Tony Wilson Interviews The Smiths

[@Vpmatt]

And might I add what an amazingly humble man Johnny Marr is. One of the greatest guitarists of all time with an instantly recognisable sound who wrote of the greatest tunes of the 80s. Legend.

[@metrosuez7475]

Andy Rourke pumped out killer bassline after killer bassline and they were so good that everyone was convinced Marr wrote them until he himself said it was all Andy. The real chemistry in the band was between bass and guitar not bass and vocals.

[@Weenfiend]

You mean guitar and vocals?

[@jacobmassey3897]

The smiths was pure Marr and Morissey

[@ericsilberstein667]

It was a great rhythm section. One of the best. But I’m over taking sides. The four of them made up The Smiths, the likes of which we’ll never see again.

[@lovesandyrourke]

it’s so hard to find smiths interviews with mike and andy in them!! it’s almost 99% percent of the time morrissey, and sometimes (but rarely) johnny. love this!!!

[@RichV20]

Quick answer: Morrissey and Tony allegedly met, says Tony, for a possible record deal. Tony asked what Moz wants, Moz pointed to a poster of Elvis and said "I want to be a star". Tony then walked out on him.

[@1neversaynever1]

I like Wilson's style, he always cuts through the BS and would ask thought provoking questions instead of coddling the members. I wish more interviews were like this.

[@mindtpi]

Tony Wilson is easily as important as _any_ musician in the Manchester/UK scene (and more so than most). UK music was infinitely more interesting because of him and is all the worse off for his death. He will be calling him Steven because, as AndyUnwritten pointed out, he knew him when he was still a school kid well before the Smiths. Morrissey sent him a record cover of the New York Dolls and told him he should stick them on So It Goes (or something that), so Morrissey obviously respected him

[@TheGoodManJoe]

"Mozart, hip guy" oh johnny... :D

[@deltaflyer9078]

Genius 🤣👌🏻

[@thiaanthony]

So glad this video was posted. I was feeling really depressed and it always helps to see Tony again, even though we can only see him on film these days. Such a great interviewer..just made life so much more interesting. He had such charisma , and was the most impressive man of my generation in the North WestI And a sweetheart too. I think most of us loved him really and still miss him very badly!!

[@ianmcgregorhart9354]

Great interview, Tony Wilson asking fair questions to the band members of The Smiths. A group very relevant that changed music 1983 to 87, a one off. Morrissey comes across eloquently. He seem much more bitter today. Johnny Marr driving force behind unique guitar sound. I like the way Tony Wilson was inclusive and got the thoughts of drummer Mike Joyce & Bassist Andy Rourke and their important input into The Smiths work. Nice work here.

[@QPRLAD86]

I love the bit where Marr calls Mozart a "Hip Guy"

[@DaftSwank]

Just saw "24 Hour Party People" last weekend and am obsessed with the music scene that flick dramatized. It truly is mind blowing how many amazing, influential, and ground breaking bands came out of Manchester during the late 70s/early 80s and beyond . . .

[@74bomayemcfc]

johnny marr's class in this footage...his playing and his one liner about mozart..!!.

[@TheLonelyDigestive]

Johnny looks so fucking cool in this interview

[@flamadiddledoo]

One of Tony Wilsons famous lines “”I should have signed The Smiths”

[@sexobscura]

Wilson was a wannabe hipster that hadn't a clue about a thing until after it happened his other famous line was 'I should've created time'

[@jamesonjaksch4883]

@@sexobscura Him and his label practically created the term "hipster." Id say he was a revolutionary.

[@ald7248]

I had huge affection for Tony Wilson - but his signing instincts weren't great. Another example: He was interested in signing "The Stone Roses" but passed because their name and the production of their first LP (Misery Dictionary) had him figuring they were a goth band.

[@kevinkibble8342]

He never actually said that, but he did say "when given the choice between truth and legend, print the legend"

[@johnbarry1965]

The Smiths were too good and pure to be on Factory.

[@Blastbarnacle]

Thank you for this! We had absolutely no coverage of The Smiths in the U.S.A. during the '80s. Only the alternative stations would play their music. And no interviews could be found anywhere.

