NEWS: Andy Rourke And Mike Joyce Tell Their Own Smiths Story

MUSIC: Andy Rourke And Mike Joyce Tell Their Own Smiths Story

Morrissey and Marr have had more than their share of opportunities to explain the birth, rise and fall of the legendary Smiths, but what about the often silent members Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce? Other than the occasional lawsuit or odd guest DJ gig, the pair don't do much Smiths-related press and have prided themselves on their ability to "get over it".



Recently, however, Rourke and Joyce were convinced to chat about their Smiths years in front of a camera and the results are to be presented to fans on a forthcoming DVD entitled Inside The Smiths. Directed by longtime fan, friend and pub proprietor Stephen Petricco, the documentary features commentary from the Fall's Mark E. Smith, New Order's Peter Hook, Buzzcocks' Pete Shelley, Kaiser Chiefs' Ricky Wilson and Nick Hodgson. There's also the obligatory rare footage and anecdotes about sex, drugs and life with Morrissey (who hates all those fun things).



Look for Inside The Smiths to hit stores on July 16.

bloody. brilliant. band.

The cynic in me really thinks a documentary about the disconnected rhythm section is the last thing that anyone should care about.

The Smiths/Morrissey fan in me will probably order it within a week of its release to see why Peter Hook and Mark E Smith are featured, especially since I thought both of them absolutely hated the band, and especially hated Morrissey.

I'm a drummer so I'm of course biased but I often think Rourke and Joyce are a grossly underrated rhythm section.
For me, and like Mike says, a great rhythm section is about making the original riff even better. Sure they're not virtuosos but, well, thank goodness!

Anyone remember back during the lawsuit when Andy put the bass he recorded *all* those songs with on eBay? I forget the closing bid but I seem to recall it not being a whole hell of a lot more than the bass would be worth new.
It made me very, very sad.

+1

Did Morrissey's autobiography ever come out? I'd like a good balance to such a large chunk of one side of the story.

I don't think there's a better story in showbusiness than how Rourke got kicked out of the Smiths.

Probably has something to do with a check with several zeroes in it.
(and you thought YOU were a cynical)