The long-standing silence between The Smiths' drummer, Mike Joyce, and the iconic Morrissey is a story that continues to intrigue and divide fans. For 33 years, these two musical legends have not spoken, and the reasons behind this rift are as fascinating as they are complex.
It all began in 1989, when the band, as we remember them, faced a legal battle that would change their dynamic forever. Joyce and fellow bandmate Andy Rourke took Morrissey and Johnny Marr to court, arguing for a fairer share of the band's royalties. This move sparked a heated debate, with Morrissey and Marr taking a stance that their bandmates were not equal partners.
The lawsuit resulted in Rourke settling out of court, while Joyce won his case. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Joyce, now a well-known radio DJ, revealed that he hasn't spoken to Morrissey since 1992. He explained his decision to take legal action, stating, "I think it sounded like The Smiths because of the four of us. I wanted to ensure that our contributions were recognized and fairly compensated."
But here's where it gets controversial: Joyce's actions have made him a target for Morrissey fans, who regularly send him abusive messages on social media. He shares some of the harsh comments he receives, including, "I wish you were dead, how dare you."
Despite the legal battles, Joyce and Marr reconnected at Rourke's memorial service in 2023, following his tragic death from pancreatic cancer. Joyce expressed that it was a heartfelt moment, saying, "It was about Andy, not the court cases."
And this is the part most people miss: Joyce was completely unaware of a major development in The Smiths' story. He only learned through the press that the band had been offered a substantial sum to reunite. He believes his involvement in the lawsuit may have impacted this opportunity, adding, "I think I forfeited that chance."
The legacy of The Smiths continues to be a topic of debate, with this legal battle at its core. What do you think? Should Joyce have taken a different approach? Or was he justified in his actions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