[@bouncer2005]

I get the distinct impression they were hindered and suppressed …. Both the band and Morrissey

[@murphymumm]

I love that Tony called him Steven. I'm sure it drove Morrissey crazy, and I'm even more sure Tony knew it!

[@curvedglass1]

Morrissey looked uncomfortable

[@ronniemacdonald2768]

@@curvedglass1 Cos he thought Tony Wilson was a tosser.

[@AlisonBryen]

Thanks for posting this! It gives younger Smiths fans (like me) the chance to see these interviews that we havn't had the chance to see before!

[@ThaddeusCorn]

My favorite band interviewed by one of my favorite one of my favorite record label owners. Brilliant. Thanks for the upload.

[@littledroogie]

I think it was pretty humble of Andy and Mike to not complain about being more or less robbed of some of the fame that they maybe deserved. I mean, in my opinion Andy was an incredible bassist.

[@apathyintheuk265]

Combined, they make up 50% of one of the greatest bands of all time but let's be honest - They were little more than hired hands to complete the act. We all know who the Smiths really were.

[@Pointblankmos]

@@apathyintheuk265 Ignorant comment. Try listening to the Smiths without Andy's bass.

[@apathyintheuk265]

@@Pointblankmos Not at all. In fact my comment is both considered and accurate. The Smiths are still one of my all time favourite bands and I don't see that changing any time soon. There's no hating or even scoffing towards the rhythm section just a statement of fact, Take away Joyce and Rourke and I think it's fair to say Morrissey and Marr would still go on to great things. Take away Morrissey/Marr and I'm not so sure the other two would. Hope this helps.

[@ericsilberstein667]

@@apathyintheuk265The Smiths were Morrissey, Marr, Rourke, and Joyce.

[@elpadrino1128]

Hahahah the way Johnny said The answer is I don't know ...really XD

[@michaelwilson2340]

I love Johnny's British teeth! He's had some work done since then.

[@TheBertomunus]

don't know why ppl are saying the song Marr plays is Miserable Lie.. it's the chorus from Reel Around The Fountain

[@jeromejwatson]

I agree, I think he was one of the best interviewers, he wasn't even up his own bands arses in interviews. He asked much more interest questions than 90% of people would have, then or now.

[@WilliamFs11]

This is why KZbin rocks. Thanks a lot for sharing this !

[@Coppertunes]

You honestly think so, a lot of arpeggios follow a distinct pattern, like 'Hold on...' but Johnny makes more of a melody out of his arpeggios. I guess a lot of jingly jangle arpeggio's can sound similar, but Johnny's playing isn't as repetitive as the rest, that's what made him the prized picker that he is. Johnny is the man.

[@frenchkids]

Mick Joyce "Our time will come" In the high courts probably wasn't what he meant.

[@HolidayInGuantanamo]

Argh! It got cut off at the last line which was bloody priceless. Moz: (on why he wanted to be a pop star) "...it makes life quite interesting. You should try it sometime." Zzzing.

[@markcolebrook6096]

-it was a brilliant reply - the best bit --

[@fionagregory5774]

I loved Tony Wilson and named my son after him.

[@MondoSquallido]

Thank you for uploading this... a time when music wasn't about anything but making music... We will never get footage like this nowadays.

[@mimimirwitch]

gosh, Marr's guitar playing... perfection

[@tommietippie2]

Johnny Marr is one of the best British guitarist to grace this earth!

[@Colette1972UK]

Let's think about their output... They were only together from 83 to 87... All those songs... Those studio albums and the stand alone singles. .. Ask.. Panic... Etc etc..... etc etc......

[@carlosnavarro1091]

From 1982, actually.

[@jacobdunne1773]

82 to 87

[@garyjovanovitch3863]

The guitar part is Reel around the fountains chorus for anyone wondering

[@Coppertunes]

@simonpenum I wouldn't say Johnny gave a contemptuous sneer at the Mozart reference. He looked more taken aback, before breaking into an approving & appreciative smile :--)

[@foremski]

Wow, amazing, best interview I've ever seen of a group...

