Only magazines including interviews, lengthy articles or essays are included here. The very first reviews are also included. To list every record or concert reviews and short articles without interviews would be a neverending task, and a pointless one. If you feel something should be mentioned here or if you have more details (topics covered, interviewer name, photographer name, title, etc.) about these entries, please me to let me know.

February 1983 - I.D. Magazine issue 11 (UK)
Title: "The Smiths". This could be the earliest interview. Topics: Manchester, clothes, soul, style. The interviewees are identified by the first letters of their name, S for Steven (Morrissey of course), J for Johnny, and D for ?? (probably Dale Hibbert who had played bass with Morrissey and Marr in late 1982 after being sound engineer on their early demos).
Read transcript at Forever Ill

3 March 1983 - Melody Maker (UK)
"On Tour With The Smiths" / "Suffer The Smiths". Morrissey on cover

26 March 1983 - NME (UK)
One of the earliest concert reviews. The gig was the 4/2/83 Manchester Hacienda one. The reviewer is Jim Shelley.

14 May 1983 - NME (UK)
"Crisp Songs And Salted Lyrics", most likely the first NME interview. Conducted by Cath Carroll. The interview included one line by Mike Joyce.

4 June 1983 - Sounds (UK)
"Handsome Devils", a Morrissey and Marr interview by Dave McCullough (titled "Dave McCullough is smitten with the Smiths"). Topics: Factory, sexuality, feminism, flowers, humour, jobs and being handsome. The issue that came out the next week contained two negative letters from readers about the band, which could be the first ones of many!
Note: the interviewer had also given the band a review in the issue of Sounds three weeks prior to this one.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

25 August 1983 - The Sun (UK)
"Child Sex Song Puts The Beeb In A Spin". The first of many controversial articles. This one accuses the band of singing about "picking up kids for sexual kicks" in "Handsome Devils" and "picking up a seven-year-old in a park" in "Suffer Little Children".

September/October 1983 - Explicit (Manchester, UK fanzine)
Morrissey fills out a questionnaire.

3 September 1983 - Melody Maker (UK)
"The Cradle Snatchers" a Morrissey interview by Frank Worrall. Photos by Zbysiu Rodak. Topics include introducing the Smiths, labels, the upcoming debut album, trends, flowers, lyrics
Read transcript at Forever Ill

17 September 1983 - NME (UK)
"Portrait Of The Artist As A Consumer", a list of Morrissey' favourite records, films, books and symbolists. Photo by Joelle Depont.

24 September 1983 - NME (UK)
"The Smith Hunt", a Morrissey interview by David Dorrell. Photographs by Kevin Cummins. Topics included mostly the Sun's allegations of paedophilia and its consequences within the band. Success, signing an american deal, love, being outspoken are other topics covered.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

Autumn 1983 - Fun'n'Frenzy issue 1 (UK fanzine)
Includes a Morrissey interview. Near the end, Morrissey announces that "we do not allow anyone with thick ankles into our gigs."

November 1983 - Debris issue 2 (Manchester, UK fanzine)
Morrissey interview by Dave Haslam

6 November 1983 - Melody Maker (UK)
Smiths on cover. Inside?

10 November 1983 - Smash Hits (UK)
Short interview by Ian Birch. Topics: the origin of the band's name, and the use of flowers. Nice photographs.

12 November 1983 - Record Mirror (UK)
"Strictly Shrub-wise", a Morrissey interview by Graham K. Smith. Topics: being a sex symbol, Rough Trade, the 60s, sex, writing. Nice colour photograph.

19 November 1983 - Sounds (UK)
"Charmed And Ready"/"Keep Young And Beautiful", an interview by Bill Black. Very nice photos of The Smiths by Paul Slattery on cover and inside. Topics: the Smiths' aims, the formation of the band, the current music scene, the sixties influence, Manchester, lyrics.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

26 November 1983 - Melody Maker (UK)
"Charmed Forces" / "Magnificent Obsessions", Morrissey interview by Ian Pye. Topics: the band's name, Factory, Rough Trade, gender, politics, London. The Smiths on cover.

26 November 1983 - No. 1 (UK)
Interview by Mark Cooper. Topics: flowers, gender.

24 December 1983 - NME (UK)
1984 predictions by Morrissey amongst others.

24 December 1983 - Sounds (UK)
"Morrissey on Sandie Shaw / Close To The Heart". Article by Morrissey himself on the story of Sandie Shaw. It ends with the line "Sandie's return to centre stage should thrill all individuals with ears." Of course, the Smiths would be the ones bringing her back under the spotlight four months later.

Christmas 1983 - Explicit (Manchester, UK fanzine)
Morrissey and Mike Joyce interviews conducted by Paul Day and Martin Mittler on the day of the Smiths' first Top Of The Pops appearance. Very nice photographs.

1983 ?? - Overground (UK fanzine)
Includes a Morrissey interview. Topics include Ian Curtis and his artistic refusal to work.

1983 - Rox issue 23 (UK fanzine)
A Morrissey and Johnny Marr interview by Rob Graham. Topics: first touches of fame, the music scene, money, Morrissey himself and Johnny talks guitars.

1983 - The Underground issue 2 (Bristol, UK fanzine)
Morrissey and Marr interview. The fanzine was put together by Flatmates guitarist and Subway boss Martin Whitehead.

Early 1984 - Debut vol.6 (UK magazine with record)
Volume 6 of this special series of magazine with records includes a Morrissey and Marr interview by Roger Morton titled "Far From The Madding Crowd". The record features the Smiths' "Pretty Girls Make Graves".

Early 1984 - First And Last (UK fanzine)
Morrissey interview.

Early 1984 - Square Peg (UK)
Morrissey interview. Square Peg is an arts and culture magazine for the gay community.

