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2. Hand in Glove

A boy from Wythenshawe goes looking for a frontman. One sunny day there is a knock on a door in Stretford, and music history is made.

In May 1982, a young guitarist with ambitions to form his very own Mancunian Rolling Stones found himself on a bus to Stretford, cassette in hand, and a hunch about the right frontman.

Johnny Marr and Morrissey seemed like opposites. But they had Irish roots, Manchester streets, a love of 60s pop, and an unstoppable sense of purpose in common. From that first afternoon bonding over records, the chemistry was instant.

Then came a drummer on mushrooms, a bass player dragged in from a lumber yard, and the band's first unforgettable gig, with a go-go dancer thrown in for good measure.

If you're enjoying this series of The Rise & Fall podcast, there are loads of other gripping music stories to immerse yourself in, focusing on Britpop, Madchester, Indie Sleaze, Sex Pistols and Oasis. Just search 'rise and fall' in Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts.

A Tempo+Talker production for Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Sounds. Produced by Tom Pooley with original music and sound design by Coach Conrad.

Available now

17 minutes

Last on

Sat 25 Jul 2026 10:20

Music Played

  • The Smiths

    Hand In Glove

    • The Sound Of The Smiths.
    • Rhino.
    • 1.
  • The Smiths

    You've Got Everything Now

    • The Smiths.
    • WM UK.
    • 2.

Broadcasts

  • Mon 20 Jul 2026 00:15
  • Sat 25 Jul 2026 10:20

Podcast