One of the seminal groups of the 80s, The Smiths’ career was as brilliant as it was brief. Here, drawing on interviews with band members, producers, and colleagues, Simon Goddard presents a chronological survey of the group’s musical evolution, from their first demos in 1982 to their final studio session five years on. Investigating the stories behind the songs, he also offers an analysis of each track’s concert life. Granted unprecedented access to The Smiths’ studio archives and to the private collection of outtakes and rehearsals retained by drummer Mike Joyce, the author looks at unreleased materials as well as the lost songs and alternative versions that have remained secret until now.