August 28, 2026

The Smiths

The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, composed of Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Morrissey and Marr formed the band’s songwriting partnership. The Smiths are regarded as one of the most important British bands and one of the pioneers of 1980s independent music.

Johnny Marr at Vista Theater, Los Angeles (16 November 2016)

Set the Boy Free: Johnny Marr on Tour

vusleeper November 17, 2016

Legendary The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr is currently on a book tour for his autobiography Set the Boy Free (Century/Cornerstone). At each of these stop, he will be on stage with a moderator, interviewing Johnny Marr each day. For the The Vista Theater with Skylight Books event, he was in conversation with KCRW's Jason Bentley. Our friend, Mark, in attendance, sent in the Vista Theater's marquee.

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Transmissionn

Transmission, feat. Andy Rourke at First Avenue (21 Mar 2015)

vusleeper March 23, 2015

We don't normally cover dance clubs, but there were two key things about the Transmission show last Saturday (March 21st), that I felt were important enough for us to pay attention. First, this is indie dance club was celebrating its 14 Year Anniversary, and, second, guest DJ, Andy Rourke is the bassist of one of my favorite 80s band, The Smiths.

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Johnny Marr

Registered Historical Facts: Marr Feels You, Transmission, and Morrissey’s Still Ill

vusleeper March 12, 2015

Legendary Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr recently dropped his cover of Depeche Mode's "I Feel You" on his soundcloud.com/officialjohnnymarr. It's only been two days but it's already racked over 35k plays. Smiths' bassist Andy Rourke will be heading to Minneapolis next Saturday as a special guest to Minneapolis dance club Transmission's 14th Anniversary. As a longtime Smiths (and Britpop) fan, I can tell you that DJ Jake Rudh is also a fan and will play classic British music at his club. At the 11th hour, Morrissey cancelled his March 10th show in Tilburg. Look, I totally understand being sick and ill, but you would think Morrissey would have known he was unwell the night before or morning of?

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WHM223 Rocktober to Snowvember

W♥M223: Rocktober to Snowvember

vusleeper November 12, 2014

Vu and John recaps Rocktober 2014, plus news/rumors, and November show previews. News Macaulay Culkin...

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Johnny Marr Announces Second Solo Album Playland

Johnny Marr Announces Second Solo Album Playland

vusleeper July 22, 2014

We caught former-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr last year at a rare signing and Q&A, in promotion of his Minneapolis show (which he played some Smiths tunes) and also getting word out about his debut solo album The Messenger. Marr recently announced that his second solo album Playland is set to release October 7th via Warner Music Group!

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