It’s Time The Tale Were Told – A People’s History of The Smiths. An in conversation with Iain Key and Richard Houghton

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 in the words of over 500 fans. 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 Murder 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.

Copies of It’s Time The Tale Were Told – A People’s History of The Smiths will be available to buy at the Festival and there'll be a dedicated book signing with Iain and Richard after their event.

About Iain Key and Richard Houghton:

Iain Key is a recognisable face on the Manchester Music Scene from many years in the late ’80s and ’90s. Iain rediscovered his love of writing about music during the pandemic which saw him invited to join the team at Louder Than War. Since late 2020, he’s written over 600 pieces including music, book and gig reviews, and also produced a 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. For Spenwood Books he has edited People’s Histories of The Clash and The Smiths and worked with Billy Bragg in editing Billy Bragg: A People’s History and is currently working on This Nation’s Saving Grace: A People’s History of The Fall for publication in 2027

Iain has worked in the telecoms industry for over 25 years, lives in Stretford and is a lifelong Manchester United fan

Richard Houghton lives in Manchester. The author of more than 20 books on music, including authorised fan histories of Jethro Tull, Simple Minds, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, The Stranglers, Shaun Ryder, Fairport Convention and The Wedding Present, Richard created the People’s History series.

He is the Managing Director of Spenwood Books.

Description supplied by the event organiser.