Express & Star

The Smiths' drummer Mike Joyce coming to Wolverhampton

Staff at the Black Country’s only independent cinema are getting ready to welcome legendary The Smiths's drummer Mike Joyce.

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Staff at Light House re-create the famous photo of The Smiths. L-R: Marketing Manager Julie Homfray; Comedian and DJ on the night, Andrew McBurney; and staff: Nicky Natton and Kane Wilkisnon-Knowles.

And to celebrate his impending appearance at Light House they have recreated the iconic image of the band outside the Salford Lads club but at the Wolverhampton arts venue.

The original was used on the vinyl album sleeve of the Queen is Dead in 1986

Julie Homfray, marketing manager for the Wolverhampton venue, said: "Fans of The Smiths will have a rare chance to hear the story of Mike Joyce, drummer of the legendary band on his first visit to Light House.

"Mike will be in the main cinema, looking back at his days in the band and the split, plus his post-Smiths career working with Morrissey and other musicians.

"It will be followed by an after show party featuring Mike as a guest DJ, with local comedian and Smiths DJ Andrew McBurney."

Mike, who was the drummer with the legendary band and with other acts including Morrissey's post-Smiths work, will tell his story at Light House on July 28.

Afterwards he will play a DJ set at the venue's Lock Works Bar.

Mike's first band was a punk outfit called The Hoax, who played a handful of gigs in and around Manchester in 1979-80.

From 1982 he joined Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke and Stephen Morrissey as The Smiths.

On their demise, Mike, joined by Andy, toured with Sinead O’Connor during one of her most successful periods.

In late 1988 and 1989, Mike reunited with Morrissey, playing on two hit singles ‘The Last of the Famous International Playboys’ and ‘Interesting Drug’.

Mike then spent two years touring and recording with Mancunian punk legends, Buzzcocks.

Ever since he has continued to be a performer and since 2006 has been in demand as a DJ.

Visit www.light-house.co.uk for tickets.