THE SMITHS FAQ - All That's Left to Know About the Most Important British Band of the 1980s (First edition - first printing - paperback original - illustrated)

First printing of the true first edition, published as a paperback original by Backbeat Books in 2015. Illustrated throughout in black & white. ***Near fine in glossy card illustrated covers. The covers are nice and clean, with no discernible faults. No reading lean to the binding. Binding straight and secure. No bumps, creases or tears. No fading. Internally the book is also near fine, with no previous ownership inscriptions. No marks or foxing. No creases or tears. ***227mm x 152mm. 310 pages plus a Selected Bibliography and detailed Index at the back of the book. ***'The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, composed of Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Morrissey and Marr formed the band's songwriting partnership. The Smiths are regarded as one of the most important British bands and one of the pioneers of 1980s independent music. The Smiths signed to the independent label Rough Trade Records in 1983 and released their debut album, The Smiths, in 1984. They focused on a guitar, bass and drum sound, fusing art rock and post-punk, which was a rejection of the synth-pop sound predominant at the time. Several of the band's singles reached the top 20 of the UK singles chart, and all their studio albums reached the top five of the UK Albums Chart, including the number-one album Meat Is Murder (1985). The Queen Is Dead (1986) and Strangeways, Here We Come (1987) both entered the top 20 of the European Albums Chart. In 1986, the Smiths briefly expanded to a five-piece with the addition of guitarist Craig Gannon, but internal tensions eventually led to their breakup the following year. The split was followed by heavily publicised lawsuits over royalties, and the band members have rejected numerous offers to reunite in the years since. Rourke died in 2023.' (Wiki) ***'Revered and massively influential, the smiths have been called the most important band of the fertile U.K. 1980s music scene. While the group was only active for five years (1982 to 1987), the cult of the Manchester-reared foursome has ballooned in the three decades since the band's dissolution. Featuring a foreword by guitarist and "Fifth Smith" Craig Gannon, who played with the band in 1986, "The Smiths FAQ" traces the band's history with clarity and detail, illuminating such questions as these: Who were the Nosebleeds? Why did Morrissey shun the Ramones? Who were the Paris Valentinos? What was Cult guitarist Billy Duffy's connection to the band? How was Morrissey injured during the group's U.S. debut performance? What Smiths single paid homage to T. Rex? --- John D. Luerssen gathers the indispensable early facts, the legendary stories, and the inimitable anecdotes that make this a must-own tome for all fans.' (Quote taken from the back cover) ***A near fine virtually 'as new' copy of this comprehensive study of The Smiths. A first printing of this book - already very hard to find in the UK. A MUST FOR ALL SMITHS FANS! ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc.…