The Smiths 'Bigmouth Strikes Again' ('Whistle Test', 1986)

Andy Kershaw (in better times?) presents The Smiths (featuring Morrissey on hearing aid) performing 'Bigmouth Strikes Again' from the album 'The Queen Is Dead' on the BBC's 'Whistle Test' series in 1986. I end up singing this song in the shower whenever I've made a mess of things. I end up singing this song in the shower whenever that's where I am.

[@Yimello]

Morrissey during his 'Business Casual' phase

[@Yimello]

On reflection, it's more of a substitute geography teacher look.

[@possiblystevo9141]

​@@Yimello Morrissey looking like he turned up last minute from a Mr. Bean convention

[@LaurelCanyon1969]

But still cooler than 90% of the people on the planet at that time.

[@caoilte8097]

That was the style for musicians in 1986-87. Just listen to Huey Lewis in ‘Hip to be Square’. “I like my bands in business suits, i watch them on TV

[@markofsaltburn]

37 years of dress down Friday.

[@meatwoodflacmedia]

Shout-out to Craig Gannon on rhythm guitar. His short lived tenure added an extra sonic texture to their live shows.

[@jacquelinemorris7959]

Well said 👏 👌

[@sexobscura]

so fantastically

[@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq]

Yes, it was great. 🍀

[@randblackwell8675]

His work with Terry Hall is amazing! Check out Home and Laugh.

[@stephie.m]

And nothing like a Rickenbacker for it...

[@russellsims8197]

Rrrroll those rrrr's!

[@BobTurwiliger]

Just learned about the Passing of Andy Rourke. In tears. Thanks dude, you were a gift, and always will be.

[@SelfReflective]

RIP Andy Rourke

[@guscorfelli6176]

RIP Andy Rourke mil millones de gracias por tu música 🎸 🌹🌹🌹🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼💞💞💞

[@sexobscura]

a pesar de que Marr tocó todas sus partes de estudio

[@GK-gc9cv]

This song truly shows his contribution

[@kevanbrown7620]

The Smiths were the best band of the '80s and 1 of the greatest band's ever. Morrissey and Marr wrote so many great tracks in such a short time. Incredible.

[@hazelwray4184]

@@jonathancroft5235 how is that relevant?

[@andresfernandezdelrio9348]

Undoubtedly!

[@custardtart1312]

@@jonathancroft5235hahahaha. Two entirely random bands from the 80s mentioned in reply to a perfectly valid comment. Are you in need of your medication??

[@BlueHopi144]

best in what sense ? they were not versed in any contest or competition .....wake up dude

[@VaduzVaduz]

Son la mejor banda de los 80.

[@JoeStunner]

Thirty years ago, I remember rushing home to watch this incredible performance, and replaying it again and again until the VHS tape was virtually worn-through. Andy Kershaw's introduction is perfect. Watching this, you just KNEW The Smiths were the best band on the planet. No one even came within their solar-system.

[@philkearney0577]

The cult but I know what you mean.

[@gaynorplant]

Have you heard placebos version omg awesome if Johnny marr didn’t take his hat off to them ..........

[@user-lq2ut4zs7o]

You know, 30 years forward, being completely drunk and able to relate to that, that's saying something

[@leebp9106]

Literally and exactly what I did. :) I squealed at Kershaw’s intro. absolutely at their peak I spent a year listening to Queen is Dead. Glorious

[@timcomley3241]

Seconded 👍❤️

[@JRain234]

Johnny Marr pisses me off. How does he make that look so easy?

[@boxcar9142]

Michael Leone because he's one of the coolest people ever (also it's an easy song)

[@rainbowslushy223]

Everything he plays he makes look easy

[@numbnutone]

He makes it look easy coz he is miming

[@Noelmcdonagh]

Second guitarist made it easier

[@paulgrahamedwardspencer5161]

It’s basic chords it’s piss easy

[@chrisedwards1333]

Effortless brilliance. The best band in the world at this time.

[@sweetnuthin]

Of all time.

[@timothyryan8753]

They were good, but best in the world/of all time?? Not even close lmao.

