This may have been the first time I saw the smiths … and it was , like , WOW! You have to remember the time they were around - the mid 80’s. Everything pop wise was all glitzy and glamorous … probably a bi-product of the New Romantic period… and the charts were dominated by such acts (Wham! Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, etc.). It was all big hair and sharp suits… then Morrisey comes on with a bunch of gladiolus and a hearing aid! So visually different and the music - probably a hark back to some 60’s bands, but still - far an era dominated by synth and heavy metal, was very DIFFERENT. So yeah, the attraction to this band was immediate. I reckon the kick started the Indy scene… or at the very least, paved the way for a multitude of other alternative bands to ‘make it big’
Love it! I was a spotty teenager watching this live on tv in 1983! I remember it. We watched Top of the Pops every week religiously! lol I fell in love with the Smiths then and it is a love affair which continues to this day. Top of the Pops was an institution in the UK. Anything you watch from 1991 onwards is a live performance. That is when they changed the rules on the show, and everyone who went on had to play live. Love watching your reactions. Especially the Smiths ones. :)
As @stinkhornadrian has said, their performance on The Tube, another iconic BBC show, is actually live. I submitted a song (Still Ill) they performed there on your suggestion form. Regarding this reaction, my heart broke when you said 'Andy'!
Thanks for posting this! I remember many people being mystified by this appearance when first broadcast on Top Of The Pops! (Music, cats, and coffee - three of my favorite things! Subscribed!)
I love your Smiths reviews and especially the fact that you give Andy and his bass the credit he deserves! When I play the songs in my head, it's usually the bass I'm singing along to.
I don't know if anyone said, The Thompson Twins singing 'Hold me now' were the next band on. I used to have loads of part episodes on VHS and my future girlfriend was a massive Smiths fan and we watched it many times. It was paused so not every song was on there, but Simple Minds and Billy Joel were on that episode too. November 83. From the early 60's until it ended in the late 2000's? Top of The Pops was massive in the UK.
YT popped up suggestion of your video re “The Headmaster Ritual'', and - to make a long(er) story short - I just watched all 13 of your “The Smiths” videos, earliest to latest. As someone who has ‘been with them’ since (near) the beginning (Dec 1984) - it was great fun for me to see someone see THEM, for (more or less) - the first time. 🙂 Yes, much of their work stands the test of time, and sounds fresh. Morrissey (Moz) is still out there cranking. He had so many great lyrics, that many will pick from his songs - and use a phrase, or turn on one - for The Smiths related channels, articles, etc. (To me, on a facebook poll asking for the greatest song line ever, I chose, “I am human and I need to be loved. Just like everybody else does” You know the song, you have it ranked as your #1 of The Smiths…). Great lyricist, great singer - and The Smiths were more than just Moz. Marr refused to do the guitar-solo thing - which was very much a thing at the time (but it was really Kurt Cobain who thankfully stuck a fork in the hair bands / ‘cock rock’ guitar solos - who were really prevalent right after The Smiths breakup in late 1987 (NOT friendly, you asked this on one of these 13 videos) - when Nirvana (after several years 🙂) - became “an overnight success", in later 1991). Glad to see you give Andy Rourke his due, and Mike Joyce was no slouch on the drum kit (fav = “The Queen is Dead”). I am not certain what it is, specifically - that you bring to your videos - but it IS something... For now, I’d say it’s a few things…. Genuine curiosity, and humility, too. You have your opinion, and you let others have theirs. And, of course - you are a cat person! Anyway, MANY thanks - I really enjoyed these... I’ll at least look at other stuff you cover, but - The Smiths / Moz solo - have been my favs for damn near 40 years, I don't expect that to change, at age 62... Thanks again. Cheers… -Jeff P.S. While I could easily suggest 10+ more songs of The Smiths, and another 10+ from Moz as a solo artist - I would FIRST next suggest for you, “Still Ill”, first album - which is the first song (that you didn’t know, but you had heard the others - from that video with Moz and Marr with the school kids). Perhaps my all time fav (so very hard to choose) - but for sure off first album (still a tough choice) - but what stands out for me is Marr’s intricate but understated guitar playing in that song - he seems pleased NOT be be the star in that song, but what he’s doing is just fabulous… I’ve probably heard that song 500 times, it never tires. I know you love your bass, but check out what the masterful Marr brought to the table, and very early on (before age 20?). And of course - another fantastic Moz lyric (“Under the iron bridge we kissed… and although I ended up with sore lips, it just wasn’t like the old days anymore…”). Thanks and Cheers., -Jeff
Everybody watched this show. Totp was an institution. Thursday evening nobody went out while it was on. We had little else. Totp Thursday and the top 40 on radio 1 Sunday afternoon was essential. I still remember this episode.