Early 1984 - Rorschach Testing (UK fanzine)
Morrissey interview titled "Message Understood". Topics: Rough Trade, "Hand In Glove", "This Charming Man", various songs, charts, radio sessions, the debut album in the making, childhood and past, Sandie Shaw, Irish ancestry. Includes great very early photos of the band
Read transcript here

7 January 1984 - No. 1 (UK)
"If I Ruled The World" Morrissey interviewed by Karen Swayne. Topics: nightmares, technology, computers, television, video games, freedom, government, sex, past times, planning, language, dreams.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

February 1984 - Inside Out issue 1 (UK fanzine)
A short Morrissey interview, with very nice photographs on the cover and inside.

February 1984 - The Face (UK)
Smiths interview by Katie Neville "The Post-Cool School" / "Dreamer In The Real World". Photos by Steve Tynan. Topics: early success, what the songs are about, fans, etc.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

February 1984 - Zig Zag (UK)
Smiths interview by William Shaw "Glad All Over". Photo by Mitch Jenkins. Topics: ambitions, the pop business, sex, Morrissey's childhood.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

4 February 1984 - NME (UK)
Smiths on cover: "The Smiths' Winning Ways / Crisp 'n' Salty". The issue includes their best of 1983 poll results where The Smiths were voted best new act. The band, Morrissey or Marr are also listed at different positions in the 'best group', 'best male singer', 'best guitarist', 'best single', 'best songwriter', 'best dressed male' and 'most wonderful human being' categories. Photos by Anton Corbijn. Interview of Morrissey and Marr by Barney Hoskyns.

4 February 1984 - Record Mirror (UK)
Morrissey reviews the singles.

11 February 1984 - Record Mirror (UK)
"Morrissey: Is this man really a sex symbol?" / "Morrissey Dancing", a Morrissey interview by Andy Strikes. Photo on cover. Topics: success, moving to London, being a sex symbol, lyrics, ambition, the upcoming debut album.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

14 February 1984 - Melody Maker (UK)
"The Morrissey Inquisition" / "Morrissey Dancing", a Morrissey interview.

25 February 1984 - Sounds (UK)
Johnny Marr interview by Hugh Felder "Scratch 'n' Smiths". Photos by Paul Slattery. Topics: success, fans, Morrissey in the spotlight, playing live, recording the debut album, ambitions.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

February-March 1984 - The Bob issue #16 (USA)
This underground newspaper includes an interview with Morrissey.

March 1984 - City Life (Manchester, UK)
Morrissey and Marr interview. Cover photo.

3 March 1984 - No. 1 (UK)
Morrissey on the cover. Article inside on the Smiths' first tour.

3 March 1984 - Melody Maker (UK)
Lengthy interview/article conducted by Allan Jones in Reading in February 1984. Morrissey on the cover. Topics: Morrissey before the Smiths, loneliness, success, Smiths music and lyrics, giving interviews, sex and relationships, the debut album. Reprinted in the January 2006 issue of Uncut.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

24 March 1984 - Melody Maker (UK)
"Always Something There To Remind Me", interview?.

28 March - 25 April 1984 - Deadbeat issue 24 (Edinburgh, UK fanzine)
A short Morrissey interview, plus Morrissey's "Guide To Good Living" in which he lists his favourite records, books, films, charities, drinks, etc. Photo on the cover.

14 April 1984 - Melody Maker (UK)
"Johnny Marr The Strings Behind The Smiths", a Marr interview.

21 April 1984 - NME (UK)
"Onto A Shaw Thing", a Sandie Shaw interview by Adrian Thrills at the time of the release of her single with The Smiths. Photo by Derek Ridgers. Topics: her return to singing, her meeting Morrissey, Morrissey himself, future plans.

28 April 1984 - No. 1 (UK)
"Ian McCulloch meets Morrissey". Both of them on the cover.

May 1984 - Best #190 (France)
Includes a 2-page article with interviews by Georges Daublon with Morrissey and Marr. Also includes a review of the Loughborough concert.

4 May 1984 - Hot Press (Ireland)
Morrissey interview by Neil McCormick "The Secret Life Of Morrissey " / "All Men Have Secrets And These Are Morrissey's". Cover photo. Topics: image, Ireland, Manchester and London, before the Smiths, love life, being a pop star, fans, suicide, death, religion, happiness, the Smiths.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

5 May 1984 - Record Mirror (UK)
2 pages on the Smiths and Sandie Shaw. Sandie plus band minus Morrissey on cover. Sandie interviewed by Graham K. Topics: heroes, Morrissey, working with the Smiths, fame, eighties vs sixties,
Read transcript at Forever Ill

6 May 1984 - Jamming! #17 (UK)
Morrissey interview. Photos by Paul Cox and Russell Young. Topics: having something to say, sex, the Smiths vs the current music scene, the songwriting, success, etc.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

June 1984 - Youth Anthem (Belfast, UK fanzine)
Short Morrissey interview.

June 1984 - Rock Espezial (Spain)
Includes a phone interview with Johnny Marr. Topics: hype, musical influences, movies. Also includes other articles about The Smiths which contain many factual errors and theories. Most of all, they name Morrissey Paul and Marr Mars!

June 1984 - Creem (USA)
"Handsome Devils" / "Through Being Cool", a one page interview of Johnny Marr by Merle Ginsberg. Topics: being uncool, about the Smiths, other bands.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

June 1984 - Musician ( )
"Not The Jones" a brief Morrissey interview by Roy Trakin. Topics: success, Rough Trade, America, influences, videos.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

9 June 1984 - Record Mirror (UK)
Johnny Marr interview titled "The smiths talk sex, celibacy, spots, glands".

21 June 1984 - Rolling Stone (USA)
"Oscar! Oscar! Great Britain Goes Wilde For The 4th-Gender Smiths", a Morrissey interview by James Henke. This is the first interview to be published in the United States. It also is the controversial one which started with Henke claiming that Morrissey was gay. It prompted one of the first negative reaction by Morrissey to journalists. Other topics: his unhappy childhood, James Dean, Oscar Wilde, Margaret Thatcher.