[@DrunkChimp]

God Bless Tony Wilson. He was in my local pub many years ago, but I was too shy to speak to him. One of my biggest regrets.

[@oldmanc2]

I learnt too late in life: it costs nothing to say Hi to your heroes. Shake hands and wish them all the best

[@londonemski]

Dear Morrissey - those gorgeous eyebrows, and as ever a nice turn of phrase. "It doesn't make life worse" - oh, how we miss this from pop stars today. Dear old Johnny, Mike and Andy too - such a brilliant band. The humour, intelligence and modesty of all concerned - even Morrissey, really - is a delight.

[@markcolebrook6096]

brilliant interview

[@RossBayCult]

Tony was still calling him Steven. Lol. He knew that annoyed the shit out of him. But he knew Morrissey before he became famous, even went to his house. He told Tony that he would be famous and he looked at him like he was crazy. So in a way Tony was being a bit jealous of his success and wanted to piss him off a bit in this interview. Also he was bitter because he turned down The Smiths for his Factory label. So Tony came out a loser in all of this.

[@salesharksmegafan]

I know this comment was 2 years ago, but although yes, Tony was disappointed with himself that he turned them down, he certainly wasn't the loser, factory labels were still the biggest label in England, with bands such as New Order and Happy Mondays, although the Smiths were bigger at the time, it is bands like New Order that have had the most influence in the long run, all thanks to Tony

[@breathspray]

Tony hates it when his friends become successful.

[@carlosnavarro1091]

@@breathspray 😆

[@KraigOliver]

amazing vhs audio during the johnny marr bits remind me of home movies:) a treat

[@Nigel-Webb]

The all pervasive sardonic undertone is what makes this so great!

[@Wilfslad]

how apt that Mike Joyce said "Our time will come"

[@ustheserfs]

If only it'd be that easy to find Moz

[@underwater_moonlight]

i love when johnny refers to mozart as a HIP GUY hahahah

[@rabit818]

Wow hard hitting and relevant questions. Tony Wilson has cajones,

[@rigsby1454]

'our time will come' Mike Joyce seeing into the future

[@bollockowithalob]

A great upload - thanks.

[@DAH210774]

Steven, Steven, Steven!! How many times does he say it? And Moz responds everytime! Can't see that happening anymore but maybe that was because he had a little repect for TW and it was 1985 :-)

[@Stu-The-Cue]

You could tell by Joyce's face within seconds what he really thought of Morrissey

[@thiaanthony]

Remembering Anthony H Wilson, on his birthday born 20th February, 1950. Sadly, Tony , was a complete one off, who left us far too early. He loved the place he was born and spent his life proving it. He left us with an aura of Manchester and Salford we will never forget.

[@diskochimp]

"Our time will come" - blimey!

[@slyasleep]

Love Johnny Marr. Love the old (young) Morrissey too.

[@bouncer2005]

Thank you nice find …

[@Jahnli]

I feel bad for the drummer and bassist. They have no idea what's coming for them...

[@devtherevLS]

The interview between Wilson and Morrissey seems a little awkward.....but whatever, two of the greatest figures to ever grace music. RIP Tony

[@goneAWOLagain]

He even refers to him as "Steve" when he's talking to Mike Joyce & Andy Rourke. Excellent wind up!!

[@DoctorD279]

2:29-2:37 He's a fucking wizard.

[@erinlemieux4729]

UGH!! RIGHT??!!! I just left a comment. What frikin song is this?? Im going nuts because I know it!!! Is it Suffer Little Children?? Miserable Lie?

[@thelovelypartinggifts]

Erin Lemieux It isn’t a Smiths tune, he literally made it up right there. The man’s a legend.

[@erinlemieux4729]

Sheridan Vale thank you!!! Johnny Marr is from a different planet I swear!!!!! Beautiful genius 💗

[@dmstn]

He was just joking, cos in spite that Smiths are from Manchester, they signed on a London Record Label. Tony would really like them to have signed on Factory Records.