If you want to see a true live performance of The Smiths try Barbarism begins at home live on the Tube its outstanding... Johnny marr even stops playing guitar and gets down to an amazing bass solo by the Legendary Andy rourke ❤
The Smiths was my goto band when feeling down way back when I was a youngster. Listening to them made me kinda realise there's always people worse off than me. Other late 20th century bands that may ignite your interest: The God Machine, Morphine, Thin White Rope, Violent Femmes....just to name a few. Great reactions btw!
The live on the Tube performance is great. Looks like it's the first result that comes up if you search for "Smiths live on the tube" on UA-cam, so should be easy to find.
Hey i just found your channel through your type o negative reactions. I love those. Got to catch up on your other videos. Just wanted to recommend "The gravediggers song " by Mark Lanegan
Play back, sorry. New Order demanded to play live some time earlier and of course is was a disaster. Morrissey back then knew how to put on a show. though. And thanks for posting stuff,
We used to watch this without fail back in the day, at the start it was mimed but in the final years of the show the artists had a choice to do live performances. This could go wrong in some cases , Nirvana for one who just fooled around.
Morrisey's shirts were actually women's blouses bought from Evans, a UK high street chain that sold cheap, plus size womenswear. He also deliberately mis-buttoned them. It was an anti-fashion statement.
Hi Lauren:) I would like to recommend you the song "Dispossession" by Katatonia. And if you want to listen to something new, then i will recommend you the SOEN band with the song "Lotus".
- Stephen Patrick Morrissey's penchant for drama, controversy and the wholly subversive cannot be understated. His brilliant use of an innocent kid in full Brit schoolboy attire singing to the Chorus of "Hang the DJ!" is one for the rock ages. It makes one think of the impact of boarding school/catholic school and the whole British public school system had on entire generations of rock artists. Another piece of art that comes to mind is the video for Another Brick in the Wall, with it's droning "we don't need no education", or Angus Young schoolboy attire.
I know this comment has nothing to do with the smiths, so I apologize for that, but I know you have developed a liking for Type O Negative so thought you might like this rendition performed by a musician who also has an apparent liking of their music and their stile. His name is Denis Pauna And does covers in the stile of different bands & this one blew me away with how well done it was. This song is a cover of a song on The Lost Boy's soundtrack called Cry Little Sister. ua-cam.com/video/r-DaqAmNBEw/v-deo.html give it a listen, see what you think.
Artists making their debut on TOTP's had 3 minutes to make an impression on a watching nation. Morrisey smashed it! This performance is now legendary.
In the U.K we had 4 tv channels at the time, we’d be glued to ‘top of the pops’ on a Thursday night.
This may have been the first time I saw the smiths … and it was , like , WOW!
You have to remember the time they were around - the mid 80’s. Everything pop wise was all glitzy and glamorous … probably a bi-product of the New Romantic period… and the charts were dominated by such acts (Wham! Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, etc.). It was all big hair and sharp suits… then Morrisey comes on with a bunch of gladiolus and a hearing aid!
So visually different and the music - probably a hark back to some 60’s bands, but still - far an era dominated by synth and heavy metal, was very DIFFERENT.
So yeah, the attraction to this band was immediate. I reckon the kick started the Indy scene… or at the very least, paved the way for a multitude of other alternative bands to ‘make it big’
Love it! I was a spotty teenager watching this live on tv in 1983! I remember it. We watched Top of the Pops every week religiously! lol I fell in love with the Smiths then and it is a love affair which continues to this day.
Top of the Pops was an institution in the UK. Anything you watch from 1991 onwards is a live performance. That is when they changed the rules on the show, and everyone who went on had to play live.
Love watching your reactions. Especially the Smiths ones. :)
The gladiolas he wove around in the early Smiths videos & concerts were his tribute to one of his influences Irish poet & playwright Oscar Wilde
As @stinkhornadrian has said, their performance on The Tube, another iconic BBC show, is actually live. I submitted a song (Still Ill) they performed there on your suggestion form.
Regarding this reaction, my heart broke when you said 'Andy'!
