I told a friend this evening: his music is the best when you come back home totally wet from a rainy day, take a beer and sit in the front of a fire place
Is it mentioned that Mick Karn from the band Japan was a HUGE influence on Rourke's bass playing style.? Andy says it was a turning point seeing him play.
I have never seen nor heard a band that comes close lyrically or musically. Stupendous, the first song ever written " suffer little children" are you kidding me. The most important band EVER.
there's so many moments in the Smiths collection that prove why Rourke and Joyce were The Smiths every bit as much as Moz & Marr, as a band. The drums on Last Night I Dreamt and The Queen Is Dead, the bass on Barbarism and How Soon Is Now, the GROOVE of This Charming Man together (when the 12" mix breaks down to bass and drums you realise that Motown groove is as integral as the jangly guitar and vocals). I think what really hurt Mike and Andy, aside from the money, was the message: you're just hired hands, anyone could have done your job, you are not The Smiths. It's just not true. It's like telling Ringo he wasn't a Beatle because 99% of the time he didn't write the songs. Four people, four incredibly talented musicians, made that SOUND, that Smiths sound. For Morrissey and Marr to deny that, after five years of what they thought was brotherhood in a band, and to trivialise their contribution, was a shocking betrayal.
Yup, that's pretty much correct and the replacement bass player proved it, they needed Rourke back ASAP. Some of his bass lines make the songs for me and as for the drums well, I can spot a sessions man immediately and Joyce wasn't one. Greed that's all it was.
@@Azzlad You cant spot a session drummer immediately. What nonsense. It depends entirely on the drummer and the band you are hearing them in the context of. There are literally endless examples of drummers in changing line up of bands. You cant tell when its happening most times or whether the new drummer is officially part of the band in a legal sense or not by the sound of their playing.
This feels like something I was forced to watch in a boring history class. Amazing band, truly one of my favorites of all time, and I was really hoping this would be good but the production is so painful to watch I can't appreciate it.
Why? Why doesn't Ireland produce bands of this quality then? Has nothing to do with Ireland does it really it's just a coincidence. 2nd generation reflected glory? You sure lad? Dont get that. Where's all the talent in Ireland if 2nd generation is this good then the real ,pure Irish must be brilliant??????
The collective talents of these guys easily put them in the top five bands ever. First time I heard them I knew they would be solely responsible for pushing popular music forward into a brand new era.
The brilliance of Marr and Morrissey- priceless evolution of songwriting and new style of music- I listened to them in college, a DJ friend of mine played them on his radio station!!! I loved them!!! To this day I still do- one of my favorites songs was "Last Night I dreamt somebody loved me" the orchestration for that tune were amazing!! Also "I Started Something"- loved everything off of strange ways here we come !
a rush and a push and the land that we stand on is ours, it has been before and it SHALL again... The Smiths,, pure passionate timeless tunes..long live The Smiths.
Morrissey and Marr were a match made in heaven. The combination of their talents created the most stunning melodic music. They will always be my favourite band. I like the way Morrissey marches to the beat of his own drum too
He’s completely silent on the fake pandemic. He’s either not too bright or he’s a coward. That’s expected of most “stars”. This chap set himself apart. He should stand apart. Like Van, Eric & Ian Brown.
I was hired by Rough Trade to drive three of their people up to Manchester on July 6th 1983, when they signed the controversial deal discussed at 15.30. It was following a gig at the Hacienda, and I remember having to wait a good 2+ hours after the gig before things were settled and we could return to London. I think I got home at around 6am.
He seems like a very bitter person. I know he has every reason to be but the huge contrast between him and Mike in this documentary makes it seem like he feels he was somehow entitled to more than he was offered in the courts despite the fact he never once contributed to the writing of any songs and allegedly turned down the opportunity to be classed as an official member of the group which would have made the court case a lot easier to win.
He wrote all his own basslines without any pay. You're right, he has every reason to be better. He entered the group under an agreement that it was more or less Morrissey and Marr's band. Evidently he was willing to get walked over financially, but that seemed to be the deal he had to make to be in the Smiths, and we're all better off he did. I'll say it again: Morrissey was the worst part of the Smiths.
I was born the year they broke up, but when I started listening, I was hooked. I've had a crush on Andy Rourke almost instantly. Their music has gotten me through some shit. If I could tell them, I would. They're always going to be a group with impact. My little niece bops around the house when I play them. They span generations. I hope they know how much they're adored.
They were among the last of the organically great bands. Made of distinctly different parts, creating a completely amazing sum. I'm happy to have been in my teens, and early twenties listening to them
as a devotee fan of the smiths/morrissey since 84 when i was only 16 simply the smiths means life to lots of eighties generations and so goes on till the end of time..
I love Mike Joyce. He's such a laid-back unassuming guy. If you were to meet him, and didn't know anything about The Smith, he would come of as a unpretentious regular dude. I love 'em all, but I think Mike deserves a little more respect from the so-called music press/critics.
