1991 album 'Kill Uncle,' also getting the reissue treatment, drops the same day.