21 June - 4 July 1984 - Smash Hits (UK)
"The Morrissey Collection". Morrissey interviewed by Ian Birch. Topics: heroes Oscar Wilde, James Dean and Billy Fury.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

July 1984 - The Face (UK)
"The Face Interview", Morrissey interview by Elissa Van Poznak. Photos by Davies & Starr. Topics: giving interviews, doing Pop Quiz, success, parents, before the Smiths, influences, cover stars, heroes, the Sandie Shaw collaboration, Whalley Range, poverty.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

4 August 1984 - Melody Maker (UK)
Morrissey reviews the singles.

September 1984 - Bluer Skies (UK fanzine)
Morrissey interview in this Echo & The Bunnymen fanzine.

8 September 1984 - Record Mirror (UK)
Smiths (yes all 4 members) interview. Cover photo of Morrissey hugging Marr. Topics: naming the Smiths, friends, the press, writing, success, guitars, Smiths lyrics, videos.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

3 November 1984 - Melody Maker (UK)
"The Smiths / Hats Off For Morrissey/A Hard Day's Misery". Morrissey on cover. Morrissey interview by Ian Pye. Topics: living in London, success, parents, school, James Dean, New York Dolls, America, Thatcher, videos, Top Of The Pops, current music scene, fashion, lyrics, sex.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

December 1984 - Jamming! #23 (UK)
"No Time To Reflect" / "Morrissey's Year". Morrissey interview by Russell Young. Morrissey on cover. Topics: 1984, success, heroes, interviews, living the rock and roll lifestyle, image, passions, ambitions.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

22-29 December 1984 - NME (UK)
"A Suitable Case For Treatment", Morrissey and Marr interview. Photos by Derek Ridgers. Topics: violence, upcoming Meat Is Murder album, schooldays, writing, Northern England, sixties, classes, sexuality, being poor, being miserable.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

?? 1984 - Undress (NME fashion supplement, UK)
Morrissey interview by Iain Webb. Topics: clothes, look, flowers, heroes, shopping.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

?? 1984 - Profile
Includes an interview with and black and white photos of Morrissey.

Late 1984 / Early 1985 - Sun Connection (UK fanzine)
Lengthy Morrissey interview.

January 1985 - Inside Out issue 2 (UK fanzine)
Johnny Marr interview and photos during the recording of the "Meat Is Murder" album at Ridge Farm Studios.

31 January 1985 - Smash Hits (UK)
"Meat Is Murder", Morrissey interview by Tom Hibbert. Photo on cover of Morrissey holding a kitten. Topics: meat, animal liberation, vegetarianism, pets, Band-Aid.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

14 February 1985 - Melody Maker (UK)
Interview?.

23 February 1985 - NME (UK)
Photo of Morrissey by Peter Anderson on cover. The issue includes their best of 1984 poll results where The Smiths were voted best group, Johnny Marr best instrumentalist and Morrissey/Marr best songwriters. The band, Morrissey or Marr are also listed at different positions in the 'best new act', 'best male singer', 'best single', 'best album', 'best dressed sleeve', 'best dressed person', 'most wonderful human being' and 'creep of the year' categories.

March / April 1985 - Running Order #3 (UK fanzine)
Morrissey interview by Robert Watts. Excerpts were later printed in Melody Maker.

March 1985 - Best #200 (France)
Morrissey interview by Jean-Eric Perrin. Also includes a review of Meat Is Murder.

7-13 March 1985 - Time Out
"No Sex, No Drugs, No Rock 'n' Roll, And Definitely No Royalty" / "This Charming Man". Morrissey on cover. Interview by Simon Garfield. Topics: tabloids, Band-Aid, being outspoken, the music industry, royalty, journalism, fashion, the Smiths.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

16 March 1985 - Melody Maker (UK)
"The Morrissey Inquisition" / "Trial By Jury", Morrissey interview by representatives of various fanzines (Robert Watts of Running Order, Dave Haslam from Debris, Tim Barlow from Eat Yourself Fitter, Rob Deacon from Abstract, Lesley O'Toole from Inside Out, Jon Story from Bucketfull Of Brains), edited by Allan Jones. Morrissey on the cover. Topics: giving interviews, pressure, adolescence, success, musical aims, entertainment vs art, violence, being an outsider, being a figurehead, "Meat Is Murder", schooldays, lyrics, love, touring.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

20 April 1985 - Sounds (UK)
"Sorrow's Native Son", a Morrissey interview by Antonella Black. Photo by Gavin Watson. Topics: happiness, love, fragility, celibacy, eroticism, sexuality.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

May 1985 - Rock De Lux (Spain)
Includes an essay on the Smiths story, through their discography, artwork, a collection of quotes from interviews and songs and their thoughts on their music and lyrics.

May 1985 - The Face (UK)
"Dreamer In The Real World", Morrissey and Marr interview by Nick Kent. Photographs by Nick Knight. Topics: his past, Manchester, early Smiths days, Morrissey's surname, the Moors murders, music while growing up, punk, journalism, working with each other.
Read transcript at Forever Ill
Note: the 120 min audio from this interview is available from bootleg traders.

May 1985 - Blitz (UK)
Morrissey interviews Pat Phoenix. Morrissey appears on the cover: "Wordsmith! Morrissey interviews Pat Phoenix".
Read transcript at Forever Ill

May 1985 - Zig Zag (UK)
Morrissey cover. Includes interview with Morrissey "Dance With A Stranger" / "Shakespeare or Bacon?" by Antonella Black. Topics: reserve, childhood, being different, being a figurehead, sex life, cars, leather,
Read transcript at Forever Ill

4 May 1985 - Oor (Netherlands)
Morrissey interview "Morrissey het nekvel van The Smiths" by Marc Mijlemans. Morrissey on cover, photo by Anton Corbijn. Topics include lyrics and the "Meat Is Murder" album.

