MUSIC Q&A: ‘IT’S TIME THE TALE WERE TOLD: A PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF THE SMITHS’

‘It’s Time The Tale Were Told – A People’s History of The Smiths’ is the story of one of the UK’s most influential indie bands and Manchester’s greatest musical exports.

Featuring the words of over 500 fans of the band, this joyous new book has been collated by author and journalist Iain Key, plus publisher Richard Houghton (Spenwood Books) will be coming to Central Library to tell us about it. From memories of their earliest club shows through to the last ever gig at London’s Brixton Academy, this is a portrait of The Smiths as painted by the fans.

With personal photographs, memorabilia, anecdotes and first-hand accounts of more than 100 gigs, readers will get a front row view of the indie music legends. Based on the songwriting partnership of Morrissey and Marr, The Smiths’ 1985 album Meat Is M**der topped the UK album charts and their other three studio albums reached No 2. The band broke up in 1987 and turned down all invitations to reunite.

Iain Key is a recognisable face on the Manchester Music Scene from many years in the late ’80s and ’90s.A journalist for the tastemaker music site Louder Than War, Iain has written over 500 pieces including music, book and gig reviews. Iain has also produced weekly music shows for the last 4 years for Louder Than War Radio, focussing on both new music and interviews with new and established acts. Iain has also edited People’s Histories of The Clash and Billy Bragg for Spenwood Books.

Iain will be speaking to the publisher of Spenwood Books, Richard Houghton, with both due to appear at the Henry Watson Music Library of Central Library on Thursday 25th June 2026. Expect an intimate, in-person talk, Q&A and book signing with the author.

Tickets are available now, simply ‘pay-what-you can’.

All donations go to Manchester Libraries.

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