The Smiths' Drummer Mike Joyce Breaks Silence: 33 Years of Estrangement from Morrissey (2025)

A Tale of Drummers and Disagreements: The Smiths' Legacy Unveiled

The Smiths' drummer, Mike Joyce, has remained silent towards Morrissey for over three decades, a fact that raises intriguing questions about the band's history and dynamics.

In 1989, the iconic band we knew as The Smiths met their end due to a legal battle. Drummer Mike Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke took Morrissey and Johnny Marr to court, demanding a fairer share of the band's royalties. This move sparked a divide, with Morrissey and Marr taking a firm stance against their bandmates.

The lawsuit resulted in a victory for Joyce, but it also marked the beginning of a long-standing rift. In a recent interview, Joyce, now a radio DJ, revealed he hasn't spoken to Morrissey since 1992. He believes the band's sound was a collective effort, and his court appearance was to ensure the truth was known.

"I wanted what was right and what I deserved," Joyce explained. However, this decision hasn't been without consequences. Morrissey fans have taken to social media to harass Joyce, with comments like "I wish you were dead."

Despite the legal battle, Joyce and Marr reconnected at Andy Rourke's memorial service in 2023, after Rourke's tragic passing from pancreatic cancer. "It was about Andy, not the court cases," Joyce said, highlighting the human connection amidst the legal turmoil.

But here's where it gets controversial: Joyce was unaware of a potential reunion offer for The Smiths, a huge payday that could have brought the band back together. "I think I forfeited that with the court case," he added, suggesting the legal battle may have cost him more than just a relationship.

And this is the part most people miss: The Smiths' legacy is not just about their music; it's a story of friendship, creativity, and the complexities of collaboration. It's a reminder that behind every iconic band, there are human stories, emotions, and sometimes, disagreements.

What do you think? Is there a way to reconcile these differences, or is the light truly out for The Smiths? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The Smiths' Drummer Mike Joyce Breaks Silence: 33 Years of Estrangement from Morrissey (2025)

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