(Hamilton, ON) – The Smiths were one of the biggest bands to come out of the UK in the 1980s. Together from 1982-1987 the band consisted of vocalist Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce. Critics have called them the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene.
Mike Joyce was in Canada this week for Indie Music Week in Toronto. He was a keynote speaker on October 15. Joyce then headed to Hamilton to guest DJ at This Ain’t Hollywood. To the delight of 50 or so fans, Joyce spent over an hour spinning tunes.
He hung out, met with fans, signed autographs and posed for photos.
I thought the place would have been packed. After all, it’s not often we get a chance to be up close and personal with someone as significant as Joyce who has a great music history behind him.
But all in all, it was a great night and one fans in attendance will remember!
Mike Joyce – A Little Bit of History…
The Smiths, from Manchester,England, released four studio albums: The Smiths (1984), Meat Is Murder (1985), The Queen Is Dead (1986) and Strangeways, Here We Come (1987). Four of their albums (including three studio albums) appeared on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. They have also released several compilations and numerous non-LP singles.
The Smiths had several singles reach the UK top twenty and all four of their studio albums reached the UK top five, including one which topped the charts.
Since the break-up of the band, Joyce has gone on to play with Sinead O’Connor, Suede, Buzzcocks, Public Image Limited, Julian Cope, P. P. Arnold and Pete Wylie.
Joyce, Rourke, and Gannon reunited to work on a project with fellow Manchester musician Aziz Ibrahim (formerly of The Stone Roses and Simply Red), ex-Oasis guitarist Bonehead (as Moondog One), and Vinny Peculiar.
In July 2007, Joyce along with former bandmate Andy Rourke released Inside The Smiths, a DVD which chronicled their experiences of being in the band.
In October 2007, Joyce toured the UK playing drums for Vinny Peculiar with Bonehead on bass guitar, and in 2008 ran a successful night at The Brickhouse in Manchester called ‘Alternative Therapy’.
In parallel to his music career, Joyce also works as a DJ and broadcaster, including occasional appearances on BBC 6 Music.
All photos By JOEL NAPHIN
© 2015. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.
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