25 May 1985 - NME (UK)
This issue came with a bonus 7" featuring a live version of "Girl Afraid".

June 1985 - Countdown (Australia)
Johnny Marr interview by Doug Adamson. The previous month's issue featured a band profile.

8 June 1985 - NME (UK)
Morrissey interview by Danny Kelly. "Feast Of Steven; Morrissey Fallen Angel or Media Megagod?" / "The Further Thoughts Of Chairman Mo". Photos by Douglas Cape on cover and inside. Topics: giving interviews, religion, the last tour, concerts, America, the record business, Morrissey vs other Smiths, current music scene, heroes, past, love, etc.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

24 June 1985 - People (USA)
"Roll Over Bob Dylan And Tell Madonna The News: The Smiths' Morrissey Is Pop's Latest Messiah", an article preparing the Americans to the first Smiths tour of the States. The article is memorable for containing a quote from Morrissey's sister Jacqueline.

3 August 1985 - Melody Maker (UK)
"Strumming For The Smiths" / "The Thoughts Of Chairman Marr", Johnny Marr interview by Barry McIlheney. Photo on cover and inside by Tom Sheehan. Topics: giving interviews, press, music business, music scene, concerts, the next album, looking back on the debut album, sixties vs eighties, Band Aid, musical influences.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

3 August 1985 - Record Mirror (UK)
Morrissey interview titled "The Smiths: Morrissey On Money, Immortality And America". Morrissey 'Fake' photo on cover with title "Morrissey - Fraud or Figurehead?". Topics include Smiths in America, success, Morrissey look-alikes, etc.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

3 August 1985 - No. 1 (UK)
Interview with Mike Joyce.

21 September 1985 - Record Mirror (UK)
"A Little Bit Of Soap", a Morrissey interview by Eleanor Levy about the British soap operas (Coronation Street, Crossroads, Eastenders, Brookside, Albion Market). Photo on cover and inside by Eamonn McCabe.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

October 1985 - Past, Present And Future issue 1 (UK fanzine)
Johnny Marr interview and many many pages of reviews and photos from the September 1985 Scottish tour. Issue 2 also featured some Smiths material.

5 October 1985 - The Hit (UK)
Morrissey interview by Paul DuNoyer: "Goons And Philistines". Photo on cover and inside by Iain ?. Topics: success, sports, George Formby, fashion, life, Smiths position.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

22 October 1985 - Smash Hits (UK)
"Morrissey And Pete Burns?!! The Very Odd Couple". Both interviewed by Ian Cranna and appear on cover. Inside: "A Friendship Made In Heaven". Topics: their friendship, meeting, success, etc.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

21 December 1985 - Melody Maker (UK)
"Quotes Of The Year" / "We'll Meat Again", very short interview in year retrospective issue.

?? 1985 - Star Hits (USA)
Morrissey answers twenty questions about topics such as sport, school, punk, drinking, smoking, sexuality, favourite things, doing his laundry, love, groiwng old, after-life, being a pop star, etc. Also includes a few paragraphs about "Hand In Glove".
Read transcript at Forever Ill

February 1986 - Creem (USA)
Article by Dave DiMartino "We'll Meat Again: Doing It Smiths-Style". Topics: fitting, being a Smith, journalists, America, Sire, "How Soon Is Now" video, etc.
Read transcript with photos at Forever Ill
Also available without photos at Creem website.

February 1986 - Record Mirror (UK)
Johnny Marr interview.

February 1986 - Creem (USA)
Includes a Smiths interview "We'll Meat Again Doing It Smiths-style".

March 1986 - Bizz #8 (Brazil)
"Smiths Estao Entre Nos". Article. Magazine comes with a flexi with the song "Still Ill"

8 March 1986 - NME (UK)
Includes their best of 1985 poll results where The Smiths were voted best group, Morrissey best singer, best haircut and best dressed person, "Meat Is Murder" album of the year, Morrissey/Marr best songwriters. The band, Morrissey or Marr are also listed at different positions in the 'best single', 'best live act', 'best dressed sleeve', 'most wonderful human being', 'best haircut', 'best video', 'worst dressed person' and 'biggest mouth' categories.

2 May 1986 - Muze
Interview?.

7 June 1986 - NME (UK)
Morrissey interview by Ian Pye: "Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em" / "Long Live The Queen". The photo by Cindy Palmano on the cover was voted in May 1993 in the NME's 40th anniversary issue as their best cover photo ever. Inside photo by Lawrence Watson. Topics: British writers, records, "The Queen Is Dead", the Smiths within the current music scene, royalty, fame, lyrics, depression, suicide, sexual models, etc.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

12 June 1986 - City Limits
Interview?

14 June 1986 - Sounds (UK)
Morrissey interview. On the cover: "Morrissey: Bigmouth bounces back."

14 June 1986 - Record Mirror (UK)
Johnny Marr interview by Eleanor Levy. He is on the cover. Topics: "The Queen Is Dead", Andy leaving the Smiths, problems with Rough Trade, the Smiths as heartthrobs.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

19 June 1986 - City Life
Interview?.

28 June 1986 - No. 1 (UK)
"Bigmouth Strikes Again", Morrissey interviewed by Max Bell. Photographs by Ian McKell. Topics: royalty, Andy's short leave of the Smiths, "The Queen Is Dead", traveling in England, death.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

September 1986 - Spin (USA)
"Spirit In The Dark", article by Jessica Berens which includes many Morrissey quotes.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

27 September 1986 - Melody Maker (UK)
"Home Thoughts From Abroad", Morrissey interview by Frank Owen in Cleveland on the "Queen Is Dead" tour. Topics: sex, black music, Manchester, its gay scene, 1970s, etc.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

October 1986 - City Life no.64 (UK)
Morrissey interview. Topics: religion, the decline of Coronation Street, the Smiths' defection to a major label, Morrissey's views on his home city, etc. The interview was reprinted in a special anniversary issue at the end of 1998.