[@scottfraser7118]

It’s a personal thing But not far wrong

[@scottfraser7118]

Time will tell for us All 😘

[@spass-macht-frei]

The Smiths from left to right: Andy Rourke (bass), Craig Gannon (guitar), Mike Joyce (drums), Steven Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar)

[@ajc4705]

Nothing could come close to Marr and Morrisey. They were a formidable pair

[@sgbh8874]

Laurel & Hardy?

[@HarryFlashman.]

​@@sgbh8874Chuckle Brothers maybe but not Laurel and Hardy - bloody insult!

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

Lux and Ivy

[@petecampbell6117]

Stipe and Buck

[@frannieo1707]

They're up there with Fagen and Becker. 💜💚💜💚💜

[@meganwright0080]

Should have been my wedding song, perfection 😂

[@rangerwhite5165]

What a band. Every album still stands up today.

[@frannieo1707]

Yes, and towers above everything else.

[@mildred714]

No doubt about it. And MOZ will never disappoint me. Always manages to amaze me. And I’ll take that to my grave.

[@Wolfington]

Loved the five piece line up. Saw them at Salford in 86. Nailed it.

[@frannieo1707]

Mozza in fine voice. And Mike Joyce is a phenomenal drummer.

[@markofsaltburn]

The Smiths at their prime. “Bigmouth”, “The Queen Is Dead” and “Panic” were released in consecutive months in the late spring of 1986. To those of that knew, including the band themselves, they were the greatest band in the world that summer. The rest of the world only listened years later.

[@ofbullet]

I "saw" them play at Preston Guild Hall...I was 15. I loved The Smiths....yet they came on nearly 2 hours later than scheduled, and then watched 2 minutes of the most beguiling live music ever...Morrisey allegedly had a coin thrown at him....he walked off and then the band did 1 minute later. I was right at the front and thought I was going to die in the ensuing crowd surge. The place was rioting big style. Apparently some Fascist types had wangled their way in to disrupt the gig...well, that was the official line. Thankfully I didn't die. Afterwards, me and my sole Smith's loving school-mate went to the Yate's pub round the corner...ordered 2 bottles of Newcastle Brown (it was easier back then), went outside and cried our eyes out....we'd been waiting months for them to come to Preston. I never did see The Smiths live again, but I saw Morrisey on his Viva Hate Tour, and remember thinking that night, The Smiths were dead. It still Haunts me.

[@markofsaltburn]

@@ofbullet Morrissey was always capricious, entitled, self-piteous and infuriating, but he got away with it while he was brilliant. Sadly, once the royalties started kicking in and he got his big EMI advance, he became even more whiny and it stopped being amusing. It was hard to listen to a critically lauded, good-looking, 28 year-old-man with a flat in Knightsbridge moaning about how the whole world was against him. The wit was replaced by spite, and after “Interesting Drug”, I bailed out for good.

[@krinque]

im pretty sure metallica was the best band of 1986 but im positive that they could have been very equal!

[@Tao_Peace]

I’ll be the first to admit I first heard The Smiths in 1992 How soon is now. I was hooked and the rest as they say is history!

[@mikeluke7417]

@@markofsaltburn harsh, but fair. Very odd behaviour from the son of poor Irish immigrants 😭spends too much time in the USA 🤑

[@brianf3207]

British music in the 80s, fabulous time to be in your teens/early 20s

[@transonicbuoy1]

I saw this, late, in 1988. I bought the vinyl in 1987, but this. Bullet proof in every way. LIke a toilet, like a sink, a ceiling. As good and true as a floor, as real as a light. Like a good coat, like gas from the pump. Salad from the shop, rain on the roof. Water in your tap. Simple pleasures. It will never make life better. That was it. It was straight and fucking true.

[@mikeluke7417]

Brilliant ❤😂

[@JoeStunner]

I remember watching this when it originally appeared on BBC2. (They also played "Vicar In a Tutu" on the same show.) It was the first time I'd heard the song and I recall been astonished that my sky-high expectations for new songs had been EXCEEDED. This was The Smiths at their absolute zenith.

[@michaelocallaghan2683]

Absolutely the same memory for me. Blown away

[@SelfReflective]

There is so much sound coming out of these 5. Amazing.

