The Smiths - (HQ) What Difference Does It Make - May 4, 1984 (7 of 10)

The Smiths
Markthalle, Hamburg, Germany
May 4, 1984

This is one of the best complete live shows of the Smiths ever captured on film or video. Together just five years, they produced only four studio LPs (and assorted collections) that mark them as one of a handful of the most influential and important bands of the alternative-rock, post-punk era. Had they not broken up before the release of their fourth and final studio LP, they would surely be mentioned in the same breath as R.E.M. and U2.

Note Morrissey's attire, typical for 1984:

- Large blouse held together by one button
- NHS specs
- Flowers in the back pocket
- Attitude to burn

Also note the dazzlingly original and subtle guitar work of Johnny Marr.

Recorded in Hamburg, Germany, less than three months after their debut album, THE SMITHS, was released (20 Feb 1984).

Personnel:

Morrissey (Steven) - v
Johnny Marr - g
Andy Rourke - b
Mike Joyce - dr

Setlist:

01. Hand In Glove
02. Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now
03 Girl Afraid
04 This Charming Man I
05 Pretty Girls Make Graves
06 Still Ill
07 Crack On The Head I
08 This Night Has Opened My Eyes
09 Miserable Lie
10 You've Got Everything Now
11 Handsome Devil
12 What Difference Does It Make

Encore 1:
13 These Things Take Time
14 This Charming Man II

Encore 2:
15 Hand In Glove II

Encore 3:
16 Crack On The Head II
(Crack On The Head = Barbarism Begins At Home)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Smiths
• 84
• 1984
• concert
• live
• show
• germany
• Morrissey
• Johnny
• Marr
• Andy
• Rourke
• Mike
• Joyce
• what
• difference
• does
• it
• make

[kenjames64]

jeez, if you're British or feel some affinity for the Queen's territories: Great band. Yes, a seminal influence on all music, even that crap outside of the UK. No, neither U2 nor REM are as good. Marr: Best guitarist ever. U2, sucks. Smiths: trailblazers. REM: not so good. Irony: only the Smiths. Lame: Everyone else.

[00roastedlampost00]

"The devil will find work for idle hands to do" - for example taking off one's pink flowery blouse onstage and waving it about like a magic wand...... Rock on Mozza ;)

[Renegademaster15]

Had they not broken up before the release of their fourth and final studio LP, they would surely be mentioned in the same breath as R.E.M. and U2.

I'm sorry but in England they are much more influential and highly regarded than these two

[auweia9]

4:49 no dustbin..no time.. throw away.. :D

[sdsuedeheadsd]

good god...why is the audio so LOW?

[nevertrustamouse]

@042766 yes, you're correct. i saw the smiths in 1986 at the london palladium. they were as great as people say they were. its one of the only advantages of being over 40 and British! i got to see em all.

[princessprojector]

That's some pretty convincing and enjoyable howling!

[042766]

I'd take it you poll any Brit over 40 if they asked who they'd rather see again in their heyday - either The Smiths or The Jam - would be extremely close - as much as I would like to give it to Marr and co., probably Weller wins out in the end.

[supercollider808]

the only other band to equal their talent is radiohead

[tracehazarrrrd]

@toomanybeaners might have been this charming man, no wonder my day took an uptick, haha :D

[dean24uk]

@Renegademaster15 i agree with what you say. but the smiths are better than r.e.m and u2 put together. the smiths are in the top 5 best British bands ever

[toomanybeaners]

@kenjames64 morrissey(solo) has some good stuff to

[toomanybeaners]

@tracehazarrrrd what song? i bet that was an employee request