October 1986 - Graffiti (Canada)
"Morrissey Makes Six Points", a Morrissey interview by Mike Allen. Topics: Rough Trade, touring, politics, videos, literature, the Smiths future.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

9 October 1986 - Rolling Stone (USA)
"Keeping Up With The Smiths", an article with by David Fricke with Morrissey quotes. Topics: the New York Dolls, the Smiths within the 80s music scene, "The Queen Is Dead", sixties singles, writing, etc.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

20 November 1986 - Midweek (??)
Features a 2-page interview with Morrissey.

??? 1986 - Star Hits (USA)
Morrissey reviews The Singles. This must have been done in 1984, as these singles were released in late October / early November of that year. This is probably a reprint from the UK Smash Hits.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

?? 1986 - Star Hits (USA)
"Personal File", Morrissey fills in a questionnaire.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

14 February 1987 - Record Mirror (UK)
"Visionary Outcast or Egotistical Twit" / "The Boy In The Bubble", a Morrissey interview by Stuart Bailie. Photo on cover. Topics: the harsh truth of the camera eye, "Shoplifters Of The World Unite" and other recent songs, British music, the current music scene, jealousy, sexuality, the interview with Pete Burns, moving on to EMI, "The World Won't Listen".
Read transcript at Forever Ill

14 February 1987 - NME (UK)
Includes "Exile On Mainstream" an interview with Marr by Danny Kelly, and their best of 1986 poll results where The Smiths were voted best in most categories. Band on cover "The Smiths Caught Red-Handed". Photographs by Lawrence Watson. Topics: Marr's role within the Smiths, the American tour, signing with EMI, dance music, their audience, Andy Rourke's short leave,etc.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

21 February 1987 - Oor (Netherlands)
Morrissey interview "The Smiths, Morrissey: de prins van de pijn", an interview by Martin Aston. Morrissey on cover, photo by Sunshine. Topics: giving interviews, fans, promotion, the past and the present, success and fame , his importance in the music world, "The Queen Is Dead" album and its individual tracks, suicide and death, camp. If you subscribed to the magazine through this issue, you got a "World Won't Listen" LP, a "Shoplifters..." carrier bag and a "Shoplifters..." t-shirt or a "World Won't Listen" cd. An english translation of this interview was printed in 2004 in the Q/Mojo special edition dedicated to the Smiths and Morrissey.

7 March 1987 - Bam
Johnny Marr interview.

12 March 1987 - Hot Press (Ireland)
Interview with Johnny Marr. Topics: his youth, the Smiths leaving Rough Trade, Andy Rourke, the fans, celebrity, Craig Gannon.

April 1987 - The Face (UK)
"Fashion Cares!" / "The Band With The Thorn In His Side", a lengthy Smiths story by Nick Kent. Photographs by Lawrence Watson. Topics: recent releases and tour, Andy's drug problem, the Smiths' change of direction, moving on to EMI.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

July 1987 - Creem (USA)
Interview titled "The Smiths Strangeways Have Found Us" / "Memo From Morrissey" by Andy Hughes. Morrissey and Marr on cover. Topics: America, interviews, videos, new releases.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

August 1987 - Record Collector (UK)
Story and complete UK discography by Lorne Murdoch.

August 1987 - Q Magazine #11 (UK)
Morrissey "He did it his way" / "Oh Such Drama". An interview by Paul Du Noyer. Morrissey on cover. Topics: Smiths story to "Strangeways Here We Come", North vs London, past, future with EMI, heroes, personal matters, management, touring.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

August 1987 - Star Hits
Includes a centerfold poster of The Smiths.

August 1987 - Sound Engineer + Producer
Includes an interview with Stephen Street about working with the Smiths as a producer: "The Fifth Smith". Topics: writing, recording and mixing, particularly the "Strangeways Here We Come" album.

1 August 1987 - NME (UK)
The first article about the split "Smiths To Split Up?".

8 August 1987 - NME (UK)
"Why I Quit" / "Marr Speaks", Johnny Marr discusses leaving The Smiths.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

26 August - 8 September 1987 - Smash Hits (UK)
Morrissey interview by Chris Heath. Topics: royalty, relatives, celibacy, Smiths audience, happiness, crying, friends, the end of the Smiths
Read transcript at Forever Ill

12 September 1987 - NME (UK)
"Tomb It May Concern", an interview?.

26 September 1987 - Melody Maker (UK)
Morrissey interview by Gary Leboff "Goodbye Cruel World" / "How Soon Is Now?". Topics: "Strangeways Here We Come", signing to EMI, writing, fame, disability chic, the Smiths' position.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

September/October 1987 - Les Inrockuptibles #8 (France)
Legendary Morrissey interview done on 8th September 1987 by Christian Ferret. This is where Morrissey officially announced the end of the Smiths. Photos by Andrew Catlin. This was reprinted in at least two anthologies of interviews from Les Inrockuptibles. The first one titled "Le Rock Anglais" published by La Sirène, and the second one at the end of 1996 for the 10th anniversary of the magazine.

October 1987 - I-D (UK)
"Mr Smith All Mouth And Trousers?", a Morrissey interview by Dylan Jones with photographs by Richard Croft. Topics: British music, England, living in the past, sex, love, the end of the Smiths, audience, "Strangeways Here We Come".
Read transcript at Forever Ill

April 1988 - Record Collector (UK)
List of collectible rarities by country of release put together by Mark Thompson. Morrissey appears on cover.

