Manchester became as much a part of "The Smiths" output as the guitars, drums and vocals. This book presents places to visit, lyrical references and background information on one of the world's most influential bands. It contains 40 images, a map of the city centre and an opportunity to take the "Smiths Tour".
Lyrically unique, Morrissey saw post-industrial Manchester differently. Where most recognised the derelict remains of a Victorian powerhouse, he saw humour, where others saw post-industrial squalor, he felt the frisson of romance. As a result Manchester became as much a part of The Smiths output as the guitars, drums and vocals. As their fame grew, strangers in far away lands wondered about the location of the 'Cemetery Gates' or the setting of 'Vicar in a Tutu' . Unusually, these places still exist and provide the devotee with places of pilgrimage -- could Manchester offer anything else? In the first edition of this guidebook, Phill Gatenby set out three tours covering 20 or more sites that either featured in The Smiths music or were fundamental to their development as a band -- from early rehearsal spaces to the scene of their most memorable gigs. Now updated, "Morrisseys Manchester" has added new places to visit, more lyrical references and more background information on one of the world's most influential bands. However the most fundamental change any reader/visitor will notice are the continual changes to Manchester itself - a city in perpetual flux.Since the first edition venues have either been demolished, refurbished or shorn of their identity -- hence the need for an update. Now containing 40 new images, an improved layout, a revised map of the city centre and an opportunity to take the Smiths Tour without ever leaving the comfort of your home via google maps, "Morrissey's Manchester" has been fully updated for the 21st century.
“"If you're a Smiths fanatic your memorabilia will hardly be complete without this." -- Manchester Evening News”
"Gatenby's book is much more than a mere guide. It's sometimes an archaeological expedition to find the lost soul of a city that's been creatively and politically mutilated by the rise of the new corporate metropolis." -- Manchester Civic Society "Don't get on the plane without it." -- morrissey-tour.com
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