For those who have not heard of The Smyths this is taken from their website:
‘We formed the band back in 2003 because of our passion for The Smiths. We didn’t just want to be a tribute band – we wanted to play the music of The Smiths and recreate what is was to see and hear The Smiths live – it just happens that when you do that, the world calls you a tribute. For us that was a world of silly wigs and props – everything we felt a homage to The Smiths shouldn’t be. So we spent a year rehearsing every week to make sure that when we launched we sounded genuine – The Smiths and their fans (like us) demand nothing less. We focussed on the sound and spirit of The Smiths live. Fast forward 18 years and some 760 shows later and we see and hear ourselves now spoken of as being in the top tier of tributes globally. The years in between have seen us play throughout the UK, overseas and at major festivals such as Glastonbury. We’ve appeared on numerous TV and radio shows and many a newspaper column written. The word tribute has also developed and grown in respect in that time, coming to represent something that is not silly or trite but the best way to see and experience the music of bands no longer with us played by artists who are as passionate and dedicated to their shows as actors and actresses.
It’s a pleasure and privilege to be seen as the foremost tribute to THE SMITHS.’
Standing outside of The Electric Palace, Bridport following a wonderful gig by The Smyths and who should walk past but Graham Sampson, lead singer of the said band. One thing only came in to my head. I have to talk to this man.
Approximately two hours earlier.
From the moment they entered the stage it was The Smiths in all but the faces. A four piece playing the 35th anniversary of ‘The Queen Is Dead’ came on to Prokofiev’s Dance of the Knights from Romeo and Juliet.
The first half then contained the tracks from arguably The Smith’s fans favourite album although there is of course much contention on this subject.
Fifty minutes later and a well deserved break for both the band and many a sweat soaked attendee.
Then fifteen minutes forward and the second half.
The set list for which was:
Panic
Ask
Shoplifters Of The World Unite
I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish
Girlfriend in a Coma
Stop Me If You Have Heard This One Before
I Want The One I Can’t Have
That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore
William, It Was Really Nothing
What Difference Does It Make?
This Charming Man
Hand in Glove
And for an amazing encore:
How Soon Is Now
A blissful evening twas spent.
For some idea of The Smyths live, the following is a very good clue.
Now fast forward ten days and I have Graham Sampson live from West London.
Focusing on the history of the Smyths, a fascinating discussion about The Smiths and Graham’s other project Beautiful Mechanica
this is a must for all Smiths fans and fans of music more generally.
Enjoy!
Thank you again to Graham, The Smyths and everyone at The Electric Palace for that wonderful Saturday evening.
Jason Cridland
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