The Smiths' Drummer Breaks 33-Year Silence on Bitter Split
In a shocking revelation, Mike Joyce, the former drummer of the iconic British band The Smiths, has opened up about his long-standing silence with the band's frontman, Morrissey. It's been a whopping 33 years since these two musical powerhouses have exchanged words, and the reason behind it is as intriguing as it is controversial.
The story takes us back to 1989, when The Smiths' harmonious journey hit a major roadblock. Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke filed a lawsuit against Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, demanding a larger share of the band's royalties. This move sparked a heated debate about the dynamics of the band, with Morrissey and Marr arguing that Joyce and Rourke weren't equal contributors. Fast forward to the court's decision, and Joyce emerged victorious, while Rourke settled out of court.
But here's where it gets personal. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Joyce, now a renowned radio DJ, revealed that he hasn't spoken to Morrissey since 1992. When asked about the band's unique sound, Joyce stated, 'I think it sounded like the Smiths because of the four of us.' He believed that his actions in court were necessary to ensure the truth was known. However, this decision has had lasting consequences, as he continues to face harassment from die-hard Morrissey fans online.
The drama doesn't end there. Joyce and Marr unexpectedly reconnected at Rourke's memorial service in 2023, after years of being estranged. Despite the circumstances, Joyce expressed that it was good to see Marr, as the focus was on honoring their late bandmate. Interestingly, Joyce was unaware of the lucrative reunion offer made to The Smiths, only finding out when it became public news. He believes the court case may have cost him the chance to be a part of that reunion.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of legal battles on the fragile fabric of a band's relationships. The Smiths' story raises questions about fairness, loyalty, and the delicate balance of artistic collaboration. Was Joyce's pursuit of justice worth the price of a broken band? Could there have been a different path to resolution? These are the questions that linger in the minds of fans and musicians alike.
What do you think? Was Joyce's decision to take legal action against his bandmates justified? Or did it irreparably damage the band's legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's keep the conversation going!