The Tube was made by Tyne Tees Television in Newcastle for Channel 4. Nothing to do with the BBC.
Great reaction thank you, I watched 1000’s of top of the pops every Thursday night if I remember, lots of live Morrissey, 🙏🐊❤️🦉👍
Thanks for posting this! I remember many people being mystified by this appearance when first broadcast on Top Of The Pops! (Music, cats, and coffee - three of my favorite things! Subscribed!)
I love your Smiths reviews and especially the fact that you give Andy and his bass the credit he deserves! When I play the songs in my head, it's usually the bass I'm singing along to.
A bunch of gladioli hanging out the back pocket was a trade mark adopted by many Smiths fans
I don't know if anyone said, The Thompson Twins singing 'Hold me now' were the next band on. I used to have loads of part episodes on VHS and my future girlfriend was a massive Smiths fan and we watched it many times. It was paused so not every song was on there, but Simple Minds and Billy Joel were on that episode too. November 83. From the early 60's until it ended in the late 2000's? Top of The Pops was massive in the UK.
YT popped up suggestion of your video re “The Headmaster Ritual'', and - to make a long(er) story short - I just watched all 13 of your “The Smiths” videos, earliest to latest.
As someone who has ‘been with them’ since (near) the beginning (Dec 1984) - it was great fun for me to see someone see THEM, for (more or less) - the first time. 🙂
Yes, much of their work stands the test of time, and sounds fresh.
Morrissey (Moz) is still out there cranking. He had so many great lyrics, that many will pick from his songs - and use a phrase, or turn on one - for The Smiths related channels, articles, etc.
(To me, on a facebook poll asking for the greatest song line ever, I chose, “I am human and I need to be loved. Just like everybody else does” You know the song, you have it ranked as your #1 of The Smiths…).
Great lyricist, great singer - and The Smiths were more than just Moz. Marr refused to do the guitar-solo thing - which was very much a thing at the time (but it was really Kurt Cobain who thankfully stuck a fork in the hair bands / ‘cock rock’ guitar solos - who were really prevalent right after The Smiths breakup in late 1987 (NOT friendly, you asked this on one of these 13 videos) - when Nirvana (after several years 🙂) - became “an overnight success", in later 1991).
Glad to see you give Andy Rourke his due, and Mike Joyce was no slouch on the drum kit (fav = “The Queen is Dead”).
I am not certain what it is, specifically - that you bring to your videos - but it IS something... For now, I’d say it’s a few things…. Genuine curiosity, and humility, too. You have your opinion, and you let others have theirs. And, of course - you are a cat person!
Anyway, MANY thanks - I really enjoyed these... I’ll at least look at other stuff you cover, but - The Smiths / Moz solo - have been my favs for damn near 40 years, I don't expect that to change, at age 62...
Thanks again.
Cheers…
-Jeff
P.S. While I could easily suggest 10+ more songs of The Smiths, and another 10+ from Moz as a solo artist - I would FIRST next suggest for you, “Still Ill”, first album - which is the first song (that you didn’t know, but you had heard the others - from that video with Moz and Marr with the school kids). Perhaps my all time fav (so very hard to choose) - but for sure off first album (still a tough choice) - but what stands out for me is Marr’s intricate but understated guitar playing in that song - he seems pleased NOT be be the star in that song, but what he’s doing is just fabulous… I’ve probably heard that song 500 times, it never tires. I know you love your bass, but check out what the masterful Marr brought to the table, and very early on (before age 20?). And of course - another fantastic Moz lyric (“Under the iron bridge we kissed… and although I ended up with sore lips, it just wasn’t like the old days anymore…”). Thanks and Cheers., -Jeff
Everybody watched this show. Totp was an institution. Thursday evening nobody went out while it was on. We had little else. Totp Thursday and the top 40 on radio 1 Sunday afternoon was essential. I still remember this episode.
Love it!
Paisley shirts and vintage jewelry (unisex) were big in the mid 1980's.
My theory is that Morrisey was wielding a bouquet of palm fronds to deflect the invading balloons 😛
Classic 👍
Please more of The Smiths
Not a problem ☺️
Love the Smiths, this song, and the old skool ‘80s TV. I used to watch Top of the Pops in the UK.
Great group
Looking fantastic Lauren
Love from the uk 🇬🇧
'Top of the Pops' was the biggest music show on TV in the UK. Bands usually performed to a backing track, it was usual.
glad you revisited them after some months that passed!!
