The Smiths

15 Best Indie Bands of All Time
By Edward Tomlin

The Smiths remain one of the most significant bands in music history, leaving an indelible mark on the indie scene. Originating from Manchester in 1982, they crafted a unique sound characterized by jangly guitars, evocative lyrics, and the unmistakable charisma of frontman Morrissey. The partnership between Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr produced an impressive array of songs that resonated deeply with the disenchanted youth of the time. Tracks like “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” and “How Soon Is Now?” have transcended generations, becoming timeless anthems of heartache and introspection. Their ability to combine catchy melodies with poignant lyricism created a distinctive musical style that was both accessible and profound. Though their career was relatively short-lived, their influence continues to inspire countless musicians and bands today. The Smiths’ music often delves into themes of alienation, love, and...

A statement from Johnny Marr's management:

Recent statements made by Morrissey on his website regarding the trademark of
The Smiths' name are incorrect.

Here are the facts:

In 2018, following an attempt by a third party to use The Smiths' name - and upon
discovery that the trademark was not owned by the band - Marr reached out to
Morrissey, via his representatives, to work together in protecting The Smiths' name.

A failure to respond led Marr to register the trademark himself.
It was subsequently agreed with Morrissey's lawyers that this trademark was held
for the mutual benefit of Morrissey & Marr.

As a gesture of goodwill, in January 2024, Marr signed an assignment of joint
ownership to Morrissey. Execution of this document still requires Morrissey to sign.

In the interests of accuracy and clarity regarding the trademark, and to answer
recent reports that Marr ignored a promoter's offer to tour as The Smiths, Marr says:

"To prevent third parties from profiting from the...

J Marr has successfully applied for 100% trademark rights / Intellectual Property ownership of The Smiths name. His application has been accepted on whatever oaths or proclamations he has put forward. This action was done without any consultation to Morrissey, and without allowing Morrissey the standard opportunity of 'objection'. Amongst many other things, this means that Marr can now tour as The Smiths using the vocalist of his choice, and it also prohibits Morrissey from using the name whilst also denying Morrissey considerable financial livelihood.

Morrissey alone created the musical unit name 'The Smiths' in May 1982.

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Media items:

• AV Club: "Morrissey claims that Johnny Marr owns name "The Smiths" now" - September 16, 2024...

September 11, 2024



The proposed greatest hits album by The Smiths entitled Smiths Rule OK! has been blocked by J Marr. The album (above), and also the single Hand In Glove (below)



were planned for 2024 worldwide release by Warner Records along with a deluxe box release of The Smiths first album in order to commemorate its 40-year anniversary, and also a new 7-inch of This Charming Man. Warner approached Morrissey and Darren Evans to assemble artwork for all four releases, all of which were rejected and halted out of hand by J Marr.

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Media item:

• Stereogum: "Now Morrissey Says Johnny Marr Has Blocked A New Smiths Deluxe Reissue" - September 11, 2024

August 29, 2024

In June 2024 AEG Entertainment Group made a lucrative offer to both Morrissey and Marr to tour worldwide as 'The Smiths' throughout 2025.
Morrissey said Yes to the offer; Marr ignored the offer.

Morrissey undertakes a largely sold out tour of the USA in November.
Marr continues to tour as a special guest to New Order.

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Related item:

• Morrissey-solo.com: "Johnny Marr uses Nigel Farage image to dismiss reunion talk" - August 27, 2024

BACK TO THE OLD HOUSE

"I am well aware of the Smiths' rise in recents years, and their affirmed position in our cultural heritage. It proves how taking risks can work beautifully … and if you don't take risks when you make music then what the hell are you doing making music? I am incredibly grateful to anyone who walked out to buy, or who stayed in to download, Smiths' music. The musicians are considered to be those who make the change, but the consumer plays an equal part by having faith. We're all in this together. It was always about a refusal to surrender to enemy propaganda - something I still face today just as much as I faced it in 1983, 84, 85, 86 and 87. The Smiths do not end."

MORRISSEY.

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Media item:

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Excerpt:

When ageing Smiths fans like me sing along to ‘This Charming Man’, The Smiths' second, breakthrough 1983 single - and the song that ruined our lives - we fondly imagine ourselves achieving some kind of crude approximation of his famous vocals, after all these years of study and devotion. Trying to live up to the lyrical command of that soliciting single.

But as this stunning, eerie, isolated - desolate, even - vocal track from the single recording, stripped back of all the bright, jangly cheeriness, proves, none of us, or his professional imitators, came even slightly close. Ever.

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Related thread:

• This Charming Man a...

Hanging Around Books are delighted to announce that our next release will feature Stephen Wright's iconic images of The Smiths.

We are currently taking pre-orders for the first edition of 250 copies. These will be reserved and mailed out ahead of release date and as soon as we receive copies back from the printers. You will receive an email confirming shipment

Stephen, whose "Salford Lads Club" photograph of the band was an era-defining image, has opened up his archive to us and these are gathered together for the first time in a collection that will be released on August 5th.

As Stephen states in his introduction to this release:

"Over the years some of these shots have appeared in numerous newspapers, magazines and books but, to me, they are images that bring back great memories of just some of the many musicians I shot at the start of my career as a photographer. Initially based in...