The Smiths’ landmark album The Queen Is Dead is getting a major anniversary celebration this autumn, as drummer Mike Joyce and producer Stephen Street join forces for a new UK tour dedicated to the band’s 1986 classic.
Four decades on from its release – and years after it was crowned NME’s Greatest Album of All Time – the pair will take fans inside the making of the record with an evening of conversation, rare footage and behind-the-scenes action. Each date will feature a special guest host guiding Joyce and Street through a track-by-track breakdown, complete with personal memories, technical notes from the original sessions and stories that have never been shared publicly.
Alongside the discussion, attendees will be able to view archive video, browse rare memorabilia and take part in a live audience question-and-answer session. Signing opportunities will also be available at each stop.
The tour begins on October 1, at the Arc Theatre in Stockton, before heading to Manchester’s New Century Hall on October 4, Cheese and Grain, Frome on October 8, Kidderminster Town Hall on October 18 and Leicester’s Y Theatre on October 22.
The 40th anniversary jaunt continues in November and December with dates at Liverpool’s Tung Auditorium on November 8, Sheffield’s Foundry on November 12 and Edinburgh’s Queens Hall on November 26. The run wraps up at Kings Place, London, on December 5. For tickets, head to www.gigantic.com/mike-joyce-stephen-street-tickets.
Meanwhile, Johnny Marr previously reminded fans of why a Smiths reunion is unlikely.
When the Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour was being teased in 2024, fans took to social media to suggest that other groups like The Smiths should let bygones be bygones.
One X user wrote: “If Oasis can do it The Smiths can too (I’m delusional).”
Johnny responded by sharing a picture of politician Nigel Farage to point out again that the group’s former frontman Morrissey’s controversial political views are the problem.
The singer was pro-Brexit and hailed Farage “a liberal educator” when it was confirmed that the UK would exit the EU.
In response, Johnny jokingly tweeted: “Nigel Farage on guitar.”
Morrissey courted controversy when he said the result of the EU Referendum was “magnificent”.
Johnny later addressed his comments and insisted he has nothing to do with his bandmate’s political opinions and that he doesn’t see the band making a comeback anytime soon.
He said: “I can only really speak for myself, I don’t feel like it’s necessary at all really.
“I really like moving forward. Myself and Andy (Rourke, bass player) play together when I’m over in New York … he plays a couple of songs with me and that’s always really nice, but that’s really as far as it needs to go I think.”
He also previously insisted Morrissey’s outbursts can’t taint the This Charming Man hitmakers’ legacy because people know they’re nothing to do with the band.
Bassist Andy Rourke passed away in 2023.