9 April 1988 - NME
"The Mad Chatter", a collection of Morrissey quotes from the pages of the NME. Topics: growing up, schoodays, being a Smith, clothes, love, celibacy, heroes, villains, power, pop, politics, etc.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

September 1988 - The Catalogue (UK)
Morrissey interview by Richard Boon with a full Smiths discography in this indie trade paper. Photos by Birrer, Steve Wright, Eric Watson, Richard Kerber. Topics: "Rank", the early Rough Trade days, major labels and artistic control at EMI, Derek Jarman. The issue came with a flexi with a live version of "London".
Read transcript at Forever Ill

December 1988 - Spiral Scratch #3
Lengthy article about The Smiths, with an interview record.

24 December 1988 - Sounds (UK)
Includes a 4 page Smiths story. Not on cover.

Early 1989 - International Musician And Recording World
Johnny Marr interview. Quite technical.

Early 1989 - Debris issue 19 (Manchester, UK fanzine)
The first Johnny Marr interview since the split where he his given the chance to talk about it.

24 June 1989 - NME (UK)
"Johnny, Remember Me?", a Johnny Marr interview by Dave Haslam. Topics: the split, collaborations, giving interviews, musical influences, journalism, Manchester.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

August 1989 - Best (France)
Smiths history and unpublished photos from the Smiths 1984 visit to France.

August/September 1989 - Les Inrockuptibles #18 (France)
Smiths retrospective by Nick Kent and Johnny Marr interview by Dave Haslam. Morrissey and Marr on the cover. Inside photos by Andy Catlin for the Smiths retro, and by Todd for the Johnny Marr interview. Interview topics: the end of the Smiths, new collaborations, being a spokesperson for causes, musical influences, best memories of the Smithdays, the Smiths sound, Manchester.

September 1989 - Musician
Johnny Marr discusses his studio work with Bowie, Jagger, McCartney and Chrissie Hynde among others. Marr basically wrote most of the article

5 and 19 September 1989 - Uptown (UK)
To coincide with the Smiths-influenced stage play "If You Have Five Seconds To Spare", this Manchester student paper published a previously unseen interview. Topics: Morrissey's teenage years and his icons.

23 September 1989 - Melody Maker (UK)
This issue came with a 20-page history of the Smiths/Morrissey supplement as a part of their "bands of the 80s" series. Includes many photos, Morrissey quotes and discography.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

January 1990 - Guitar Player (USA)
Johnny Marr interview by Joe Gore titled "Memorable Marrscapes" / "Guitar Anti-Hero Johnny Marr, The Smiths And Beyond". Marr on cover. Topics: his side projects, Electronic, favourite Smiths records, the making of Smiths records, "Rank", his alcoolism, the Smiths split.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

10 March 1990 - The Independent (UK)
The week-end section features a guide to the Smiths and Morrissey landmarks around Manchester, with photos and map.

20 April 1991 - NME (UK)
"From The Smiths To Electronic, The Ultimate Johnny Marr interview". Marr also appears on the cover.

25 May 1991 - NME (UK)
"There's A Bignose Who Knows", a list of sources that have inspired Morrissey's lyrics, cover artwork, etc. put together by Stuart Maconie, David Quantick and Len Brown.

July 1991 - Vox (UK)
The Smiths first year. Moz on cover. "The Smiths, the first 12 months".

August 1991 - Crossbeat (Japan)
Japanese translation of the April 1991 Creem interview plus interviews of the other Smiths members. Part of a lengthy Smiths special.

November-December 1991 - Morri'Zine (USA fanzine)
Mike Joyce interview. Topics: his touring with the Buzzcocks, his previous working with Sinead O'Connor, Electronic, the Smiths, the split, conventions, music.

January 1992 - Popular Music vol.11 no. 1
Essay by Julian Stringer titled "The Smiths: repressed (but remarkably dressed)".

May 1992 - Record Hunter (UK)
Includes a feature about the Smiths on Rough Trade Records.

June 1992 - Vox (UK)
"At Last The Real Story". Photos, including cover, by SIN, LFI, Retna, Prial Press, Stephen Wright. Many articles about the Smiths, this is almost a special issue about the band: news about possible reunion, "The Wit & Wisdom Of Morrissey" (a collection of quotes), "What Difference Did It Make?" a Smiths story written by Johnny Rogan, "The Ex-Smiths" by Mike Pattenden and Dirk Stallmann covers Andy Rourke, Craig Gannon and Mike Joyce post-Smiths work, "More Stars Than There Are In Heaven" is rundown of people having graced covers of Smiths releases, finally "Hammer And Tongs", a review of "The Severed Alliance".

November 1992 - Record Collector (UK)
Feature on The Smiths collectables, including a "Top 100 rarities" by Mark Thompson. Morrissey and Marr on cover. First part of Johnny Marr interview by Johnny Rogan who later published the "Severed Alliance" biography. Topics: early days, Rough Trade, sessions for the debut album, writing with Morrissey, Andy's drug problems, management, recordings various songs and albums, being a Smith, the end of the Smiths.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

December 1992 - Record Collector (UK)
Second part of Johnny Marr interview by Johnny Rogan. See part 1 for topics covered.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

December 1992 - Les Inrockuptibles (France)
"Petite Mort" ("Small Death"), a Johnny Marr interview by Johnny Rogan about the Smiths. Photos by Paul Slattery. Topics: partnership with Morrissey, Rough Trade, writing methods, the debut album, "Meat Is Murder", "The Queen Is Dead", Andy Rourke's drug problems, pressure, 1986 tour, the final recording sessions and the end of the band.

