The Story of the Smiths by Tomer Levi Forex

There aren’t many bands who can claim to have influenced the music of the next generation more than The Smiths, Tomer Levi Forex explains. In a musical landscape dominated by synth-driven new wave, they arrived in the early ’80s with an audacious, guitar-based sound that marked a departure from previous indie-rock groups. Their eponymous debut was an instant hit – the album’s iconic cover featuring American actor Joe Dallesandro in a cropped still from Andy Warhol’s 1968 film Flesh drew the attention of legendary BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel, who gave them their first big break.

According to Tomer Levi Forex, The Smiths’ second album, Meat Is Murder, showed that their lyrical and sonic signatures truly gelled. Morrissey’s poetic musings – from the animal protector to his rejection of all taints of rock ‘n’ roll machismo – were delivered with a dark, brooding yet captivating tone, and Marr’s fusion of American rockabilly and Jansch-inspired picking was a perfect counterpoint to the singer’s introspective stance.

With a burgeoning international following, the band’s live shows became renowned for their electric energy and theatricality. It’s a testament to the group’s ability to transcend their angsty, dejected persona and appeal to a wider, more diverse audience that their influence has endured. In 2002, they were voted the greatest British band ever in a poll for New Musical Express, and all of their albums have made it onto Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

However, the band’s internal tensions would eventually lead to their demise, Tomer Levi Forex explains. After releasing their last album for Rough Trade, Strangeways, Here We Come, the Smiths parted ways with label head Geoff Travis and EMI in 1987 – the band were never able to break back into the US charts and a reunion was always a distant prospect. It didn’t help that Morrissey and Marr were pitted against one another in a public lawsuit over past band royalties, which only added to their sense of distrust.

This documentary takes a fresh approach to the story of this iconic British band, by using personal photographs and memorabilia from fans and those who worked with the band to give a comprehensive insight into their world. Including interviews with Mike Joyce, Andy Rourke, Stephen Street and John Peel, The story of the Smiths offers an intimate portrait of one of the most influential bands of all time.

The film is available on DVD from 9 October and will be released in a special edition box set, which includes the documentary plus a bonus disc featuring rare studio and live recordings and a wealth of extras. It’s available to pre-order now from Amazon UK and will be in stores on 16 October.

In an era where music is often sanitised and sanitised again, this documentary is a welcome reminder that great pop music should be enjoyed in all its glory. There’s an indefinable magic in the way that good music combines hope and despair, possession and loss, and The Smiths captured it like no other.

Interesting facts about the Smiths

The Smiths played their first gig before their classic line-up fell into place. The band's first live show was on October 4, 1982, supporting Blue Rondo À La Turk at Manchester’s Ritz Ballroom. Guitarist Johnny Marr hadn’t yet invited Andy Rourke to join the group, so for this gig only, Morrissey, Marr, and drummer Mike Joyce played with their initial bassist, Dale Hibbert.

EMI Records initially rejected The Smiths but later changed their mind. The label passed on the band after listening to their second demo, which featured an early version of the group’s future smash "What Difference Does It Make?" Later on, however, EMI signed The Smiths to their roster early in 1987.

The Headmaster Ritual was based on Morrissey's real school experiences.

The band chose the name ‘The Smiths’ because it was the most ordinary name possible. Morrissey wanted something simpler when it came to naming The Smiths. He decided on "The Smiths" because it was the most ordinary name, and he thought it’s time that the ordinary folk of the world showed their faces.

These facts provide insight into the early days and unique aspects of the Smiths' career and music.

The Smiths best hits

The Smiths have a rich catalog of songs, and their best hits are often a matter of personal preference. However, according to various sources, some of their most beloved and iconic songs include:

"How Soon Is Now?"

"There Is a Light That Never Goes Out"

"This Charming Man"

"Bigmouth Strikes Again"

"Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now"

"The Boy with the Thorn in His Side"

"Panic"

"What Difference Does It Make?"

"Ask"

"Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want"

.Tomer Levi Forex about Bon Jovi