The Smyths kick off three nights at the Brudenell Social Club bringing the legendary songs of The Smiths to Leeds

The Smyths playing the songs of The Smiths on stage in Leeds at Brudenell Social Club
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


The iconic songs of The Smiths echoed throughout the Brudenell Social Club as The Smyths kicked off their three-night residency at the iconic Leeds venue.

While the recent ceasefire between Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher was somewhat unexpected, it is fair to say that the chances of the Smiths civil war between Morrissey and Johnny Marr ending, with hours wasted on Ticketmaster, seem incredibly thin. In the last few days, we’ve seen the latter rather pointedly issue a statement that included the words ‘I didn’t ignore the offer - I said no’ when, yet another, proposal of a reunion of the Smiths was forwarded.

So, instead, a very welcome opportunity to hear those era-defining songs of the Smiths live comes in the shape of the Smyths. The Glastonbury faves, regulars on the touring circuit, are much more than a tribute, it is clear the four-piece are a loving homage to Morrissey, Marr, Rourke and Joyce.

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Taking to the stage after Billy Blagg, performing the songs of Billy Bragg, warmed up the Brudenell, Thursday evening was a singalong of Smiths classics as a sold out crowd expressed their love for the band. It is fair to say, Leeds holds the Smyths, formed in 2004, in special affection also.

Thursday night was the group’s first evening of three at the Queen’s Road venue. All sold out. The band’s Morrissey, Graham Sampson, declared early on: “There’s nowhere that loves this band quite like Leeds. And, there’s nowhere we love quite like Leeds.” He joked a Wednesday might have to be added when the Smyths return to the Brudenell in the September of 2025.

On Thursday, Sampson impressed greatly, capturing those distinctive Morrissey vocals and on-stage movements and sways. He even managed to style out a slight bump to the head from a Brundenell speaker.

William, It Was Really Nothing and There is a Light That Never Goes Out were early highlights. The latter gave Andy Munro, the Smyths’ Marr, a chance to excel with that unmistakable guitar sound of the Smiths.

Unsurprisingly, given the strength of the back catalogue, coupled with the skillful performance, the setlist was a hit with those in attendance. The Boy With the Thorn in His side, Ask, Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now and Shoplifters of the World Unite receiving great enthusiasm.

The addition of Morrissey’s The Last of the Famous International Playboys was a welcome touch. While, there’s also no denying it is nice to be presented with a Morrissey who doesn’t leave you feeling conflicted - as unfortunately the real one has a habit of doing due to behaviour of recent times.

As the thoroughly enjoyable evening neared a close, the Smyths’ bigmouth Sampson said: “Thank you very much for the remarkable support of what we do, which is to keep the music of the Smiths alive in every sense.”

He added: “We love this place, it's a wonderful venue.” The Leeds mecca soon heard that emphatic How Soon is Now? riff as the Smyths brought the night to a close.

Judging by the demand, we might not be far off the Smyths holding a week-long Brudenell residency.

Setlist

  • William, It Was Really Nothing

  • What Difference Does It Make?

  • Barbarism Begins at Home

  • That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore

  • There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

  • Hand in Glove

  • The Boy With the Thorn in His Side

  • Still Ill

  • These Things Take Time

  • Ask

  • Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now

  • Shoplifters of the World Unite

  • Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others

  • This Charming Man

  • Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me

  • I Know It's Over

  • Sheila Take a Bow

  • The Last of the Famous International Playboys

  • Bigmouth Strikes Again

  • Well I Wonder

  • How Soon Is Now?

Setlist courtest of Setlist.fm. You can see the latest listing for Brudenell Social Club by visiting the venue's website.

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