The Smiths star Mike Joyce reveals unexpected fact about bandmate and addresses reunion rumours

Some 42 years ago, four ‘unlikely’ lads from Manchester joined forces to become The Smiths.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Going on to become one of the most recognisable acts of all time, the band - made up of Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce - became pioneers of the city’s music scene. Their hits including This Charming Man, How Soon Is Now and Sheila Take A Bow, went stratospheric.

Despite not having released an album since 1987, the band’s impact remains just as strong today.

But news of bassist Andy’s death at the age of 59 last May from pancreatic cancer hit both fans and bandmates hard. Hailed as one of the greatest of his kind, a Manchester mural of the star was unveiled this week following a successful fundraising campaign led by drummer Mike and the Pancreatic Cancer Action charity.

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The mural, situated on the wall of the Wheatsheaf pub in the Northern Quarter, was created by local street artist AKSE P19. It was based on a photograph taken at Caird Hall in Dundee by tour photographer Nalinee Darmrong in 1985.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Mike, who was born in Fallowfield, said he is ‘beyond thrilled’ with the finished product. “It’s incredible,” he explains. “You can tell it’s Andy. It looks superb. I’m so happy for his memory and to have something so permanent for him.”

The Smiths released four studio albums between 1982 and 1987, before splitting up. Despite never working together as a four-piece again, Andy and Mike continued to collaborate on projects together - including touring and producing music with the likes of Sinead O’Connor.

“Every time I met up with him, he was