Hmm!! Money grabbing wanker comes to my mind!! And in his quest for cash has denied us all Smiths reunion EVER!! Ask Morrisseys sister if he's a nice guy when he tried taking her house through his lawyers?? She had toddlers at the time too!! He never wrote a note of music! Never signed a contract never paid a bill in the name of The Smiths or handled anything to do with them like lawyers accountants etc, he let Morrissey do that but expects 25%!!! Look at Andy he took £80k and said as a non songwriter was right!! I'm not having a go at you mate, in Manchester we think he is a money grabber!!! He sits near me at City too!! He looks well old now!! Take care bud
bascet1 Andy said " it left a very sour taste, I'd just got married and had a mortgage"...I don't think he was happy with what he settled for and it's too simple to say Mike wanted 25%. He wasn't going after the publishing, Just a fair share of the royalties off the record sales !..
bascet1 Not a go at you, here either, but my views are diametrically opposed to yours. His move on Morrisey's sister's property is an unfortunate move he needed to make to force Steven's hand on the money owed him. The High Court ruled on it, and you heard the words the Judge used. You could say Moz is just as cupable for not paying what the Court demanded, so he sought to attach property that Morrissey probably bought for her. i would do the same...if she is sooooo dear to Moz, he can pay up, or buy sis a new house, period.Morrissey was on the stand for 4+ hours. Had he been in the right, would he not be able to convey that in such a long testimony, or did his arrogance give him an entitled aire about him that disgusted the Judge...i don't know, and neither do you, but a longtime Judge had plenty of time to hear everyone, and of everyone present, Moz was the one he delivered the stern message to. Didn't hear anything about any words he had for Johnny.
Not old.. Better. Smarter. Your no longer the student. You are the teacher. PREACH. If it wasn't for people older than me.. So many stellar bands, music, pictures, paintings, poems, books, art.. (ETC) Would have never found its way to me.. No Matter what age you are... YOU STILL HAVE AN EVOLVING YOUNG SOUL
@@hux2000 The documentary was made in 2002 per the credits at the end. But some of the footage was probably recorded even earlier. So a documentary that is 19 years old (today) is talking about something that happened twenty years before its own timeline. 39 years. That is like adults talking about "before the war" when I was a kid in the 70s. But 1983-85 doesn't seem very far away if I close my eyes and think about it.
Im from kirkby in liverpool & it still amazes me that my fave album "meat is murder" was recorded in Amazon studios which is literally 2mins from my front door.
I heard how soon is now.. I was listening to it on my headphones at a bar. An older guy was sitting next to me saw me take an earphone a out and asked me what I was listening to... The Smiths I replied. Ever heard of em? His face dropped. He laughed. I have everything The Smiths have ever done said the man.. What album you listening to? Idk I replied.. I only know of this one song. How soon is now.. I ended up smoking some trees with the man. Sitting in his car smoking he played different songs. Just amazing. The guy gave me 2 cds. He was just happy that someone younger saw the brilliance. Tho Smith's are just stellar
The smiths actually did something that virtually no other bands have done and that was split up while they were at the top, before the quality of the music went downhill. I thank them for that.
Not that we had the chance. I think it was that together Morrissey and Marr spent so much time together that the were really a platonic couple that began squabbling and could never take a refreshing stress release preforming hate sex where each get to punish the other allowing the release of pent up frustrations of having to give in to the other for the compromising of the sake of personality differences .
The Police did the same thing. They hit their peak with Synchronicity in 1984 and they broke up. They got back together for a reunion tour in the late 2000’s but never made another album. Sting and Copeland were always at each others throat and Sting of course wanted to go out on his own.
I dunno, there's a lot of one offs sentences or conversations but that's about it. The fact that Mike and Andy make an appearance, means that this documentary is a must watch. I enjoyed watching it. Oh and the cartoon segments are lovely. The artstyle and animation reminds me of the early 2000's cartoons.
For any 'sensitive', 'queer', or person outside the suffocating 80s social mainstream, The Smiths were THE band, and for me, an educational primer on desire, integrity and artistic freedom. I remember the first video I saw of theirs was The Boy With The Thorn In His Side. I was mesmerized by their unexpected good looks and the sweet melancholy of the melody. I was instantly obsessed. Then I found others in high school equally obsessed, and I knew we would be friends. Watching this documentary, my heart still breaks that the smiths split and that at the end there was so much spite and acrimony between them. It shatters that special image and world that the smiths represented. The band would be nothing without Morrissey and Marr, but it wouldn't have been what it was without Joyce and Rourke. As much Morrissey will be the man who spoke most to my inner life, I can see how he could be a total shit and a self important narcissist. But for 5 years, the music of the smiths, the album artwork, lyrics, images, style, queerness, and intelligence was THE soundtrack of my life. Their music will stand the test of time.
