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It's Time The Tale Were Told - A People's History of The Smiths


Publication Date: 12 June 2026 - Pre-order by 24 March and get your name printed in the book as a sponsor.
The Smiths Book Cover

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 have resisted invitations to reunite.

Iain Key lives in Manchester & is the author of The Clash – A People’s History & editor of Billy Bragg – A People’s History. He is a reviewer for the website Louder Than War.

Pages: 336 (hardback) 234 x 156mm
Fully illustrated in colour & B&W
RRP: £25.00/$32.50
ISBN: 978-1-915858-28-3

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The Smiths Book Cover

It's Time The Tale Were Told - A People's History of The Smiths

Publication Date: 12 June 2026 - Pre-order by 24 March and get your name printed in the book as a sponsor.