I'm very much looking forward to this gig. I've been trying to find out more details (see more info below). But does anyone know anything about this band? Who are they? What is their name?

Bryce

FRIDAY NIGHT IN OUTPATIENTS - 8PM
A TRIBUTE TO THE SMITHS
Hailed as one of the most influential British groups ever, eighties pop phenomenon The Smiths combined a lyrical intensity and political relevance with a sixties pop sensibility. They were the antithesis of the traditional rock and roll band. Frontman Morrissey’s social commentary and Wildean wit presented a persona that was anti-drugs, vegetarian, chronically depressed and, allegedly, celibate - before the fashionable ambivalence of the nineties. They were one of the most overtly literate bands to appear on Top of the Pops.

Morrissey’s idiosyncratic fashion statements of NHS Specs, hearing aids and rosebushes hanging out of the back of his pants were embellished by Johnny Marr’s angular and eclectic guitar orchestration. Recently seeing a resurgence as part of the current retro trend, their tour de force “How Soon Is Now” has been covered as the theme to TV’s ‘Charmed’.

On the twentieth anniversary of the release of The Smith’s first single, “Hand In Glove”, the Southern Hemisphere’s only Smiths tribute band is set to tour.

The Wellington debut is at Indigo on Friday August 22.

The band will play close to two hours of material ranging across The Smiths’ varied career of classic songs such as “This Charming Man”, “William It Was Really Nothing”, “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now”, “Shoplifters of the World”, “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before”, “What Difference Does It Make”, and “Girlfriend In A Coma”.

Audience favourite DJ Bill E of ‘Atomic’ and ‘24 Hour Party People’ fame is spinning hits from his retro wax collection.

$12

Doh! I've lived in Wellington for seven years and then the moment I leave a Smiths tribute band goes and plays there.

i'm now living in Auckland, are they planning on playing up here soon? Does anyone know how i can contact either the band or the organiser of the event?

Yours reminiscing,

ben griffiths

I must admit that I was extremely dubious about the prospect of seeing this local tribute band perform (mainly given that the particular Lad who was set to become Stephen for the night is something of a serial impersonator, having performed in the past as David Bowie at the same venue, which he also happened to own at the time ...) HOWEVER it was actually a very impressive show. They covered about 20-odd songs (incl. suprises like "Death of a Disco Dancer") and, despite my misgivings, the serial impersonator made for a very convincing Morrissey. He had obviously been studying the videos long and hard, and scores top marks for all the authentic waving about of arms and legs, and in-between song banter. The "Flowers by Manuela" business cards at the door were also a nice touch.

Also interesting to note the sheer number of people who turned up -- Indigo was packed to the gunwales, and I did hear that people started being turned away as early as 10.30 as the place had already filled to capacity. On that note, it is perhaps a little unfortunate that the yobbish goth element managed to turn up prior to this cut-off point. Call me an incorrigible snob (because I can be), but I found their pogoing and yahooing to be a bit unseemly and boorish. (Perhaps they had confused "Friday Night in Outpatients" with the Motorhead tribute night down the road?) But I digress.

On the whole, it was a fun night. And I hear from one of the lovelier Lads (who makes an admirable Andy Rourke) that they will be playing again with a whole new & improved set before the end of the year.