Simon Bates in a yellow C&A jacket & Richard Skinner wearing who knows what.
You wish you had Morrissey's moves.
I miss you! Are you done doing reactions? I quit a few years ago lol
Still I'll, Rockpalast 84 please.
😊
The whole UK watched TOTP back in the day
If you want to see a true live performance of The Smiths try Barbarism begins at home live on the Tube its outstanding... Johnny marr even stops playing guitar and gets down to an amazing bass solo by the Legendary Andy rourke ❤
you are so cool. thanks for your videos!!🎉🎉🐦⬛❤
The Smiths was my goto band when feeling down way back when I was a youngster. Listening to them made me kinda realise there's always people worse off than me. Other late 20th century bands that may ignite your interest: The God Machine, Morphine, Thin White Rope, Violent Femmes....just to name a few. Great reactions btw!
the Smiths live on the Tube or Whistle Test will be actually live.
The live on the Tube performance is great. Looks like it's the first result that comes up if you search for "Smiths live on the tube" on UA-cam, so should be easy to find.
‘Rank’ bigmouth, there is a light and what she said-great performances
Love your reviews of the Smiths... your hooked now 😁
Yes! Love them!
I Saw them live at Glasgow Barrowland 🙂
The Smiths Live, The Whistle Test on the Road. Assembly Rooms, Derby 1983. You’ve Got Everything Now “. Greatest stage invasion ever!
You should do Paul Weller and his band The Jam.
TOTPs was broadcast live but the bands normally mimed
Hey i just found your channel through your type o negative reactions. I love those. Got to catch up on your other videos. Just wanted to recommend "The gravediggers song " by Mark Lanegan
Play back, sorry. New Order demanded to play live some time earlier and of course is was a disaster. Morrissey back then knew how to put on a show. though. And thanks for posting stuff,
We used to watch this without fail back in the day, at the start it was mimed but in the final years of the show the artists had a choice to do live performances. This could go wrong in some cases , Nirvana for one who just fooled around.
LOL Did anyone watch TOTP's back then....Yeah, everybody. :)
Stone Sour Saturdays please!!!!
The flower bouquet was a protest cause this was a "no live"...
Morrisey's shirts were actually women's blouses bought from Evans, a UK high street chain that sold cheap, plus size womenswear. He also deliberately mis-buttoned them. It was an anti-fashion statement.
Watch The Smiths live on The Whistle Test singing Bigmouth Strikes Again that's actually live and they play Vicar in a Tutu as well
Rusholme Ruffians!!!!!
This isn't live, it's the studio track mimed.
Hi Lauren:) I would like to recommend you the song "Dispossession" by Katatonia. And if you want to listen to something new, then i will recommend you the SOEN band with the song "Lotus".
Hey Lauren, this weekly show ceased production in the 2000s.
ua-cam.com/video/oBkM5Qy2KbA/v-deo.html
@eduardosturla :
- Stephen Patrick Morrissey's penchant for drama, controversy and the wholly subversive cannot be understated. His brilliant use of an innocent kid in full Brit schoolboy attire singing to the Chorus of "Hang the DJ!" is one for the rock ages. It makes one think of the impact of boarding school/catholic school and the whole British public school system had on entire generations of rock artists. Another piece of art that comes to mind is the video for Another Brick in the Wall, with it's droning "we don't need no education", or Angus Young schoolboy attire.
You should check out Squeeze Wax by Cocteau Twins
microphones have come a long way.
It was compulsive viewing for years ; EVERYONE watched it until the 90s ( from the 60s) then it slowly died
Morrisey purported to be celibate, hence his look and style. I say purported not because I know better, but I've never heard it confirmed!
Katatonia. Decima
When are you going to do Radiohead? The Wedding Present also
Ooo I like Radiohead. ☺️
Try the band ASIA
Weekest popular song
Yawn
I know this comment has nothing to do with the smiths, so I apologize for that, but I know you have developed a liking for Type O Negative so thought you might like this rendition performed by a musician who also has an apparent liking of their music and their stile. His name is Denis Pauna And does covers in the stile of different bands & this one blew me away with how well done it was. This song is a cover of a song on The Lost Boy's soundtrack called Cry Little Sister. ua-cam.com/video/r-DaqAmNBEw/v-deo.html give it a listen, see what you think.