As a proud straight 50 year old man I fucking love this band ...it all started for me in 83 and I'm "Still ill " The Smiths have and will continue to stand the test of time.
BINGO that was me. it was also one of the few bands that spoke to social hopelessness, alienation from others and angsty sensitivity of a young me in such an empowering way. plenty of people..to THIS day, just dont get it. You truly do either "get" the smiths, get them and LOVE them, or dont get them and dislike them
Very true, many many extremely talented musicians in bands but what separates the Smiths is how honest the lyrics were and this vulnerability people all over the world can relate to coupled with amazing melodies and you have one of the great bands of all time. Sadly so so so few people in the world can be honest and show their vulnerability. As someone once said Morrissey's indifference made all the difference in the World!.
Nothing is sacred, lads. If their music is good enough, then you shouldn't fear other people's versions. Plus we know the originals already and we dont need another half baked imitation, so let's go for the really unexpected stuff. And relax.
I was born in 82 . This band was born with me and will never die in my heart .this is a unique band which influenced many others . I think theyre the best more than beatles lennon u2 and others
Love The Smiths but the way Moz and Johnny treated Mike and Andy after they split regarding what they got for performing rights was disgraceful ! Amazing what money does to people !
The original agreement between the band members was 40% Morrissey, 40% Marr, 10% Rourke, 10% Joyce. He shared them as was the agreement. Morrissey and Marr wrote all the songs in their entirety, which was a much bigger workload than Joyce or Rourke had, hence the split.
The dispute wasn't about royalties of which Mozzer and Marr rightly got all the money, it was about performing rights. Rourke and Joyce weren't sessions musicians they were part of The Smiths and as such toured and performed the numbers just like Mozzer and Marr did. The workload regarding touring and performing was equal and as such should have been split four ways. Like I said amazing what money and greed does to so called friendships. It doesn't surprise me in the least that Mozzer did that but it surprised me that Marr kicked his mates in the bollox !
I know that Morrissey and Marr said in the 96 court case that both Mike and Andy agreed at the outset to be given 10%. Until today I still don't understand why Mike sueded Morrissey and Marr if Mike agreed with everything since the band was formed. If he did not agree with this then why did he remain in the band? Why didn't he leave? I kinda feel it was unfair for Morrissey and Johnny, Mike always agreed with everything and in his time with the band he never complained about the agreement. Also i think Mike didn't deserved all of that money. I'm not saying that Mike hadn't worked as hard as Moz and Johnny, everyone contributed a hell of a lot but when it comes to write songs we all know that isn't something that everyone can do, so for obvious reasons Morrissey and Johnny deserved more than Andy and Mike. It is very sad how everything ended between them and although I would really love to see a reunion because The Smiths have been my favorite band since forever, I know very well that Morrissey will never accept, mainly because of what happened with Mike, not for his differences with Johnny.
Regarding Rorke and Joyce: "none of the fans ever suggested that they were anything but a 100% bona fide Smiths" Says it all. And they seemed like such a nice and modest bloke, such a shame that they were cut out. Money always seems to corrupt .
I think there is a need to recognise that the Smiths have done more for music today than most, if not all, of the bands you listed. I would say that they have a greater resonance today than all of those groups.
you have to feel sorry for any rourke though..his bass playing on barbarism begins at home was worth more than the £80k he was awarded. For all his pompous values, morrissey treats people like crap whilst prattling on about the rights of all species. I wouldnt be surprised if he eats bacon sandwiches behind the gates of his LA home.
I’m not really a big Smith’s guy not to say that I think they are bad. But with all I’ve heard about morrisey he sounds like a pretentious dick. Johnny Marr sounds like a much nicer guy.
@@walkermorgan1710 you need to read morriseys autobiography. ...alot of people are not smart enough to realise what morrisey is about....it was marr that pulled the sneaky moves and rough trade ....johnny was signing stuff with rough trade in secret ......morrisey got stung from it all and was caught up in it ....the way morrissey comes across didn't help his case ....the judge must have not liked morrisey that's all I'm saying ....
Just imagine what they could have done if they weren't provoked to splitting up in 1987 . I think Strangeways We Come was an amazing departure for them. They were really starting to explore and experiment and get deeper. I cry for the unborn albums that never followed.
Most Smiths songs have melodies that move from the mediant to the dominant, with the mediant being the main note; passing notes are thrown in, particularly the sub-dominant. Funny how nobody notices.
If you want to stretch the limits a bit, so will I. My Bloody Valentine is the best Irish band. The Smiths are a close second (followed by the Pogues then Sex Pistols).
