I'm bringing my uncensored story to Sunderland says The Smiths legend
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to hear the real story of The Smiths directly from one of its architects,” says The Fire Station venue director as they announce a rare opportunity for fans of the alternative band who defined an era.
The Smiths’ legendary drummer Mike Joyce will appear live in conversation with BBC Radio 6 Music broadcaster Chris Hawkins on Saturday 6 December at The Fire Station for a night of music history.
Best known as a founding member of The Smiths, Joyce was at the heart of one of the most influential and era-defining bands of the 1980s, performing across major tours, albums and cultural breakthroughs alongside Morrissey, Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke.
For the first time, he will publicly share what it truly felt like to be inside that world as it exploded — not just the mythology, but the emotional reality.
Rather than simply retelling well documented moments from The Smiths’ history, Mike will delve into what made iconic songs such as This Charming Man, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out and The Queen Is Dead, and the chemistry that shaped a band whose impact still echoes across music today.
Hosted by Chris Hawkins, one of 6 Music’s most respected interviewers and a long-time champion of British alternative music, the evening will take the form of an on-stage conversation followed by a live audience Q&A and an after-party DJ set from Chris himself.
Tamsin Austin, Venue Director at The Fire Station, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to hear the real story of The Smiths directly from one of its architects.
“Mike Joyce was there for every defining moment, and audiences can expect an evening that is raw, revealing and deeply human.”
Tickets are £25 and available now from The Fire Station website.