[@jumpinjojo]

Ever listen to Rush, the Police or King’s X?

[@slappedhappy9549]

What a gem!💎 Fires me back into puberty! M,55,🇩🇪 Thanx for that!🫶🏻

[@bonniedaviess]

10 years later and I still find myself coming back to this video

[@androidgamingpower5613]

Im from.83. i Will be 41 this year and i still listen to this song everyday!!!! Love it!! It IS on my top 10 most awesome songs ever

[@buffalobillsbasket122]

Greatest band of all time. Nothing will ever come close.

[@twoeggcups]

Great performance, apparently effortless. Morrissey’s vocal absolutely bang on.

[@twoeggcups]

I mean, Jesus, tight as hell.

[@pythonbyte]

Kershaw's intro was on point.

[@mikeluke7417]

Literally sends shivers up and down my spine😮 truly magnificent ❤RIP Andy 😢you helped enrich my life along with Morrissey,marr and micky. I simply adore the greatest band ever❤❤❤💔🌹

[@blipblip88]

As far as Im concerned, The Smiths are at the TOP of my 80s music checklist. Always and forever.

[@dommccaffry3802]

Smiths at the pinnacle of their majesty. Sadly the end was not so far away.

[@chrisst8922]

The greatest introduction to a piece of music ever presented.

[@R0xxo]

New Order? Buzzcocks?

[@chrisst8922]

@@R0xxo 1970's.

[@Unvicimo]

Craig Gannon is Playing a beautiful Rickenbaker 330 🤩

[@sanchopanzam8]

I remember running home after football training and being slagged off for not going for a pint after, cos this was on the tele...sigh....

[@user-kl4bh4lq6r]

Rip Andy Lad📻🎸

[@waltercipolla787]

Bigmouth Strikes Again🤣😂🤣😂

[@Danielferhad]

2020 from MALAYSIA👍👍

[@rdot5113]

philippines

[@aviadmei]

THE SMITHS = THE ONLY LIGHT IN MY LIFE!!!

[@johnross7572]

Dude - get a better life. X

[@arricammarques1955]

Playing & singing live, as it should be!

[@ManCave1972]

Morrissey is a proper pop star. Eccentric, enigmatic, about the art.

[@mister3566]

He had a good teacher

[@MrUsermister]

... when pride was not about voyeurism

[@lennybruce6476]

He's perfect. So where The Smiths.

[@crappymcdick]

@@MrUsermister What does this mean?

[@foto21]

Yeah, well, he was the major reason the band blew up, done in by another egomaniacal singer. So he didn't have it all. But he was one HELLUVA lyricist.

[@lanett53stinkyowl16]

Hi😊 great I'm missing my brother and dad my adult offsprings goodness in foodness good wholesome vibes tonight how about anyone else?😊

[@FAUSTHEBASS]

The BEST influencers of Brit pop in the history

[@funtu4921]

This song is everything

[@ade1963]

As I'm getting quite old I often contemplate what song I want to be played at my funeral, something that will say a lot about me but wouldn't be too soppy. I think I've found it ...

[@playlist9980]

Getting a pop song played at your funeral is naff as fuck.

[@ade1963]

@@playlist9980 thank you for sharing your opinion

[@playlist9980]

@@ade1963 You're welcome.

[@peterlorrequartet6559]

man, this song is more powerful than a run away train.....they were at the height of their game......

[@nathanharris7815]

This is rocking😊

[@nicknick1974]

Clean and clear, near perfection music and vocals… they were on top

[@fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffz]

Marr is a geniusssssss

[@lanett53stinkyowl16]

Big mouth yes great classic by the Smiths awesome thank you.

[@user-ep8cf6qd8i]

the best . A melhor banda de todos os tempos.

[@HangTheDJ16]

Craig looks really young in this video! I just checked Wikipedia and apparently he was only 20 when this was performed. I didn't think he was so young!

[@stevenhartlaub4557]

Insanely good vocal. As good if not better than the studio. I’m guessing Moz doesn’t do many takes in the studio.