Morrissey once said in an interview with Larry King when asked about The Smiths; "we were so young back then, we really didn't like each other very much so I'm happy that those days are over." That's such a shame, considering how much great music they created. Never say never, perhaps one day they'll get back together just for one more jam before our time runs out in this life that we all know. 🇬🇧🇮🇪
"How can mike Joyce compair (sic) himself to morrisey?" Cos he was in The Smiths. That's the point of being in a band, you are equals and the whole is greater than the sum of the parts and ultimately it's why bands come to an end
but tbh, Jamie, i must say, Andy Rourke had his part in the Smiths... He was quite a nice bass player. Mike Joyce, on the other hand, was just your ordinary drummer :'(
Wish I hadn't seen this to be honest, it's made me see johnny and morrisey in a different light. don't know why but I felt bad for craig about the whole sandwich thing.
Along came the mid 70s with the advent of punk, The jam, Tubeway Army and Synth music was the beginning... then came the smiths! Thank god for Morrissey!
The combined talents of Morrissey and Marr clearly created something unique. I'll never get tired of the Smith's music.
dont forget Andy and Mikes contribution
That’s right
Morrissey, Marr, Rourke and Joyce.
Sometimes on a rainy day you just feel like watching a documentary on The Smiths
Most days in Manchester then 😂✌
the same thing in Donostia
I told a friend this evening: his music is the best when you come back home totally wet from a rainy day, take a beer and sit in the front of a fire place
Ha ha it’s raining today
it’s raining bad in california rn and this is real asfk
No matter what happened with the Smiths they released an abundance of brilliant music within a short space of time, and that's rare to hear about.
Carols Band agreed
No one will ever do what they did in music . No one will regenerate that .
Completely agree!!
A truly life changing band. They changed and they saved mine. And they still do. Thank you, guys! ❤️
Yes...
The bass lines made The Smiths. Pure genius!
Is it mentioned that Mick Karn from the band Japan was a HUGE influence on Rourke's bass playing style.? Andy says it was a turning point seeing him play.
Yeah that combo of guitar and bass was The Smiths sound, with Morrissey's voice on top. Absolutely beautiful
na, morrissey made the smiths.
For those of you who haven't watched this documentary yet, start at 1:23. You'll thank me later.
StepIntoTomorrow I wish I seen this comment before I started watching
I should have listened
HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA SUPER LOOOOL!!!
This made my day 🤣🤣🤣🤣
How will they thank you late if they never go back to listen to what it was that you told them to skip....
I love Andy's playing style. such an underrated bass player
Underrated.. By who????
Bass is great...andy is very great ..sound funky soul..big
I have never seen nor heard a band that comes close lyrically or musically. Stupendous, the first song ever written " suffer little children" are you kidding me. The most important band EVER.
Yeah their debut is insanely good!
Watching Andy Rourke almost tear up when talking about his addiction broke my heart 😢
this charming man only got to 25 in the charts? outrageous.
Better songs have performed worse on the charts.
Some amazing pop singles around that time tbf.
When you listen to The Smith, pay close attention to Andy Rourke's bass lines, which provide the songs with an added depth.
I totally agree.
Andy is a low key genius. His baselines add so much bite, complexity and balls to Marr’s delicate and elaborate guitar playing.
Cemetery Gates !
there's so many moments in the Smiths collection that prove why Rourke and Joyce were The Smiths every bit as much as Moz & Marr, as a band. The drums on Last Night I Dreamt and The Queen Is Dead, the bass on Barbarism and How Soon Is Now, the GROOVE of This Charming Man together (when the 12" mix breaks down to bass and drums you realise that Motown groove is as integral as the jangly guitar and vocals). I think what really hurt Mike and Andy, aside from the money, was the message: you're just hired hands, anyone could have done your job, you are not The Smiths. It's just not true.
It's like telling Ringo he wasn't a Beatle because 99% of the time he didn't write the songs. Four people, four incredibly talented musicians, made that SOUND, that Smiths sound. For Morrissey and Marr to deny that, after five years of what they thought was brotherhood in a band, and to trivialise their contribution, was a shocking betrayal.
Yup, that's pretty much correct and the replacement bass player proved it, they needed Rourke back ASAP. Some of his bass lines make the songs for me and as for the drums well, I can spot a sessions man immediately and Joyce wasn't one. Greed that's all it was.
Totally
@@Azzlad You cant spot a session drummer immediately. What nonsense. It depends entirely on the drummer and the band you are hearing them in the context of. There are literally endless examples of drummers in changing line up of bands. You cant tell when its happening most times or whether the new drummer is officially part of the band in a legal sense or not by the sound of their playing.
lol i think it was the great disappointment/growing up rite of my youth to realize that Morrissey was kind of an asshole. I'm still reeling from it.
yeah,their behaviour is hardly working class hero stuff is it? what happened to brotherhood
This feels like something I was forced to watch in a boring history class. Amazing band, truly one of my favorites of all time, and I was really hoping this would be good but the production is so painful to watch I can't appreciate it.
+BTBoards I felt like it was something produced by Robin Leach
Check out "Not Like Any Other Love". Much better doc about The Smiths.