April 1993 - Select (UK)
Joyce and Rourke interview by David Cavanagh titled "The Good Lieutenants". Photos by Rosa Weekes. Topics: the debut album, writing with Morrissey, "Meat Is Murder", vegetarianism, "The Queen Is Dead", "Strangeways Here We Come".
Read transcript at Forever Ill

20 November 1993 - NME (UK)
The Smiths on the cover "Reunite and take over. Have Morrissey and Marr patched it up?".

December 1993 - Select (UK)
"It's time the tale were told ... Johnny Marr on the Smiths" / "The Secret History", Marr interview by Stuart Macone. Photos of Marr on the cover and inside by Steve Pyke. Topics: various collaborations, being a guitarist, the Smiths, early days, rundown of various releases in chronological order, relations within the group.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

January 1994 - Q Magazine #88 (UK)
"The Greatest Story Never Told" / "Nothing To Declare But Their Genius", a retrospective of the Smiths' career, put together by David Cavanaugh with interviews of Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce, Geoff Travis, John Porter, Stephen Street, and many other people who were involved. Photographs by Paul Slattery, all previously published elsewhere.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

4 March 1994 - Goldmine (USA)
"Panic In The Streets Of Manchester". A guide for collecting Smtihs and solo Morrissey records (with many errors).

April 1994 - Record Collector #176 (UK)
Johnny Rogan interview by Peter Doggett around the release of his "Visual Documentary".

July 1994 - Q Magazine #94 (UK)
Smiths on the cover and inside.

October 1994 - Q Magazine #97 (UK)
Retrospective on Morrissey's artwork for the release of Jo Slee's "Peepholism" book. She is interviewed by Martin Aston. The article contains quite a lot of info from Jo Slee herself which is not found in "Peepholism". Photos by Linder Sterling and Chris Taylor.

May 1995 - Total Guitar vol. 6 (UK)
Johnny Marr on cover and interview. Includes the tablature to "William, It Was Really Nothing" and the song itself on an accompanying cd.

September 1995 - Record Collector (UK)
Smiths story and discography.

September 1995 - CD And Record Buyer #1 (UK)
Has a feature on The Smiths, including their Top 50 rarities.

1996 - Bodies Of Writing, Bodies In Performance (New York, USA)
Includes a 30 pages essay by Nadine Hubbs titled "Music of the 'Fourth Gender': Morrissey and the Sexual Politics of Melodic Contour".

August 1996 - Record Collector (UK)
"Heaven Knows I'm Expensive Now", a story on Smiths demos by Johnny Rogan.

6 November 1996 - Les Inrockuptibles #78 (France)
A special supplement came with this 10th anniversary issue, listing the top 100 albums of the last 10 years. The cover is the original Alain Delon photo from the movie L'Insoumis which served as the cover of the album they voted as the number one of the past decade, "The Queen Is Dead".

January 1997 - Guitar Magazine (UK)
"From The Smiths To Electronic" / "This Chiming Man", a Johnny Marr interview about The Smiths releases and other post-Smiths projects. Some transcriptions to play a few Smiths riffs. Marr appears on the cover.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

1 February 1997 - Melody Maker (UK)
"Morrissey, Marr, Mike, Money and Me". Andy Rourke talks about the court case.
Read transcript at Morrissey-solo

March 1997 - Select (UK)
"Devious, Truculent And Unreliable", a story of the court case by Johnny Rogan. Huge drawing by Sian Francis. Various new and previously published photos by RIP, Peter Anderson, Alpha, Stephen Wright, Steve Gillett and Tom Sheehan.

June 1997 - Vox (UK)
"Music For The Wilted Generation", Ian Fortnam tells the story of the Smiths by putting together articles and interviews of the band in the pages of the NME.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

August 1997 - Mojo (UK)
Mike Joyce interview by Johnny Rogan. Topics: his first and last days with The Smiths.
Read transcript at Morrissey-solo

March 1998 - Total Guitar (UK)
"What Difference Does It Make?" was chosen as the classic track for this issue, so there is an article on it, and guitar tablature among other things. The magazine came with a free cd.

August 1998 - Total Guitar (UK)
This issue came with a cd with "Back To The Old House", the instructions inside on how to play it acoustic, and a few words on the band.

November 1998 - Magpie (Ireland)
Includes a short questionnaire to Mike Joyce. The magazine is a guide to Western Ireland (Galway), where Joyce's family originates.

April 1999 - GQ (UK)
Includes a short interview with Marr where he discusses his clothing line Elk.

April 1999 - Uncut (UK)
Electronic interview where Marr talks a lot about The Smiths. Electronic on cover: "The Agony And The Ecstasy / Johnny Marr On The Secret History Of The Smiths". Inside: "Getting Away With It". Photos (many previously printed elsewhere) by Tom Sheehan, Kevin Cummins, Retna, Andrew Catlin, Ebet Roberts.

September 1999 - What's In? ES (Japan)
Has Johnny Marr on the cover and interview with Mike and Andy about the Smiths, inside.

October 1999 - Total Guitar vol. 62 (UK)
Includes the tablature to "William, It Was Really Nothing" and the song itself on an accompanying cd.

November 1999 - Rhythm (UK)
Interview of Mike Joyce by Pat Reid with photos by Gavin Roberts. Mike talks about the Smiths and his upcoming book on the band.

December 1999 - Alternative Press (USA)
Short Mike Joyce interview. Topics includes his website and reuniting the Smiths.

February 2000 - Select (UK)
"The Pro-Joyce Campaign" includes an interview with Mike Joyce where he talks about his feelings on reuniting the Smiths and about writing a book of his experiences in the band.
Read transcript at Morrissey-solo

March 2000 - Mojo (UK)
"Time Machine - The Smiths Smash Top 3", flashback story by Andrew Perry to March 1984. The recording of "What Difference Does It Make?" with John Porter and Mike Joyce on the making of the cover artwork of the debut album.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

July 2000 - Designer Magazine (online)
Includes an interview with Mike Joyce which mentions bit about being in the Smiths, and the court case against Morrissey.
Read partial transcript here (scroll halfway down the page).