[@Reint25]

It is. The first thing he plays is the opening chord of Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Know (only the first chord!). Then they start talking, and then he plays a full chord version of Reel Around the Fountain. After that he plays the picking version of Reel Around the Fountain. The last riff is the opening riff of Nowhere Fast.

[@luapssub2415]

LOL I was just about to write that great line from 24 Hour Party People "I should of signed the Smiths' after Tony meets god.

[@ethandowse9145]

Top quality video recording🤙

[@alexanderspear9464]

I adored Tony Wilson

[@elephantstone222]

haha i love how Tony Wilson gets away with calling him Stephen.

[@thiaanthony]

Remembering Tony Wilson (AHW), whose birthday was yesterday, 20th February. (born 20/02/1950)

[@classlessbozo317]

“We know that we are appreciated. “ Morrissey subsequently dismisses them as nothing more than session musicians in a court case over money.

[@thiaanthony]

The lovely Tony at his most suave!!!!!

[@Coppertunes]

@202GM 1:58 the first chord F#maj7 from 'Heaven Knows.....' 2:10 He is just giving an example of folk strumming, but using the chords to 'Reel Around The Fountain' 2:28 Does the arpeggio to 'Reel Around The Fountain' 2:46 Nowhere Fast

[@Reint25]

Marr about Reel Around the Fountain: "Reel Around The Fountain" [The Smiths] was my interpretation of James Taylor's version of "Handy Man". I was trying to do a classic melodic pop tune, and it had the worst kind of surface prettiness to it.'' You can hear it's based on Taylor's Handy Man when he plays the full chords. So the riff he plays at 2:10 is Handy Man[Taylor]/Reel Around the Fountain, to answer your question.

[@Reint25]

It's a dying art, it's all like ''Let's not say anything important. Like making disco-records.'' Brilliant, and so true.

[@randomdude1786]

good to see you tony!

[@frenchkids]

I like wilson. He challenged the subject, he got the best or the worst out of them, and in this case, the best our of morrissey.

[@transonicbuoy1]

Marr doesn`t have a contemptuous bone - just a lovely man. Apart from his dislike for Prince.

[@galetinm]

First time hearing about his dislike for Prince. When did he ever say anything against Prince?

[@thiaanthony]

Remembering Tony (AHW), who would have been 60 today. Thanks for the moral support you gave me, when I needed it most. And, by the way, you were right about everything......almost. I just thought you'd like someone to write that about you. Actually, I could do with your advice at the moment! God Bless.

[@brycesterling947]

tony calls him steven because tony knew him before he became famous. dont think moz was annoyed by it.

[@FredericaMussolini]

I love what Morrissey has to say about Tony Wilson in his autobiography :-P

[@HighFieldLux]

What does it say? :3

[@RossWasTaken]

Yeah what DOES he say..?

[@arianrhodhyde7482]

Saint Dong deeply bitter and angry things.

[@jacobmassey3897]

When Johnny starts playing i can hear not only influences from the past but also a sound of what Madchester would be like in the next 5 years or so.

[@onemorejoe]

johnny marr could make a plank of wood sound half decent.

[@andrewrodriguez7727]

Of 10% percent in royalty I would have sued to! Money isn't a big issue but it's required in this world... Smiths, fan? I don't think so Morrissey was really fortunate to have Mike & Andy they were the heart, Johnny Marr was the brain and Morrissey the soul.. which you can't live with out.... understand. I love the Smiths as a band and human beings, simplicity is never complicated.

[@hainzy]

There's nothing like this around now, when was the last time you heard an intelligent pop star talking to an intelligent reporter about intelligent issues? We live in such a dumbed down world

[@fightsforrights]

Good exchanges from both of them😀

[@WaveformGraphics]

You may think the interviewer prick but tony wilson had a huge impact on the manchester music scene and I'm sad he died last month. He was called much worse by far more talented people - watch the movie 24 hour party people to find out.

[@rael1999]

They moved to London because Factory turned them down Tony !! I loved the stuff you did for Manny Tony but you dropped a bollock when they approached you about signing them ! R.I.P. Buddy !

[@andrewhyde4708]

Johnny is a fucking wizard!