I am Irish and I think we can be happy with our contribution to the Manchester Music scene, And not just the Smiths.
Why? Why doesn't Ireland produce bands of this quality then? Has nothing to do with Ireland does it really it's just a coincidence. 2nd generation reflected glory? You sure lad? Dont get that. Where's all the talent in Ireland if 2nd generation is this good then the real ,pure Irish must be brilliant??????
Burton Rd Forever 1977 you ever heard of the horslips? the undertones?
Potatoes too
@@BurtonRdForever exactly
@@BurtonRdForever Fontaines D.C.? Ireland still is making incredible, incisive bands.
The collective talents of these guys easily put them in the top five bands ever. First time I heard them I knew they would be solely responsible for pushing popular music forward into a brand new era.
The brilliance of Marr and Morrissey- priceless evolution of songwriting and new style of music- I listened to them in college, a DJ friend of mine played them on his radio station!!! I loved them!!! To this day I still do- one of my favorites songs was "Last Night I dreamt somebody loved me" the orchestration for that tune were amazing!! Also "I Started Something"- loved everything off of strange ways here we come !
Me too! Crazy that there album's only got better with each one... gutted we didn't get a album after strangeways
a rush and a push and the land that we stand on is ours,
it has been before and it SHALL again... The Smiths,, pure passionate timeless tunes..long live The Smiths.
Im watching this a bit late. 10yrs ago but im hear now to oscillate wildly.
Great band, great songs and they made so much music in 5 years.
Morrissey and Marr were a match made in heaven. The combination of their talents created the most stunning melodic music. They will always be my favourite band. I like the way Morrissey marches to the beat of his own drum too
He’s completely silent on the fake pandemic. He’s either not too bright or he’s a coward. That’s expected of most “stars”. This chap set himself apart. He should stand apart. Like Van, Eric & Ian Brown.
I was hired by Rough Trade to drive three of their people up to Manchester on July 6th 1983, when they signed the controversial deal discussed at 15.30. It was following a gig at the Hacienda, and I remember having to wait a good 2+ hours after the gig before things were settled and we could return to London. I think I got home at around 6am.
Wow really?
I hope people realize how good Andy was on bass. Just listen to him!!!
He seems like a very bitter person. I know he has every reason to be but the huge contrast between him and Mike in this documentary makes it seem like he feels he was somehow entitled to more than he was offered in the courts despite the fact he never once contributed to the writing of any songs and allegedly turned down the opportunity to be classed as an official member of the group which would have made the court case a lot easier to win.
He wrote all his own basslines without any pay. You're right, he has every reason to be better. He entered the group under an agreement that it was more or less Morrissey and Marr's band. Evidently he was willing to get walked over financially, but that seemed to be the deal he had to make to be in the Smiths, and we're all better off he did.
I'll say it again: Morrissey was the worst part of the Smiths.
I was born the year they broke up, but when I started listening, I was hooked. I've had a crush on Andy Rourke almost instantly. Their music has gotten me through some shit. If I could tell them, I would. They're always going to be a group with impact. My little niece bops around the house when I play them. They span generations. I hope they know how much they're adored.
Brought my three kids up on them. Now 33 31 25...... the 25 year old still goes to see tribute bands lollll
The smiths couldn’t succeed without any of them. They are all brilliant and talented.
I hate when money changes people!!
The Smiths were one of the most significant parts of modern music. Period.
They were among the last of the organically great bands. Made of distinctly different parts, creating a completely amazing sum. I'm happy to have been in my teens, and early twenties listening to them
as a devotee fan of the smiths/morrissey since 84 when i was only 16 simply the smiths means life to lots of eighties generations and so goes on till the end of time..
great documentary btw, thanks for uploading.
I love Mike Joyce. He's such a laid-back unassuming guy. If you were to meet him, and didn't know anything about The Smith, he would come of as a unpretentious regular dude. I love 'em all, but I think Mike deserves a little more respect from the so-called music press/critics.
Hmm!! Money grabbing wanker comes to my mind!! And in his quest for cash has denied us all Smiths reunion EVER!! Ask Morrisseys sister if he's a nice guy when he tried taking her house through his lawyers?? She had toddlers at the time too!! He never wrote a note of music! Never signed a contract never paid a bill in the name of The Smiths or handled anything to do with them like lawyers accountants etc, he let Morrissey do that but expects 25%!!! Look at Andy he took £80k and said as a non songwriter was right!! I'm not having a go at you mate, in Manchester we think he is a money grabber!!! He sits near me at City too!! He looks well old now!! Take care bud
bascet1 w
bascet1 Andy said " it left a very sour taste, I'd just got married and had a mortgage"...I don't think he was happy with what he settled for and it's too simple to say Mike wanted 25%. He wasn't going after the publishing, Just a fair share of the royalties off the record sales !..