August 2000 - Mojo (UK)
"Songs Of The North", a short article about the Morrissey and Marr writing partnership, with bits of interviews with Johnny Marr.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

February 2001 - Q Magazine (UK)
Contains an article titled "31 January 1984 - 20 March 1984: The Smiths' First UK Tour" by Johnny Rogan, Mick Middles and John Robertson. Includes accounts by Johnny Marr, Geoff Travis, and Sandie Shaw to name a few.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

April 2001 - Mojo (UK)
"Heroine, Brutality and two light ales please". Special issue where the Smiths and Morrissey are heavily covered. Main feature "Trouble At Mill / The Queen Is Dead And Beyond" is an article about the period from "The Queen Is Dead" to the split. It includes interviews with Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke. Also includes "Fame Fame Fatal Fame", "Go West Young Man", 6 pages on Morrissey during his tour in the U.S in 1992 and "LA Confidential" a four page interview with the man himself.
Read transcript at Forever Ill.

June 2001 - Q Magazine (UK)
"The World Won't Listen" was featured in this special issue "The 100 Best Record Covers Of All Time. Includes interviews of Rough Trade's Geoff Travis, Johnny Marr and Jo Slee.
Read transcript at Forever Ill

October 2001 - Record Collector (UK)
"The Smiths Lost Tracks", an article about unreleased Smiths music.

September 2002 - Uncut (UK)
The story of the making of "Strangeways Here We Come", by Simon Goddard with the help of Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke.

appr. May 2003 - Designer Magazine (UK)
Includes a Mike Joyce interview where he talks about being in the Smiths.
Read transcript at Morrissey-solo

June 2003 - Record Collector (UK)
Includes article by Simon Goddard (who published a book titled "Songs That Saved Your Life" about the story of Smiths songs). The article talks about the records that influenced the Smiths. The magazine also includes an illustrated discography.

7 June 2003 - NME (UK)
This issue came with a special supplement devoted to the Smiths for the band's 20th anniversary. Includes old interviews, album reviews, letters Morrissey wrote to the paper, etc.

May 2004 - Q Magazine (UK) and Mojo (USA) special edition
148p. special edition about the Smiths and Morrissey. Includes new interviews with Johnny Marr and others, untold stories and unseen photographs, Morrissey's record collection, rarities and collectibles, reviews and more.

June or July 2004 - Word (UK)
Includes interviews with Johnny Marr and Mike Joyce about the story and the end of the Smiths.

January 2005 - Sound On Sound (UK)
Includes a feature on the recording of "The Queen Is Dead", with extensive input from producer Stephen Street. Read from the magazine's webpage.

June 2005 - Record Collector (UK)
This issue featured an updated top 100 Smiths rarities list.

appr. August 2005 - Filter Mini (USA?)
Features news about Andy Rourke and his top ten Smiths songs. Read from a scan.

January 2006 - Uncut (UK)
Lengthy article by Simon Goddard about the making (writing, recording, artwork) of the "The Queen Is Dead" album, on the eve of the album's 20th anniversary. Includes comments by Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce. Also includes an old interview with Morrissey that originally appeared in March 1984 in Melody Maker.

24 February 2006 - Guardian (UK)
Features a short Johnny Marr story about the making of "How Soon Is Now?".

24 February 2006 - The Independent (UK)
"The Smiths: Johnny Marr Looks Back" has Johnny Marr reminisce about the "The Queen Is Dead" album. Read from their online edition.

March 2006 - Q Classic - Morrissey & The Story Of Manchester (UK)
This special edition of Q Magazine includes interviews with members of all major bands from Manchester, England, including one with each member of the Smiths.

March 2006 - Bass Player (UK)
This interview with Andy Rourke includes Smiths content. Read an excerpt here.

10 June 2006 - NME (UK)
This special issue celebrating the 20th anniversary of the "The Queen Is Dead" album featured an interview with Johnny Marr, a track-by-track guide to the recording of the album, the initial 1986 NME review, a look at how the album influenced a new generation, etc.

May 2007 - Q Magazine (UK)
This issue featured an extensive article by Smiths biographer Simon Goddard titled "The Last Days Of the Smiths / The Last Rites".

July 2007 – Clash Magazine (UK)
Mike Joyce interview about the Smiths on the week of release of the "Inside The Smiths" DVD documentary.

9-15 July 2007 – The Big Issue In The North (UK)
Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke are interviewed about the Smiths on the week of release of their "Inside The Smiths" DVD documentary.

13 July 2007 – The Metro (UK)
Short Andy Rourke interview about the Smiths on the week of release of the "Inside The Smiths" DVD documentary.

23 July 2007 – Guardian Unlimited (UK)
Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke talk about the music that inspired them on the week of release of the "Inside The Smiths" DVD documentary.

July or August 2007 - Mojo (UK)
This issue featured a Johnny Marr interview, a review of the "Inside The Smiths" DVD documentary including an interview with Mike Joyce and a eighties section with a feature on "Hatful Of Hollow". It also came with a free set of 5 eighties badges, one of which showing Morrissey and Johnny from the Smiths days.

September 2007 - The Word (UK)
Johnny Marr interview by Andrew Harrison features interesting Smiths content.

September 2007 - Esquire (UK)
Johnny Marr interview by Shaun Phillips features interesting Smiths content.

31 January 2008 - Hotpress (Ireland)
Mike Joyce interview. Topics: how he feels about Morrissey, the Smiths, what makes a great drummer, early Dublin Smiths gigs, drumming to Smiths tunes as opposed to others, his feelings after leaving, creativity within the The Smiths, etc.

March 2008 - Mojo(UK)
This issue featured the Smiths on the cover and a 24-page special on the Smiths inside. Nothing new was revealed but the special included an interview with Mike Joyce talking about the band.

Quotes:

From Oor magazine, Feb. 1987 (answering a question about enjoying interviews):
"I think the main thing is that I very rarely recognise the actual interview in print. To me, it's like being painted by an artist. And then you see the picture, and they've painted someone else."

Also, from the 1980s:
"Because I'm interviewed so much and in so many ways I'm almost always asked the same questions. When these things emerge in print it constantly seems as though I'm saying the same things all the time and I can imagine that boring people to death very quickly. So it's really just a harder job for me and I have to think about things a little more.