The Smiths, formed in Manchester in 1982, quickly rose to prominence as one of the most influential bands of the decade despite their relatively brief existence. Fronted by Morrissey’s distinctive lyrical wit and Johnny Marr’s innovative guitar work, the band redefined indie rock with a fusion of jangling melodies and introspective themes. Although they disbanded in 1987 after just four studio albums, their legacy has endured, and they remain as cherished by fans today as ever.
This new 3CD set pays tribute to that legacy by capturing The Smiths at their peak, bringing together three of their finest live performances in one definitive collection. Showcasing the raw energy, passion and chemistry that made their concerts unforgettable, the set offers both long-time devotees and new listeners an immersive experience of the band’s artistry. It stands as a celebration of their enduring influence and a reminder of just how powerful their short but brilliant career was.
DISC ONE presents a standout show from the ‘Meat Is Murder Tour’, recorded just a month after the releaseof their second album on 18 March 1985 at the Apollo Theatre in Oxford. Originally broadcast the following month, the performance was a raucous affair that remains a firm fan favourite to this day.
DISC TWO captures a concert at the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool the following year, staged as part of the ‘From Manchester With Love’ benefit. Recorded four months before the release of The Queen Is Dead (1986), it is remarkable for featuring the live debuts of ‘Vicar in a Tutu’, ‘Cemetry Gates’ and ‘There Is a Light That Never Goes Out’.
Concluding the set, DISC THREE features a sublime performance at Pier 84 in New York on 6 August 1986, where both the band and audience were in top form. Mixing highlights from The Queen Is Dead with earlier fan-favourites, the show remains one of the finest The Smiths ever gave, reciprocated by a clearly adoring audience.
Tracklist:
Disc 1
1. William It Was Really Nothing
2. Nowhere Fast
3. What She Said
4. Hand in Glove
5. How Soon is Now
6. Stretch Out and Wait
7. That Joke Isnt Funny Anymore
8. Shakespeares Sister
9. The Headmaster Ritual
10. Still Ill
11. Meat is Murder
12. Miserable Lie
13. Barbarism Begins At Home
14. Youve Got Everything Now
Disc 2
15. Intro/Shakespeares Sister
16. I Want the One I Cant Have
17. Vicar in a Tutu
18. Frankly Mr Shankly
19. His Latest Flame/Rusholme Ruffians
20. The Boy With the Thorn in His Side
21. Cemetry Gates
22. Nowhere Fast
23. What She Said
24. There is a Light That Never Goes Ou
25. Bigmouth Strikes Again
26. William It Was Really Nothing
27. Meat is Murder
28. Stretch Out and Wait
Disc 3
29. How Soon is Now
30. I Want the One I Cant Have
31. Still Ill
32. Frankly M. Shankly
33. Panic
34. Never Had No One Ever
35. Stretch Out and Wait
36. The Boy With the Thorn in His Side
37. Cemetry Gates
38. What She Said
39. Hand in Glove
40. Is It Really So Strange
41. There is a Light That Never Goes Ou
42. That Joke Isnt Funny Anymore
43. The Queen is Dead
44. Money Changes Everything
45. I Know Its Over
46. Heaven Knows Im Miserable Now
47. Bigmouth Strikes Again
