Displaying items by tag: The Smiths

Originally made for The South Bank Show. Presented by Melvyn Bragg this documentary on The Smiths was filmed just days before the band went their separate ways in 1987. It’s a fitting testament to one of the most talented and influential bands of the 1980s. The film contains interviews with Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Mike Joyce, Andy Rourke as well as assorted fans, John Peel, and rock journalist, Nick Kent,

Includes interviews with Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce,Craig Gannon, Sandie Shaw, John Peel, Simon Goddard, Johnny Rogan & others. Narrated by Vic Reeves

A Light That Never Goes Out, is a recent biography of one of Manchester’s finest bands, The Smiths, formed in 1982 and disbanded in 1987.  Their first single, Hand in Glove, was released in May 1983 on Rough Trade.  With the jangling guitar intro of Johnny Marr coupled with Morrissey’s unique melancholia and melodic vocals,  backed by Mike Joyce’s 50’s rock ‘n’ roll meets 70’s funk drumming and the beating and pulsating bass lines of Andy Rourke,

The Stone Roses announce a big gig in a place no one's heard of, which makes it even more intriguing. Especially as 6 months previously they were playing tiny clubs in Reading and Walsall. Now I'm obsessed with the band. They were the most exciting band since The Jam. The Smiths were great, but The Roses spoke my language and looked sharp, cool. Morrissey is a lyrical genius but I like getting up in the morning, not lying about all fucking day waiting to die or get run over. Know what I mean

2004 was certainly a treat for those whose musical education took place in the late '80’s and early '90’s. Not only did the seminal Pixies stage a triumphant reformation, but the man who many saw as the leading figure of that era, Steven Patrick Morrissey, return from self-imposed exile in Los Angeles with the excellent You Are The Quarry.

The hot sun is beaming down on the face of the rhythm guitarist playing onstage in Mexico in 1999. On occasions he gazes up to the sun, he is slightly blinded by its glare and he is annoyed that he has left his sunglasses behind in the dressing room but happy he is no longer a plasterer from Manchester.