bascet1 Not a go at you, here either, but my views are diametrically opposed to yours. His move on Morrisey's sister's property is an unfortunate move he needed to make to force Steven's hand on the money owed him. The High Court ruled on it, and you heard the words the Judge used. You could say Moz is just as cupable for not paying what the Court demanded, so he sought to attach property that Morrissey probably bought for her. i would do the same...if she is sooooo dear to Moz, he can pay up, or buy sis a new house, period.Morrissey was on the stand for 4+ hours. Had he been in the right, would he not be able to convey that in such a long testimony, or did his arrogance give him an entitled aire about him that disgusted the Judge...i don't know, and neither do you, but a longtime Judge had plenty of time to hear everyone, and of everyone present, Moz was the one he delivered the stern message to. Didn't hear anything about any words he had for Johnny.
Petre .W. Performance pay more than anything.
"20 years ago... " This is an old documentary about an old band. I FEEL OLD.
Yeah, the documentary itself is 15'ish years old. So it's more like "35 years ago". Morrissey is 60 now.
ur as young as you feel,.....so feel young
Not old.. Better. Smarter. Your no longer the student. You are the teacher. PREACH.
If it wasn't for people older than me..
So many stellar bands, music, pictures, paintings, poems, books, art.. (ETC)
Would have never found its way to me..
No Matter what age you are...
YOU STILL HAVE AN EVOLVING YOUNG SOUL
@@hux2000 The documentary was made in 2002 per the credits at the end. But some of the footage was probably recorded even earlier. So a documentary that is 19 years old (today) is talking about something that happened twenty years before its own timeline. 39 years. That is like adults talking about "before the war" when I was a kid in the 70s. But 1983-85 doesn't seem very far away if I close my eyes and think about it.
tough.
Im from kirkby in liverpool & it still amazes me that my fave album "meat is murder" was recorded in Amazon studios which is literally 2mins from my front door.
A band with awesome music and awesome long titles for songs. They have the best sound, well composed music.
I heard how soon is now.. I was listening to it on my headphones at a bar. An older guy was sitting next to me saw me take an earphone a out and asked me what I was listening to... The Smiths I replied. Ever heard of em?
His face dropped. He laughed. I have everything The Smiths have ever done said the man..
What album you listening to?
Idk I replied.. I only know of this one song. How soon is now..
I ended up smoking some trees with the man. Sitting in his car smoking he played different songs. Just amazing. The guy gave me 2 cds.
He was just happy that someone younger saw the brilliance.
Tho Smith's are just stellar
OK loser stoner. No one cares.
Great documentary. Thanks for the upload!
The Beatles have fans, Morrissey has devotees .
Didn’t know this existed. Cheers for the upload
Regarding the opening caterwauling ...that light needs to go out
100% agreed buddy 😆
It didn't last for long, get over it x
oh Jon that made me laugh my friend
Well said, wasn't sure this was something of interest...
Lol true Moz fan
Amazing band!!!! Unforgetable!
RIP the late, great John Peel. The world owes him a great debt, he found and gave so many great bands their first opportunity.
Just watching first time ....the best and honest documentary.
The smiths actually did something that virtually no other bands have done and that was split up while they were at the top, before the quality of the music went downhill. I thank them for that.
Not that we had the chance. I think it was that together Morrissey and Marr spent so much time together that the were really a platonic couple that began squabbling and could never take a refreshing stress release preforming hate sex where each get to punish the other allowing the release of pent up frustrations of having to give in to the other for the compromising of the sake of personality differences .
The Police did the same thing. They hit their peak with Synchronicity in 1984 and they broke up. They got back together for a reunion tour in the late 2000’s but never made another album. Sting and Copeland were always at each others throat and Sting of course wanted to go out on his own.
Yep buy what about The Jam. It could be said The Clash also.
The Jam did too.
unequivocally one of the top 5 bands the world has ever seen. period.
The caricature animation here is hilarious!
I dunno, there's a lot of one offs sentences or conversations but that's about it. The fact that Mike and Andy make an appearance, means that this documentary is a must watch. I enjoyed watching it. Oh and the cartoon segments are lovely. The artstyle and animation reminds me of the early 2000's cartoons.
Anyone who says Andy Rourke wasnt worth more than 10% obviously cannot appreciate a band like the Smiths.
Probably the greatest band of all time.
John Peel - legend, big respect
People have to understand that some bands are bigger than others . The Smiths reign supreme .
For any 'sensitive', 'queer', or person outside the suffocating 80s social mainstream, The Smiths were THE band, and for me, an educational primer on desire, integrity and artistic freedom. I remember the first video I saw of theirs was The Boy With The Thorn In His Side. I was mesmerized by their unexpected good looks and the sweet melancholy of the melody. I was instantly obsessed. Then I found others in high school equally obsessed, and I knew we would be friends.