[@bobhenderson9276]

You are right. He's well known for only taking one or two takes to get it down usually. From what I remember, Johnny Marr has said that the 'I Know it's Over' vocal was done in one take, and that no one had heard it before he did it in the studio, which is remarkable considering it is arguably his best vocal. He was always very prepared before coming to the studio and had his part ready to go. This was from the way they worked where the band would lay down the music in a demo and then that tape would be sent to Morrissey who would work on the vocals at home, then he would come to the studio and do the vocal.

[@user-fd4cq7pp5s]

Go home and get a life but it's a miserable life laah de dah

[@bluepool6969]

The producer on "How Soon Is Now" said Moz only did two takes.

[@rayhoughton8046]

Ffs he's only talking through how soon is now. Bellend

[@johnhickman2033]

Andy Rourke is rocking a nice bass in this...

[@1groovygreg]

These lads were/are bloody amazing.

[@plasteredbastard]

tight musical unit, scathingly delicious lyrics

[@chuffa1130]

1986 was a fun year, remember going to the used clothing store and finding old '50s blazers and if we could find really old 501 Levi's that were worn in to go with it, then had to get the doc Martin loafers

[@gaztaylor4178]

Morrissey was almost late for this gig he was doing door to door selling windows lol 😁 😁 🤣

[@nik77]

Rip andy ❤

[@antoniobondi4244]

Che ricordi. Ci vestiamo così era il 1987, 87,88.ilsabato al bar poi Riccionebinbdiscotecaa2h di macchina. Io Freak Simon cipparonibe onetwo.... Ovviamente avevamo questo brano e la strada scorreva sotto di noi come un nastro blu notte. Eravamo Dei.

[@danilos.dasilva7547]

The Smiths essa banda é demais gosto muito ouço até hoje

[@micheward-hastings6802]

Total legend, hero, saviour!!!!

[@maryoleary5044]

Thank-you Andy.

[@johnnyrotten2259]

One of the best songs ever on my Sony Walkman 1988 or so ride my bicycle to and from work

[@charwv3556]

The 80s..........................oh how I miss you!

[@patrickcoyne8624]

There will never again be such a band as the smith's Dynamic and original

[@1683clifton]

The asymetric camera angle when moz puts his arms out like that. Elbows to the world. Nothing but elbows. I was entertained

[@1683clifton]

@0:50 Thats a fuckin pose! So good.

[@laflux]

Odd seeing Morrisey with a Blazer and Tie here :P

[@robertlester1956]

What a front man just a top band…

[@bobdobalina838]

RIP Andy Roarke, shame on Morissey for not paying you what you were owed.

[@sidensvans67]

The Smiths . Wonderful .

[@jacquelinemorris7959]

Craig Gannon remains one of the most humble, talented and down to earth musicians imo - he was just a young un here! & already ahead of his game...If you're new to the music of The Smiths/Moz he also played on some of Moz's greatest early songs ....as well as with other great bands 👌🎸

[@holdencaulfield4230]

The fifth Smiths!

[@jacquelinemorris7959]

@@holdencaulfield4230 Yes!! He certainly is! ☺🎸👌

[@ilferrari]

Can hardly hear Marr's guitar

[@CJMarsicanoPA]

Hang the soundman.

[@paulgrahamedwardspencer5161]

9469832 you deaf use Morrissey hearing aid

[@thomashoffman8228]

This music still seems ahead of its time. Amazing. Unique sound.

[@eddiedelisio]

Still is. Maybe even more so today

[@john111257]

johnny marr plays one tune, morrissey in a different zone

[@wanwandokko]

This is exactly what makes it perfection

[@goldenkoi23]

Perfection !! I remember seeing Andy Kershaw at the London Palladium concert 26/10/86

[@teaboyuk]

First time i saw the Smiths on TV when i was 17 and in sixth form on a thing called "sounds of the 80s" bbc archive performance footage. The Fifth Smith craig cannon and an amazing reverse tom drum roll by Mike Joyce first time id ever seen one make this a joy.😊

[@user-lo5qm5tu8m]

Stunningly beautiful and truly great words and musicianship 😢😢 still bring me to tears, the greatest band ever❤.RIP Andy 😢😢

[@dommccaffry3802]

I agree

[@jamesdonnelly2766]

Went to see them in 86 in manchester at the gmex. Unforgettable days.

