The Smiths, formed in Manchester in 1982, quickly rose to prominence as one of the most influential bands of thedecade despite their relatively brief existence.Fronted by Morrissey’s distinctive lyrical wit and Johnny Marr’sinnovative 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 ascherished 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 theirfinest live performances in one definitive collection.Showcasing the raw energy, passion and chemistry that madetheir concerts unforgettable, the set offers both long-time devotees and new listeners an immersive experience ofthe band’s artistry.It stands as a celebration of their enduring influence and a reminder of just how powerful theirshort 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 followingmonth, 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 LightThat 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 earlierfan-favourites, the show remains one of the finest The Smiths ever gave, reciprocated by a clearly adoringaudience.
Tracks:
DISC 11. William, It Was Really Nothing 2:16 2. Nowhere Fast 2:33 3. What She Said 2:52 4. Hand In Glove 2:55 5. How SoonIs Now? 6:14 6. Stretch Out And Wait 3:09 7. That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore 4:06 8. Shakespeare's Sister 2:14 9. TheHeadmaster Ritual 4:31 10. Still Ill 3:42 11. Meat Is Murder 5:56 12. Miserable Lie 5:31 13. Barbarism Begins AtHome 7:20 14. You've Got Everything Now 4:08DISC 21. Intro/Shakespeare's Sister 4:05 2. I Want The One I Can't Have 3:36 3. Vicar In A Tutu 2:50 4. Frankly, Mr. Shankly2:38 5. His Latest Flame/Rusholme Ruffians 4:11 6. The Boy With The Thorn In His Side 3:52 7. Cemetry Gates 3:09 8.Nowhere Fast 2:46 9. What She Said 2:49 10. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out 3:58 11. Bigmouth Strikes Again4:08 12. William, It Was Really Nothing 2:48 13. Meat Is Murder 5:49 14. Stretch Out And Wait 3:10DISC 31. How Soon Is Now? 5:32 2. I Want The One I Can't Have 3:38 3. Still Ill 3:58 4. Frankly, Mr. Shankly 2:48 5. Panic3:19 6. Never Had No One Ever 3:42 7. Stretch Out And Wait 3:25 8. The Boy With The Thorn In His Side 3:44 9.Cemetry Gates 2:54 10. What She Said 4:17 11. Hand In Glove 3:05 12. Is It Really So Strange 3:40 13. There Is A LightThat Never Goes Out 4:14 14. That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore 5:07 15. The Queen Is Dead 5:04 16. Money ChangesEverything 4:19 17. I Know It's Over 7:45 18. Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now 3:53 19. Bigmouth Strikes Again 4:01