A Light That Never Goes Out: The Enduring Saga of The Smiths

Tony Fletcher

Quick Take

They were, their fans believe, the best band in the world. Critics and sales figures told a similar story: six albums between 1984 and 1988 made number one or number two in the UK charts. Twenty-five years after their break-up, the band remain as adored and discussed as ever. To this day, there is a collective understanding that The Smiths were one of the greatest of all British bands. The Smiths - Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce - were four working-class youths who came together, by fate or chance, in Manchester in the early 1980s. Their sound was both traditional and radically different, a music that spoke to a generation, and defied the dark social-economic mood of the Thatcher years. By early 1984, barely a year after their first headlining gig, they were the hottest - certainly the hippest - name in modern music. In the years that followed the group produced an extraordinary body of work: seventeen classic singles, seven albums, and [some] seventy songs composed by the team of Morrissey and Marr. Yet for all their brilliance and adoration - their famously energetic live shows routinely interrupted by stage invasions - The Smiths were continually plagued by their own reticence to play the game, and by the time of 1987's Strangeways Here We Come, they had split. The Smiths have never played together again - their enormous contribution to pop culture forever condensed into a prolific and prosperous halcyon period, their legacy intact and untarnished. Thirty years after their formation, twenty-five since they broke up, The Smiths' firmament remains as bright as ever. It's time their tale was told. Tony Fletcher's A Light That Never Goes Out is a meticulous and evocative group biography - part celebration, part paean - moving from Manchester in the nineteenth-century to the present day to tell the complete story of The Smiths. Penned by a contemporary and life-long fan, and the product of extensive research, dozens of interviews, and unprecedented access, it will serve to confirm The Smiths as one of the greatest, most important and influential rock groups of all time.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: A Light That Never Goes Out: The Enduring Saga of The Smiths

Introduction

"A Light That Never Goes Out: The Enduring Saga of The Smiths" is a comprehensive group biography written by Tony Fletcher. The book delves into the history of the influential British rock band, The Smiths, and explores their rise to fame, their music, and their impact on pop culture. With extensive research, interviews, and unprecedented access, Fletcher provides a meticulous and evocative account of the band's journey from their formation in Manchester to their eventual break-up.

About Tony Fletcher

Tony Fletcher is the author of seven non-fiction books and one novel. He has a deep passion for music and has written biographies of notable musicians such as Keith Moon and R.E.M. Fletcher's biography of The Smiths, "A Light That Never Goes Out," was published in the UK by William Heinemann in September 2012 and in the USA by Crown Archetype in December 2012. His writing style is engaging and captivating, making him the perfect choice to tell the story of one of the greatest British rock bands of all time.

Analysis of Views

The Band's Legacy: Readers praise The Smiths for their contribution to pop culture and their enduring legacy. They believe that the band's music speaks to a generation and defies the dark social-economic mood of the Thatcher years. Their brilliance and adoration are highlighted, with many citing their energetic live shows and seventeen classic singles as standout moments.
The Musical Genius of Morrissey and Marr: Readers rave about the songwriting partnership between Morrissey and Marr. They describe their music as traditional yet radically different, with lyrics that capture the essence of British culture from the 1950s and 1960s. The band's ability to produce seventy songs in a short period is also noted, with many praising the workload and output of The Smiths.
The Tale of a Family: Readers view The Smiths as a family-like band, with members who had a close relationship both on and off stage. They discuss the internal dynamics of the band, including conflicts, egos, and personalities. While some aspects of the band's history are well-known, readers appreciate Fletcher's thorough research and ability to uncover new details about the band's personal lives and relationships.
The Influence of Manchester: Manchester, where The Smiths originated, plays a significant role in the book. Readers appreciate Fletcher's exploration of the city's cultural scene and how it influenced the band's music. They describe Manchester as a melting pot of different musical genres, which contributed to The Smiths' unique sound.
The Legacy of The Smiths: Despite the band's short existence, readers believe that The Smiths left a lasting impact on music history. They highlight the band's ability to create timeless songs that continue to resonate with fans today. They also appreciate Fletcher's efforts to provide context for the band's rise and fall, making their story even more compelling.

Reasons for Recommendation

Meticulous Research: Readers recommend "A Light That Never Goes Out" for its meticulous research and extensive interviews with key figures in The Smiths' story. Fletcher's access to primary sources and his ability to provide new insights into the band's history make this book a valuable addition to any music fan's collection.
Engaging Writing Style: Tony Fletcher's writing style is praised for its engaging and captivating nature. Readers appreciate his ability to convey complex information in an accessible and enjoyable manner, making the book easy to read and understand.
In-Depth Exploration: The book delves deep into the history of The Smiths, exploring not only their music but also their personal lives, relationships, and cultural impact. Readers appreciate Fletcher's thorough research and his ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of the band's legacy.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Morrissey's Involvement: Some readers express disappointment that Morrissey did not participate in the book, as they believe it would have provided a more complete picture of The Smiths' story. However, it should be noted that Morrissey has been known for his reluctance to discuss his past with journalists or authors.
Detailed Song Analysis: While some readers appreciate Fletcher's detailed analysis of The Smiths' music, others find it overwhelming or excessive. They feel that some sections of the book could have been more concise or focused on other aspects of the band's history.

Conclusion

"A Light That Never Goes Out: The Enduring Saga of The Smiths" by Tony Fletcher is a comprehensive and engaging group biography that explores the history of one of the greatest British rock bands of all time. Through extensive research, interviews, and unprecedented access, Fletcher provides readers with a meticulous account of The Smiths' rise to fame, their music, and their impact on pop culture. While some readers may have reservations about certain aspects of the book, such as Morrissey's involvement or excessive song analysis, overall, "A Light That Never Goes Out" is recommended for fans of The Smiths who seek a deeper understanding of their legacy and influence on music history.