Watching this documentary, my heart still breaks that the smiths split and that at the end there was so much spite and acrimony between them. It shatters that special image and world that the smiths represented. The band would be nothing without Morrissey and Marr, but it wouldn't have been what it was without Joyce and Rourke. As much Morrissey will be the man who spoke most to my inner life, I can see how he could be a total shit and a self important narcissist. But for 5 years, the music of the smiths, the album artwork, lyrics, images, style, queerness, and intelligence was THE soundtrack of my life. Their music will stand the test of time.
+MR Mabuse
Mike Joyce, still is A Handsome Devil..
I used to doubt myself until discovering the smiths now 30 years later it was cool to be different, strange
Did you read Morrissey's autobiography?
As a proud straight 50 year old man I fucking love this band ...it all started for me in 83 and I'm "Still ill " The Smiths have and will continue to stand the test of time.
BINGO that was me. it was also one of the few bands that spoke to social hopelessness, alienation from others and angsty sensitivity of a young me in such an empowering way. plenty of people..to THIS day, just dont get it. You truly do either "get" the smiths, get them and LOVE them, or dont get them and dislike them
one of the greatest bands of all times. too bad they had beef over money n other shit. a reunion would be the best for this world
If the Smiths were to reform then whatever magic is left would disappear completely.
You are sleeping. You do not want to believe.
I just like listening to their music. full stop.
Very true, many many extremely talented musicians in bands but what separates the Smiths is how honest the lyrics were and this vulnerability people all over the world can relate to coupled with amazing melodies and you have one of the great bands of all time. Sadly so so so few people in the world can be honest and show their vulnerability. As someone once said Morrissey's indifference made all the difference in the World!.
Strangeways is a great album, and has stood the test of time like all the others.
Cool video !
'To this day, James Maker claims he never wore high heels on the stage at the Ritz...They were smart court shoes' lol
Smith's were so good. So much great music in such a short time. One of the best band's in the world. Facts
Ugh, that music at the beginning sucks. I didn't turn on a doc about the Smiths to hear their song murdered.
+JCN 3 EXACTLY! WTF was that all about?! That pissed me off.
Nothing is sacred, lads. If their music is good enough, then you shouldn't fear other people's versions. Plus we know the originals already and we dont need another half baked imitation, so let's go for the really unexpected stuff. And relax.
and she literally got a lyric wrong too. lol
It’s actually really really bad. This can be proven with science
@@That1Guy The opening was vocal vomit. Can't understand why that crap was used as an intro
I completely agree. Andy Rourke was amazing and added such a unique sound to the band and, in my opinion, was an equal part of The Smiths' sound.
Every couple years I click on this, but when I hear the opening song, I remember how much I hate it, and I close the video and move on
I was born in 82 . This band was born with me and will never die in my heart .this is a unique band which influenced many others . I think theyre the best more than beatles lennon u2 and others
The BEATLES though? Wow. Ok.
@@d.hillll the beatles are nowhere near the smiths and even other bands like cure and banshees are better . Its just onother janer
"I try to do it more aggressively" *plays broken chords rather than strumming*
Genius. Legend. Etc.
Thank god for the animations!
Love The Smiths but the way Moz and Johnny treated Mike and Andy after they split regarding what they got for performing rights was disgraceful ! Amazing what money does to people !
The original agreement between the band members was 40% Morrissey, 40% Marr, 10% Rourke, 10% Joyce. He shared them as was the agreement. Morrissey and Marr wrote all the songs in their entirety, which was a much bigger workload than Joyce or Rourke had, hence the split.
The dispute wasn't about royalties of which Mozzer and Marr rightly got all the money, it was about performing rights. Rourke and Joyce weren't sessions musicians they were part of The Smiths and as such toured and performed the numbers just like Mozzer and Marr did. The workload regarding touring and performing was equal and as such should have been split four ways. Like I said amazing what money and greed does to so called friendships. It doesn't surprise me in the least that Mozzer did that but it surprised me that Marr kicked his mates in the bollox !
Andy Rourke's basslines made a lot of the songs. The bass melodies he played were amazing in a lot of songs. Maybe it should have been 30/30/20/20.
Written by J. Marr.
I know that Morrissey and Marr said in the 96 court case that both Mike and Andy agreed at the outset to be given 10%. Until today I still don't understand why Mike sueded Morrissey and Marr if Mike agreed with everything since the band was formed. If he did not agree with this then why did he remain in the band? Why didn't he leave? I kinda feel it was unfair for Morrissey and Johnny, Mike always agreed with everything and in his time with the band he never complained about the agreement. Also i think Mike didn't deserved all of that money. I'm not saying that Mike hadn't worked as hard as Moz and Johnny, everyone contributed a hell of a lot but when it comes to write songs we all know that isn't something that everyone can do, so for obvious reasons Morrissey and Johnny deserved more than Andy and Mike. It is very sad how everything ended between them and although I would really love to see a reunion because The Smiths have been my favorite band since forever, I know very well that Morrissey will never accept, mainly because of what happened with Mike, not for his differences with Johnny.
