On December 12 1986 The Smiths played their final live concert at Brixton Academy in London. Although no-one could've predicted the future, few would've believed that 9 months after this show the band would officially split up. It was the end of arguably the most influencial British band of the period. The Ins and Outs of the split have been done to death ever since. The band would eventually re-unite but only in a courtroom over a well documented financial dispute.
Books have been written, pockets lined and wicked whispers echoed down the corridors for the 20 years since it all ended. Despite this, the band's intrigue has endured and shows no sign of faltering. Morrissey and Johnny Marr have moved on. Whatever they have done or continue to do as artists, the short 5 years they spent as Smiths has followed them, setting a standard they have understandably struggled with for 20 years.
The further away December 12 1986 gets, the more The Smiths legend grows. Like all legends, there is a possibilty of over-indulging, letting the myth dominate the reality. Perhaps in reality the achievements of The Smiths are as over-observed as the achievements of post-Smiths Morrissey and Marr are under-observed.
It's easy and lazy to say they never again touched the standard they set as Smiths. It could well be the case but I think such an opinion colours how one engages with what they presently do. This is not just the case for Morrissey and Marr but for anyone who was once part of something special but who has since moved on. Regardless of where they are now, it's worth remembering The Smiths today for how they were. Here's a wicked medley from that final show 20 years ago today:
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