Shop me if you think you've heard this one before...
When a young photographer named Stephen Wright was hired to take pictures of The Smiths in November 1985, he was blissfully unaware of the iconic status the shots would acquire. The taxi to Salford Lads Club left him skint and with no other option than to walk home; whilst a youthful, if slightly forlorn, Morrissey regretted not wearing his new cardigan.
Unbeknownst to all involved a bond was formed that would endure for decades to come. The famous 'Lads Club shot was featured on the inner gatefold sleeve (ask your dad or a hipster) of the album The Queen is Dead. It has since become one of the most readily identifiable images of modern music.
The seminal shots of The Smiths outside of Salford Lads Club have helped to make the club a major tourist attraction and a Mecca for Morrissey's devout fan base. Although 31 years have passed since the two fates became intertwined, this alliance has not been severed. Whilst performing The Queen is Dead live, Morrissey has been known to reference the club in the lyrics.
The enigmatic front man has always had a hands-on role in how and where his work is promoted. Morrissey insists on all venues being meat-free when he appears. He is a passionate activist and even considered running for London Mayor to promote animal rights. It was fitting that last year he opened his first pop-up shop at Battersea Dogs Home.
It is a fitting and astute touch that brings the Morrissey connection back to St Ignatius Walk. Clearly, Morrissey feels strongly about the work and support provided by the volunteers at Salford Lad Club and is proud of this union, and after over thirty years he has directly reconnected himself with the place.
On 20th August he returns home to play Manchester Arena and has used the opportunity to open a pop-up shop at the Club. The shop will stock many items from Morrissey's popular Mporium range, and t-shirts, vinyl and books will available alongside Salford Lads Club merchandise.
Meanwhile, Salford's Future Artists will be opening 'a pop up gallery of convenience' on the weekend of the gig at its Home of Honest Coffee on Chapel Street, a five minute walk from the Arena. It features photos of Morrissey and The Smiths by Lawrence Watson, many also taken outside Salford Lads Club, and follows a big recent exhibition at the Future Artists Studios next door (see previous Salford Star article click here).
Salford Lads Club Mpourium
St Ignatius Walk, M5 3RX
Friday 19th August 10.30am - 4.30pm
Saturday 20th August 10.30am - 4.30pm
Sunday 21st August 10.30am - 3pm
See the website for more details click here
Morrissey and The Smiths by Lawrence Watson
Home of Honest Coffee
77-79 Chapel Street, Salford, M35BZ
Friday August 19th noon-3pm
Saturday August 20th noon-3pm
Sunday August 21st noon-3pm
See the website for more details click here
Words by Ian Leslie
* Photos by Lawrence Watson
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