Here’s a bold statement: The Smiths, one of the most iconic bands of the 1980s, will never reunite—at least not in the way fans might hope. But here's where it gets controversial... The band’s former drummer, Mike Joyce, recently shared his thoughts on the matter, and his perspective might surprise you. In an interview with BBC North West Tonight, Joyce, now 62, reflected on his time with the band and the release of his memoir, The Drums. While he holds no hard feelings if Morrissey and Johnny Marr decide to collaborate again, he’s clear: ‘The Smiths can’t reform because Andy [Rourke] isn’t here.’ And this is the part most people miss... Joyce’s candid remarks shed light on the band’s complex dynamics and the emotional weight of their history.
Joyce, a native of Fallowfield, Manchester, spoke warmly of his former bandmates—Morrissey, Johnny Marr, and the late Andy Rourke—but admitted he doesn’t foresee a casual reunion over a pint. ‘I saw Johnny at Andy’s memorial and again at a West Ham game, and we chatted,’ he said. ‘That’s fine—just keep it like that.’ His words hint at a mix of nostalgia and acceptance, a sentiment many fans might find relatable.
Formed in Manchester in 1982, The Smiths released four studio albums before their abrupt split in 1987. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Was their breakup inevitable? Tensions between Morrissey and Marr were well-documented, with Marr leaving just weeks before their final album’s release due to frustration with Morrissey. Meanwhile, Morrissey was reportedly annoyed by Marr’s involvement with other groups. Joyce’s book focuses on the band’s ‘overnight’ success between 1983 and 1987, a period he describes as both relentless and incredible. ‘We were such good friends,’ he recalled. ‘We saw each other every day for four years.’
Their rise was nothing short of meteoric. Joyce vividly remembers playing Manchester’s The Haçienda nightclub three times in eight months, each performance marking a stark contrast in audience reception. ‘The first time, just one woman clapped—she was a friend,’ he said. ‘Eight months later, St John’s Ambulance was carrying people out because they were fainting.’ Isn’t it fascinating how quickly fame can shift the tide?
Beyond The Smiths, Joyce also opened up about his ‘love-hate relationship’ with Manchester. He reminisced about the city’s transformation since the 1970s, when it was a ‘dark and foreboding place’ compared to the vibrant hub it is today. ‘I’ve lived in London, considered Europe, and traveled the world,’ he said. ‘But Manchester will always be home.’ His pride in the city’s evolution is palpable, even as he acknowledges its past challenges.
Here’s a counterpoint to consider: Could The Smiths’ legacy be tarnished if Morrissey and Marr reunited without Joyce and Rourke? While Joyce seems at peace with the idea, it’s a question that divides fans and critics alike. What do you think? Would a partial reunion honor or diminish the band’s iconic status? Let’s spark a discussion in the comments—agree or disagree, your thoughts matter!
