After guitarist Johnny Marr left the Smiths in 1986, remaining members Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce and Morrissey attempted to soldier on without him. They recruited Ivor Perry, formerly of the band Easterhouse, to take his place and set about recording a follow-up to 1987's 'Strangeways, Here We Come.' Perry is a fine player, and the four might have
Very few bands of the past 30 years have had the impact of the Smiths. Part of their lasting influence stems from the band's timeless music -- particularly guitarist Johnny Marr's ringing riffs. But so much of the group's still-devoted foll
If you thought yesterday's posting of a Nine Inch Nails documentary from the mid-90s was nostalgic bliss, your mind is about the be blown. You're about to slide down the rainbow and belly-flop into a huge pot of gold, as a 39-minute rehearsal recording, titled 'The Pablo Cuckoo Tape,' from the Smiths has surfaced online. Drummer Mike Joyce even tweeted about the unearthed gems -- posted by an anonymous user -- and said that he thought he was the only one who collects such classic and "lost" material.
Coachella's founder has revealed his dream lineup. Your move, Moz and Marr.
For a few years there, Gwen Stefani was just playing a character.
Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr is stepping into the spotlight with 'The Messenger,' a new collection of songs due for release on Feb. 26, 2013.
No band is an island. The best songwriters tend to be sponge-like soaker-uppers of music, film, fine art, literature and other forms of culture, be they popular or obscure, and these influences often find their way into the music, helping listeners branch out and develop new interests
An online report that surfaced yesterday (Oct. 1) claiming that "several credible sources" had confirmed plans for the Smiths to reunite in 2013 for four shows has been outright denied by guitarist Johnny Marr's manager. "It isn't happening," manager Joe Moss told NME. "We are fully focused on preparing Johnny's new album for release and booking shows for 2013."
Smiths reunion rumors have been coming and going for years, but how's this for a twist? A new claim from Morrissey suggests that organizers of the annual Coachella festival are so desperate to snag the reunited Smiths as headliners that they've promised the pro-animal-rights singer a vegetarian-only menu for the entire festival if they agree to play.
It was 25 years ago today (Aug. 1) that fans of the Smiths -- already not the most cheerful lot -- got some terrible news: After just five years together, the band was breaking up. In addition to sparking 25 years of persistent Smiths reunion rumors, the split provided an opportune time to look back at the influential band's stellar catalog, an impressive collection of studio and live albums, compilations, EPs and singles that definitely has stood the test of time.