[@jamesnoake1]

Brilliant how tony wilson was on their side but uses his skills as a journalist to be critical of marr & morriseys approach to music. RIP tony Wilson

[@ManchesterIsRed23]

Great Video

[@jcrawley1]

What tracks do the two riffs Johnny plays come from, at 2:10 and 2:29? 2:47 is Nowhere Fast, in case anyone was wondering about that one.

[@hanspeterpitsch]

@Coppertunes You are half right, it's the chorus part.

[@onemorejoe]

I curse every time Tony cuts off Johnny at 2:16

[@revol148]

....in complete contrast to how dull the Manchester music scene has been for nearly two decades!

[@Colette1972UK]

Let's think about their output... They were only together from 83 to 87... All those songs... Those studio albums and the stand alone singles. .. Ask.. Panic... Etc etc..... etc etc...... In the midst of live we are in death etc......

[@VCK9009]

Wilson interviewing The Smiths? The writing was on the wall...

[@erinlemieux4729]

anybody know the song of the guitar riff Marr plays at 2:29 ?? PLEASE and Thank you!!! its on the tip of my tongue!!! I tried to Shazam it with no results. :(

[@Robizthewizz1]

@@TheWheels777 It;s Reel Around The Fountain chorus.

[@IRELAND0000]

Factory records also passed up on Oasis

[@simonpenum]

I admire Tony Wilson but I have to say he really does urk me in this interview. I think it was a case of sour grapes on his part. I love Marrs Contemptuous sneer at the Mozart reference though

[@krisscanlon4051]

Manc festival...stylish lads...Rourke Joyce were quite a pair as well!

[@ROBxSKATE]

what are them chords that johny plays at first

[@Niall-jd8zw]

7 years on and still tryna find out

[@meadish]

The first shots from inside the studio is them rehearsing 'William, It Was Really Nothing'. At 1:57, that is an F# major 7 chord with a 5th string root note. I think his guitar might be tuned a whole step up, as it often was. The chord progression after he says he is influenced by English and American folk guitar sounds like G# major, Eb major, F minor, G# major. The first chord in the progression sounds a bit like an open G (cowboy G) which is strange if he is tuned to standard or F#, but the basic flavour of the chord is G# major. After 'a bit more aggressive' the picked/arpeggiated progression is G#, Eb, F minor, G#, Eb, C# .

[@jeromejwatson]

Good old Mozart, hip guy!

[@karziflora]

Andy is sweet & Humble. Andy & Mike were robed. They were a big part of the Smiths Sound just as much as Moz & Marr were. Moz is pompous & greedy (sorry).

[@margaretjbuckley]

The fact that you apologised for having an opinion makes your opinion worthless.

[@humanchannel7825]

@@margaretjbuckley why are you trying to start an argument based off nothing. He’s apologising for what some people might think of the comment. The fact that you would dissect the comment and have that to say is pathetic.

[@margaretjbuckley]

@@humanchannel7825 Either stand by your opinion , or keep your fuckin' mouth shut.

[@callumchoyce1401]

That red les Paul is top :)

[@mauritzfredzell3589]

Its the one he got from Pete townsend and gave to Noel gallagher who smashed it over a stage invaders head

[@PantheonLincoln]

It's not. Marr still owns this guitar. There's a video from about 2009 of Marr using this guitar, playing Headmaster Ritual on it. Different pickups and a Bigsby on it now. The Townsend one he gave to Noel was a 1960 sunburst one (or a 1968 converted to 1960 spec, according to some things I've read). After the accident where it got broke (and it was an accident, despite some people making out like Noel broke it deliberately), Marr gave him a black Les Paul Custom, which Marr used on "The Queen is Dead", and oddly, used it again when he guested on an Oasis track many years later.

[@euqul]

That thumbnail actually brought me to watch that video :D

[@antonioeisadora]

Great!

[@TheAnasthetic]

"It doesn't make life worse"

[@thatseverin]

The Smiths, there is footage from this same interview with johnny in a sound booth ripping thru NOWHERE FAST with a cigarette danglining from the corner of his mouth. EPIC! two years latger it was over..... and we have to se morrisey delve deeper and deeper into shit!