A Tale of Drumming and Disillusion: The Smiths' Legacy Unveiled
The Smiths' drummer, Mike Joyce, has remained silent towards Morrissey for over three decades, a fact that sparks curiosity and controversy.
In 1989, a legal battle unfolded, tearing apart the iconic band we knew as The Smiths. Drummer Mike Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke took Morrissey and Johnny Marr to court, demanding a fairer share of the band's royalties. This move created a rift that has lasted for generations.
The band's lead singer, Morrissey, and guitarist Johnny Marr, took a hard stance, arguing that their contributions were not equal to those of their bandmates. A few years later, Rourke settled out of court, and Joyce emerged victorious in his trial. But here's where it gets controversial: Joyce believes the band's sound was a collective effort, and his decision to pursue legal action was about fairness and recognition.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Joyce, now a renowned radio DJ, revealed he hasn't spoken to Morrissey since 1992. He explained, "I think it sounded like the Smiths because of the four of us. I wanted to ensure that our story was told, and I felt I was owed what was right."
However, Morrissey fans haven't forgotten, regularly harassing Joyce on social media. He shares, "'I wish you were dead, how dare you,' is just a taste of what I receive."
Fast forward to 2023, Joyce and Marr reunited at the memorial service for Andy Rourke, who passed away from pancreatic cancer. "It was about Andy, not court cases," Joyce explained, highlighting the human connection that transcends legal battles.
And this is the part most people miss: Joyce was completely unaware of the band's potential reunion and the lucrative offer on the table. "I think I forfeited that with the court case," he added, leaving us with a sense of what could have been.
The light may have gone out for The Smiths, but the impact of their music and this legal battle continues to resonate. What do you think? Was Joyce's action justified, or did it taint the band's legacy? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