[@simondavies419]

I love this introduction by Andy Kershaw…

[@NJJ77]

Johnny Marr too quiet in the mix here

[@magnuslindstrom2908]

Greatest band ever!

[@MarielaRodriguezRico]

Listen to more music brother

[@marcelelazzari8214]

The Smiths opinion from Brazil

[@gamer_f92]

Best band of world ‼️‼️‼️ 🙏🏼

[@foto21]

Can't even see Joyce, but he is tearing up the beat on this. I really think he doesn't get enough credit.

[@tsukko3]

Cho cool! Craig Gannon's Rickenbacker sounds like John Lenon

[@alisonalexandre3647]

In memoriam of bass's God, Andy Rourke 🥺

[@leonardozolecio7586]

Como me hubiese gustado un último baile de los Smiths.. Saludos desde Argentina.

[@trashAndNoStar]

Unfortunately impossible now, RIP Andy

[@MarielaRodriguezRico]

Viva la Argentina y el maestro Charly y don Jorge Luis

[@yosephfhuerta7756]

The Smiths una de las mejores bandas que he escuchado tengo 38 años y la primera ves que los escuché fue a los 16 años cuando fui a un bar clásico en lima peru en el centro de la ciudad que se llamaba YAKANA BAR donde pasaba new wave, pop y rock británico y rock de los 80 de las más clásicas de la época, me acuerdos claramente que me enamoré de su música. Desde entonces sigo escuchando ❤🎶🎶🎶😌

[@MMimi-mg4qt]

Always adored in Serbia 🇷🇸...

[@steves1460]

What a fantastic performance! The song was not one that I particularly liked of theirs, but I would happily watch this live performance again, because it is top-notch and full of vibrancy.

[@frankhernandez6883]

*The good days...when ALL THE SMITHS were happy* ☺ ☹

[@dmr9767]

Como suenan los Smiths con dos guitarristas, da gusto oírlos.

[@takemysoul666]

Es la verdad pura suenan completos 😊

[@sweetnuthin]

Not even Johnny Marr could perform his own songs by himself.

[@jacquelinemorris7959]

Craig Gannon was an excellent addition...he played on some of my favourite early Morrissey songs too! ❤

[@chriscafferty2922]

I remember watching this and, at the time, being impressed with Craig Gannon, on rhythm. He makes this performance what it is. Cheers Craig.

[@bazscott4633]

I remember watching it going whos he and whats he doing there ?

[@johncollins5552]

Craig sounds better than Johnny, must have lent him that Ricky.❤

[@bluejay5931]

The 80's, melancholic, dark, powerful. And all that embodies Morissey, with his perfect sounding voice and this airy, distant, arrogant way he had about him. He was a really charismatic character, although he seems so far above everything. That's exactly the way people felt and behaved if they were the incrowd. There was a kind of coolness and distance, no wonder if we look at what happened in that year - think of Tschernobyl, think of the Cold War, think of President Reagon threatening the countries in Europe fooling around with nuclear weapons.

[@hazelwray4184]

US presidents. Some things never change.

[@gordonliverpool]

Just brilliant thank you for posting

[@tinxxb]

definitely one of my favorite performances! moz looks so happy

[@donwarnick1089]

Such a great song

[@danjsy]

i remember this, and like gunneretic above i taped it and watched it endlessly. there was quite a bit of controversy in the nme about their "rocked up" sound, but then "there is a light..." came out and everyone shut up. great live band.

[@JHatLpool]

This is a great piece of film.

[@marienilsen2812]

He sounds exactly the same here as on records o:

[@Chrisamusic1]

Yes, that's because on the records ...its him!

[@marienilsen2812]

Chris A. I know, but with artists nowadays, a lot of them sounds different live.

[@Chrisamusic1]

The Smiths arent nowadays ...

[@marienilsen2812]

Chris A. I know they aren't nowadays. I'm just saying.

[@lLostGems]

I agree with you Marie!

[@inker1972]

Wow they sound great live.