Thanks for uploading this. Nice one.
Has anyone else noticed that there are no first hand accounts from Marr or Morrissey and its all recycled old footage of them?
Love all the Smiths' band members all of them, but I really like Joyce. He just seems like someone I could really get along with and down to earth.
the smiths are the perfect band
one of the best bands of all time
0:38 - Morrissey reacts to "There's a Light that Never Goes Out" cover.
Not entirely sure why thatcher is there either
Wonderful. Thank you
BEST
BAND
EVER
Version of there is a light in beginning sucks big time
Just terrible. Why? Why? Why?
my god that music at the beginning... what the motherfuck
THANK you!
Regarding Rorke and Joyce: "none of the fans ever suggested that they were anything but a 100% bona fide Smiths" Says it all. And they seemed like such a nice and modest bloke, such a shame that they were cut out. Money always seems to corrupt .
One of a kind. Beautiful.
I think there is a need to recognise that the Smiths have done more for music today than most, if not all, of the bands you listed. I would say that they have a greater resonance today than all of those groups.
“There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” is honestly the best bittersweet love song ever written. Steven Patrick Morrissey is a brilliant songwriter ❤️
its funny that mike and andy say they came by mistake LOL
What a story !
you have to feel sorry for any rourke though..his bass playing on barbarism begins at home was worth more than the £80k he was awarded. For all his pompous values, morrissey treats people like crap whilst prattling on about the rights of all species. I wouldnt be surprised if he eats bacon sandwiches behind the gates of his LA home.
anthony denby ii
You said it
I’m not really a big Smith’s guy not to say that I think they are bad. But with all I’ve heard about morrisey he sounds like a pretentious dick. Johnny Marr sounds like a much nicer guy.
José Ancapdolf Hidler 😭😭 William it was really nothing
@@walkermorgan1710 you need to read morriseys autobiography. ...alot of people are not smart enough to realise what morrisey is about....it was marr that pulled the sneaky moves and rough trade ....johnny was signing stuff with rough trade in secret ......morrisey got stung from it all and was caught up in it ....the way morrissey comes across didn't help his case ....the judge must have not liked morrisey that's all I'm saying ....
Just imagine what they could have done if they weren't provoked to splitting up in 1987 . I think Strangeways We Come was an amazing departure for them. They were really starting to explore and experiment and get deeper. I cry for the unborn albums that never followed.
Best band ever.
That first song "There is a Light.." is one of the most sincere, realistic songs ever. It's what separated them from other acts.
Sometimes when I play their music some teens or 20 somethings hear it and say, "Wow, thats cool!"
Good job the music of the Smiths hasn't aged as badly as this documentary.
that's a healthy glass of red
I got to see them live. They were freaking awesome
Would have been great to see Siouxsie Sioux singing of Hand In Glove!
ohh yeah , i listened to them for years in the 80's . Extraodinary lyrics and melodies .
John Peel, what a legend.
Legendary nonce, yes
Most Smiths songs have melodies that move from the mediant to the dominant, with the mediant being the main note; passing notes are thrown in, particularly the sub-dominant. Funny how nobody notices.
That intro cover is awful...
😂😂😂😂
hey. thanks for this.
The best irish band ever :)
Manly Men true but u2 was bigger :(
If you want to stretch the limits a bit, so will I. My Bloody Valentine is the best Irish band. The Smiths are a close second (followed by the Pogues then Sex Pistols).
oasis another great irish band
Hahaha
Morrissey once said in an interview with Larry King when asked about The Smiths; "we were so young back then, we really didn't like each other very much so I'm happy that those days are over." That's such a shame, considering how much great music they created. Never say never, perhaps one day they'll get back together just for one more jam before our time runs out in this life that we all know. 🇬🇧🇮🇪
"How can mike Joyce compair (sic) himself to morrisey?"
Cos he was in The Smiths. That's the point of being in a band, you are equals and the whole is greater than the sum of the parts and ultimately it's why bands come to an end
but tbh, Jamie, i must say, Andy Rourke had his part in the Smiths... He was quite a nice bass player.
Mike Joyce, on the other hand, was just your ordinary drummer :'(
@Jamie Paper doesn't play music
that is all left for Andy and Mike---making documentaries.
Wish I hadn't seen this to be honest, it's made me see johnny and morrisey in a different light. don't know why but I felt bad for craig about the whole sandwich thing.
I know what you mean. This documentary made me sad. I wish I didn't know some of the things I know now.
Completely agree with you there. I always knew Moz was a bit of twat, but now I see it very clearly.
such an unnurturing environment really...
Along came the mid 70s with the advent of punk, The jam, Tubeway Army and Synth music was the beginning... then came the smiths! Thank god for Morrissey!