Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce Tell Smiths' Story on DVD
Two members of The Smiths are to re-visit the story of the band's acrimonious split nearly 20 years ago in a major new TV documentary film, due on July 16 via Tib Street Films.
Drummer Mike Joyce and bass player Andy Rourke will speak for the first time on camera about their time in the iconic Manchester band.
Their film - Inside The Smiths - has been made without the co-operation of songwriting duo Morrissey and Johnny Marr, whom they sued in a bitter legal wrangle over royalties. "Andy and Mike were the rhythm section behind probably Manchester's most revered pop group, The Smiths. And yet they were always considered the quiet men behind the guitar pyrotechnics of Johnny Marr and the vocal provocation of Morrissey."
Rourke said the crew had spent two years filming him and Joyce. "I thought it was finally the right time to make the documentary to get our point across," he told the M.E.N. "From the start, I think all the band members knew we had something special. But we never thought people would still be interested in us after 20 years."
Film-maker Stephen Petricco, of Manchester-based Tib Street Films, said: "This is the first time they have ever spoken on film about their time in The Smiths. The film is not about cashing in. It is about mending bridges, not opening old wounds."
The documentary features contributions from other Manchester music legends, including Peter Hook and Mark E. Smith, and features previously unseen photographs.
Material: Robert Bottomley and Adam Moss via manchestereveningnews.co.uk
