The World of The Smiths and Morrissey by Angie J Cooke nee Lewis

PRECIOUS THINGS How My Smiths and Moz Collection Began The list of dates from my notebook detailing when I bought my Smiths albums for the first time It all began on 16 th September 1988, which is a date that is forever etched in my mind.  I’d already been mesmerised by the beautiful Everyday Is Like Sunday back in May/June of Nineteen Eighty Hate as a 15 year old teen fresh out of high school, but hadn’t yet been brave enough to purchase the single or any other Moz records available at that point.  Then, on 5 th September of the same year, by which time I’d turned 16, Rank by The Smiths was released.  My Youth Training Scheme was well under way by now and I was on placement at my local council’s Education Department, so I had a miniscule disposable income burning the smallest of holes in my pocket.  I deliberated for a few days, and then on the 16 th took the plunge and bought the album that would alter the course of my entire life (the br...

THE PLEASURE, THE PRIVILEGE WAS MINE Grand Opening of New Display Panels at Salford Lads Club I was thrilled and delighted to be asked by Leslie Holmes , the Project Manager at Salford Lads Club , to officially open the new panels installed in its Smiths Room on 3rd February 2018. These have been put in place to enable even more photos of visitors from across the globe posing outside the iconic building under the world famous sign to be added to the hundreds already on display. The club held a special party to mark this momentous occasion, and as well as myself performing the aforementioned ceremonial duty, an act by the name of Ukelele Bobby entertained the audience in attendance by playing a select few Smiths and Morrissey tracks. Leslie handing over to me for my speech.  Talk about nervous! My speech in full:  "Firstly, I'd like to thank Leslie for bestowing this great honour upon me today.  I was thrilled to be asked, the pleasure and...

THE SMITHS LOVED AND LOATHED 1982-87 The Smiths at play The Final Line Up (Steven Patrick)  MORRISSEY  – Vocals/Lyrics Johnny MARR  (MAHER) – Guitar/Music Andy ROURKE  – Bass Guitar Mike JOYCE  – Drums   Craig GANNON  – Rhythm Guitar (temporary member 1986) Original Rough Trade Postcard 1982 – The Beginning Morrissey is a recluse in Sunny Stretford, writing songs for no-one really in particular…   Wythenshawe lad Johnny Marr calls round (with a mate in tow) to visit Morrissey at his Kings Road abode, and  The Smiths  are born Definitive line-up still being finalised.  In the meantime, the band play their first ever gig on 4th October supporting Blue Rondo a la Turk at The Ritz in Manchester Young Moz 1983 – Onwards and Upwards 1st Peel Session  recorded and broadcast in May 1st TOTP Appearance Hand i...

THE SMITHS AND MORRISSEY RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE/SURVEY UPDATE: I devised and completed this questionnaire/survey in September 2015. Since then, I've seen Johnny Marr live, met him on a separate occasion (squeal/swoon!), saw Morrissey perform for the first time in 21 years (wow!), had 3 radio interviews (BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Radio Leeds), appeared on UK TV (BBC North West Today/Tonight (local), BBC Four (national)), attended the 2017 #MozArmy Meet in Manchester, featured alongside other contributors in a book called "Pieces of Morrissey" which was published in 2017, and met Mike Joyce at Salford Lads Club during an event held for Tinnitus Research (I say!).  Oh, and I'm now a vegan, too! Phew! Pieces of Morrissey by Matthew Jacobson: Cover and a sample of my contribution About You: Name Mrs Angela Jennifer Cooke :  Angie, Ange or AJ  to my friends (I was formerly  Angie J Lewis , which is my maiden name).  I also ...