1983 Interviews

Time out – 8 December 1983

“Short, introductory about The Smiths’ newfound success, including a brief interview with Morrissey.”

“‘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!”

Sounds – 24 December 1983

“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.”

Smash Hits – 10 November 1983

“Short interview by Ian Birch. Topics: the origin of the band’s name, and the use of flowers.”

Record Mirror – 12 November 1983

“‘Strictly Shrub-wise’, a Morrissey interview by Graham K. Smith. Topics: being a sex symbol, Rough Trade, the 60s, sex, writing.”

No. 1 – 26 November 1983

“Short Morrissey interview, covering topics such as modernity, the use of flowers, and gender roles. Also includes the lyrics to “This charming man”.”

NME – 17 September 1983

“‘Portrait Of The Artist As A Consumer’, a list of Morrissey’s favourite records, films, books and symbolists. Photo by Joelle Depont.”

NME – 24 September 1983

“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.

NME – 14 May 1983

“Crisp Songs And Salted Lyrics”, most likely the first NME interview. Conducted by Cath Carroll. The interview included one line by Mike Joyce.”

Melody Maker – 3 September 1983

“‘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”

i-D – February 1983

“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”.

Him Issue # 61 – 1983

Morrissey interview by Catherine Miles. Topics: homoerotic lyrics, playing gay venues, the gay clubbing scene, being a sex symbol, homoerotic artwork, fame.

Rox Issue # 23 – 1983

“A Morrissey and Johnny Marr interview by Rob Graham. Topics: first touches of fame, the music scene, money, Morrissey himself and Johnny talks guitars.”

The Underground (Fanzine) Issue #2, 1983

Issue no 2 of this fanzine which was put together by Flatmates guitarist and Subway boss Martin Whitehead features an interview with Morrissey and Marr. Co-interviewer: Dave Moral. Topics: signing with independent label Rough Trade instead of a major, being an independent band, ambitions, songwriting, music, its powers and its impending death, the greatness of…

Sounds – 19 November 1983

“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.”

Debris Issue #2 – November 1983

“Morrissey interview by Dave Haslam. Topics: the very first single bought, being part of pop music tradition, musical heroes, favourite films, writing lyrics, fame, being interviewed, flowers, Rough Trade, the New York mix of “This Charming Man”, ‘the cult of the beautiful’, “Handsome Devil” and sexual segregation, the perfect night ‘in’, the future.”