Mike Joyce: The Drums – My Life In The Smiths – In Conversation

As a band, The Smiths need no introduction. Formed in 1982 and disbanded in 1987, all five of their studio albums reached the top five in the UK charts. They are widely lauded as one of the most influential bands of all time. To celebrate the publication of his memoir detailing these years, drummer Mike Joyce will be heading out this November for a series of special events, to share an open-hearted story of what it was like to play the drums in The Smiths.

Throughout his honest and witty reflections, Mike answers the question ‘where did it all go right?’- a question he and bassist Andy Rourke, with whom he had a deep and very special relationship, used to often ask each other.

His off-piste, frank perspective allows him to recontextualise the canonised stories with beautifully vulnerable, human insight. His story will resonate with the millions of Smiths fans who will rejoice in joining Mike in his love and admiration for the band that changed lives and provided such rich inspiration to the musicians that followed them.

Mike’s honest, entertaining and deeply human memoir truly conveys what it felt like to be a member of The Smiths when you are the self-confessed biggest Smiths fan in the world. Joined at each show by a guest interviewer, Mike will reflect on his time with the band through the eyes of a passionate, loving observer as well as being a trusted and irreverent chronicler of those five astonishing years when he was the backbone of one of the greatest groups of all time. There will also be a rare opportunity for audience members to put their questions to Mike.

Mike Joyce said: ‘I’ve been asked numerous times, ‘What was it like being in The Smiths?’ That’s one hell of a question to answer!

About the author

Mike Joyce is an esteemed English drummer who has played with Sinead O’Connor, Public Image Ltd, Buzzcocks, Suede, Julian Cope, Pete Wylie and most recently has been occupying the drum seat with Peter Doherty, as well as being a member of The Smiths for the entire duration of the lifetime of the band. Mike also has a successful DJ career playing clubs worldwide.

This event will feature an interview, audience Q&A and book signing.

Mike Joyce: The Drums is published by New Modern on November 6th 2026
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