Q: How was it that The Smiths first met?
A: Andy Rourke wasn’t in the band at first when we met up. We met with Johnny and Morrissey through a mutual mate, Pete Hope. I knew Johnny. I had seen him about in pubs and clubs so we had a bit of a jam with them and it seemed to work very well, apart from the bassist Dale who was soon replaced by Andy Rourke.

Q: Your first two singles, ‘This Charming Man’, and ‘Hand in Glove’, remain two of The Smith’s most loved tracks, yet despite an appearance on Top of the Pops only reached 124 and 25 respectively. Did you feel that pop music was not quite ready for The Smiths?
A: No, because, although we wanted chart success, that wasn’t everything to us. We knew we had something special even that early on, so getting our music out there was the most important thing. Although the chart success wasn’t marvellous, it was at the time a truer reflection of pop music that it is now.

Q: You explain in the ‘Inside The Smiths’ DVD that Morrissey was always an aloof character, someone who never sought approval from the rest of the band. Did you ever think this would strain relationships in the band?
A: No, never. Were were really proud of the fact that he could speak his mind on real topics such as vegetarianism on ‘Meat in Murder’. These days pop music is more something to have on in the background. Isn’t it? Popular music should change attitudes and challenge us.

Q: Four studio albums in four years, yet despite this relatively small output The Smiths have reached iconic status in pop history and culture. What do you put this down to?
A: It was a number of things: the lyrics, the music, a time and place. It was all four of us that made it work: I don’t think any of us individually would have made the impact that the band as a unit did at the time.

Q: In the DVD, you mention the strain on the band after your manager Joe Moss left. Johnny effectively had taken on the role of manager, which led to unnecessary conflict and time taken away from playing music. Did you feel let down by Rough Trade? Was there more they could have done to support The Smiths or would you have been better off waiting for a major label to come on board?
A: Bands always have their issues with the labels. Having control was everything to us, from the sleeve design that was Morrissey’s baby, to single selection and track selection for the albums and so on. We would never have had that if we had signed with a major. It had its ups and downs like any relationship. I think Rough Trade was right for The Smiths, to be honest.

Q: Around this time, Andy got involved with heroin, which led to Morrissey asking him to leave the band before an Irish tour. Explain what was going through your mind at this stage, given your close relationship with Andy.
A: It was pretty dreadful to be honest. We had hoped that it might get him to see the error of his ways, maybe naively, but it was all we could do at the time. Thankfully it wasn’t long before he returned to the band.

Q: When Johnny Marr announced he was leaving, the band decided to carry on for a short period. Soon after this, Morrissey contacted the NME to announce that The Smiths had split up. Had you ever discussed the future of The Smiths with Morrissey after Johnny’s announcement?
A: No. I think it was never going to be easy to replace one quarter of the band. I mean it went on for a few months, but we all knew that it wasn’t going to work out and when Morrissey asked me to sack Ivor Cutler I knew it was over.

Q: After the break up there was a long drawn out court case where you had to take a case against Morrissey. You won the case, but do you regret the way it was handled at the time?
A: Yes. It was a horrible time for all involved. I wish it was handled better.

Q: The ‘Inside The Smiths’ DVD doesn’t have a single Smiths song. Was that difficult for you, despite being in one of the most important bands in history? Did you feel that your contribution has been somewhat undermined?
A: No. We didn’t even ask permission to use songs. The DVD was just about us getting our side of the story out. There was nothing more to it than that.

Q: The question everyone wants to hear, I guess, is whether The Smiths will ever reform?
A: No. I’m not sure if I would want to. To be honest I just can’t see it happening.

Q: What can Dublin expect from your DJ set?
A: I suppose like most of our gigs it will be something old and something new. DJs should never prejudge the crowd. I just hope it is a celebration of all things good in music and we have a real party.
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