The Smiths’ Story, Still Unfolding: Why Musician Memoirs Are Becoming a Publishing Powerhouse
The enduring appeal of The Smiths isn’t just about the music; it’s about the story. And that story is about to get another chapter. **Mike Joyce**, the band’s drummer, is releasing his autobiography, The Drums, on November 6th, adding to a growing trend of band members revisiting and re-framing iconic narratives. This isn’t a nostalgic blip; it’s a significant shift in the music publishing landscape, driven by fan demand and a lucrative market for intimate, behind-the-scenes accounts.
The Memoir Boom: Beyond the Music
Joyce’s book follows in the footsteps of Morrissey’s 2013 Autobiography and Johnny Marr’s 2016 Set the Boy Free. The fact that all three key members of The Smiths have now penned their memoirs speaks volumes. But it’s not unique to them. From Keith Richards to Patti Smith, musicians are increasingly turning to memoir as a way to control their narratives and connect with fans on a deeper level. This trend is fueled by several factors. Firstly, the inherent drama and intrigue surrounding successful bands – creative clashes, personal struggles, and the pressures of fame – make for compelling reading. Secondly, the aging of the Baby Boomer and Gen X demographics, who grew up with these bands, creates a large and dedicated readership eager for these stories.
The Power of Perspective: Re-Contextualizing the Canon
What sets Joyce’s autobiography apart, according to the publisher, New Modern (an imprint of HMV owner Doug Putman’s Putman Publishing house), is his “off-piste, frank and witty perspective.” This highlights a crucial element of the musician memoir boom: the value of differing viewpoints. Each member of a band experiences the same events through a unique lens. Joyce, described as “the self-confessed biggest Smiths fan in the world,” promises a fresh re-examination of familiar moments, offering a “human insight” that complements – and potentially challenges – the accounts already published by Morrissey and Marr. This is where the real value lies for fans: not just learning what happened, but understanding how it felt.
Publishing Shifts and the Rise of Niche Imprints
The involvement of Putman Publishing is also noteworthy. The music industry is increasingly looking beyond traditional publishing houses to find new avenues for content creation and distribution. The rise of niche imprints, like New Modern, allows for a more focused approach to reaching specific fan bases. This is particularly important for bands with a dedicated, but potentially fragmented, audience. The limited details surrounding a North American release, however, suggest potential logistical challenges in expanding the reach of these memoirs beyond core markets. This highlights a key challenge for publishers: balancing exclusivity with accessibility.
The Shadow of Loss: Andy Rourke’s Passing and the Urgency of Storytelling
The recent passing of Smiths bassist Andy Rourke in 2023 adds a poignant layer to this wave of memoirs. His death underscores the fragility of life and the importance of preserving these personal histories. It’s a stark reminder that these stories are not just about the past; they are about legacy and remembrance. The absence of Rourke’s own voice further amplifies the significance of the accounts being shared by Joyce, Morrissey, and Marr.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Band Memoirs
The success of these musician memoirs isn’t a fleeting trend. We can expect to see more band members, from all genres and eras, turning to autobiography as a way to connect with fans, control their narratives, and capitalize on the enduring power of their music. The key will be authenticity and perspective. Readers are no longer satisfied with sanitized versions of history; they want raw, honest, and insightful accounts. Publishers who can identify and nurture these voices will be well-positioned to succeed in this growing market. The demand for these stories will likely extend beyond traditional print, with potential for audiobooks, podcasts, and even documentary adaptations. The Smiths’ story, it seems, is far from over – and its continued unfolding is a testament to the enduring power of music and the human desire to understand the stories behind it.
What untold stories from your favorite bands would you most like to hear? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
