The Smiths' drummer to make Lichfield appearance as part of book tour

The drummer from Manchester legends The Smiths will be talking about stories from the band’s past at Lichfield’s The Hub at St Mary’s as part of his book tour.

The Smiths are widely lauded as one of the most influential bands of all time.

Formed in 1982 and disbanded in 1987, all five of their studio albums reached the top five in the UK charts.

Throughout his honest and witty reflections, Mike (pictured) answers the question ‘where did it all go right?’ – a question he and bassist Andy Rourke, with whom he had a deep and very special relationship, used to often ask each other.

Rather than simply retelling the well-documented iconic moments of the history of The Smiths, Mike’s book The Drums, conveys ‘the feeling’ of his time in the band.

His off-piste, frank perspective allows him to recontextualise the canonised stories with beautifully vulnerable, human insight.

Mike Joyce said: “I’ve been asked numerous times, ‘What was it like being in The Smiths?’ On most occasions, my answer’s been, ‘Have you got a couple of days to spare?’

“It felt like going into detail to explain what it was really like would be impossible. The only way to do that would be to commit to paper. It’s been quite a journey going back forty years to re-live some of the experiences encountered during my time with the band. I hope readers feel I’ve answered that question.”

The Hub creative director, Anthony Evans said: “The Smiths were one of the most influential bands of the 1980’s. Now’s your chance to have an inside view.”

The appearance at The Hub is on Saturday 28 March (8pm).

Tickets for the show, at £16 are available online or in person from the venue.