Who made The Smiths?
Who would you credit for The Smiths? Morrissey, Johnny, Andy, Mike, John, Joe, Stephen?
In my view, The Smiths wouldn't have happened without Johnny's drive. It was Johnny that knocked on Morrissey's door, recruited Mike and Andy, wrote the music, recorded a demo tape and got signed to Rough Trade.
Equally, there's no question that Morrissey's melodies, lyrics, and interviews brought The Smiths to the public's attention. He was the one that people related to.
Forty years later, how do you see it? Where would Morrissey be without Marr? Where would Marr be without Morrissey?
I think that without Marr's drive, Morrissey would be an author or journalist; a Manchester local celebrity known for his acerbic takedowns of popular culture. Without Morrissey's star quality, Marr would be a well-respected session musician along the lines of the Wrecking Crew.
Would it be gauche to quantify it? I'm gonna do it anyway.
- Morrissey - 32%
- Marr - 32%
- Andy - 8%
- Mike - 8%
- John - 8%
- Joe - 6%
- Stephen - 6%