Joyce’s memoir arrives as the final member of the band to share his story, following frontman Morrissey’s ‘Autobiography’ (2013) and guitarist Johnny Marr’s ‘Set the Boy Free’ (2016). The late bassist Andy Rourke, who passed away in 2023, never penned a memoir.

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Described by the publisher as “no-holds barred,” ‘The Drums’ promises more than a recitation of well known events. Instead, Joyce aims to evoke the emotional truth of his time with the band, not iconic moments, but what it felt like to be a member of The Smiths. According to MusicRadar, he and Rourke often pondered, “Where did it all go right?”, a reflective question at the heart of his narrative. 

A significant part of the memoir is Joyce’s personal account of the infamous 1996 High Court case, where he and Rourke sued Morrissey and Marr over royalties. The dispute stemmed from disproportionate earnings, Morrissey and Marr had been taking 80% between them, leaving only 10% each to Joyce and Rourke. The court ruled in Joyce’s favour, awarding him approximately £1 million in back royalties and a 25% share going forward. A judge notably called Morrissey “truculent and unreliable” in the ruling

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The memoir also reflects on why a reunion of The Smiths remains unlikely. Marr has reportedly dismissed recent offers, citing principle and a sense that “the vibe’s not right,” while Joyce has declared reforming the band would be “impossible” without Rourke.

Joyce is now largely retired from active performance but has recently been making guest appearances playing with Pete Doherty’s band on his most recent tour. On stage, Joyce and Doherty delivered memorable renditions of The Smiths classics. Notably, they closed shows with a full-band performance of “Panic”, and occasionally mixed in a segment of “How Soon Is Now?”, the latter intertwined with Doherty’s own song “The Last of the English Roses”

His writing promises warmth, wit, and vulnerability, from the perspective of a Fallowfield lad who found himself at the beating heart of one of the most influential bands of the 1980s.

The singer-songwriter has released the third single from his upcoming solo album, ‘Felt Better Alive’, which is accompanied by a gothic music video filmed at Doherty’s house in Normandy, France.

Staring Doherty and his wife Katia deVidas, the breathless video features The Libertines frontman as ‘The Baron’ whilst deVidas plays ‘The Lady’. Check it out below.

The new release follows on from the first two previews of his fifth solo album, the title track ‘Felt Better Alive’ and the serene single ‘Calvados’.

Speaking of ‘The Day The Baron Died’, Doherty said: “I always thought it was a weird jazz number, with a silly, catchy little melody.

“It’s kind of a homage to John Lennon’s ‘Instant Karma’, not the lyrics but the weird off time drum fill in the chorus. And I’m not gonna explain what the song’s about because I’m working on a follow up!”

The upcoming album promises to be full of craftsmanship and character, with Doherty taking much inspiration from his now subdued life in the North of France. 

Speaking on the inspiration of the second single, ‘Calvados’, Doherty said: “Where I live there’s a fellow in town, he’s got a shop that specialises in Calvados and ciders; the apple juice becomes cider becomes Calvados.

“He took me on a tour of all the old Calvados makers, in his van, place to place, staying with them. It’s that story.” said the Babyshambles singer-songwriter.

Doherty has also announced the exciting news that his live band will be joined for multiple dates this summer by The Smiths drummer Mike Joyce.

The musician is set to appear as an “extra special guest” at numerous gigs, including Doherty’s shows at The Great Escape in Brighton, Southend’s Lazydays Festival, Port Talbot’s In It Together Festival and more including dates in Europe.

Doherty will be looking to continue his success in recent years after The Libertines topped the charts with their fourth studio album ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’ in 2024.

Speaking to NME in January, Doherty explained how this album came about after the songs “didn’t seem right” for The Libertines, saying: “They were all written around the same time; around the time I was working on The Libertines’ new album but they didn’t seem right for it.

“It’s not that they were rejected by the band, but in order for it to be a Libertines song, it has to be really me and Carl [Barât]. These are songs that are me, really.”

‘Felt Better Alive’ is set to be released on Friday 16 May and is available to pre-order here.

Doherty will be performing at numerous festivals in the UK this summer, as well as marking the albums release on an already sold out in-store tour, including stops in Leeds, Liverpool, Nantwich, Kingston and London.

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The mural was painted by renowned street artist Akse P19, whose work often immortalises cultural icons, from Mark E. Smith to Ian Curtis. The black-and-white artwork is based on a photograph of Rourke taken during The Smiths’ 1985 tour, performing at Dundee’s Caird Hall. Next to the painting is a prominent logo of the Pancreatic Cancer Action charity

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Mike Joyce, Rourke’s bandmate and drummer for The Smiths, attended the unveiling and praised the mural in an interview with BBC Radio Manchester: “I knew it was going to be good; I just didn’t realise how good it would be.” Reflecting on Rourke’s musical legacy, Joyce added, “He gained immortality when he played those bass lines, and those bass lines are here forever.”

Rourke’s role in The Smiths has often been overshadowed by the spotlight on Morrissey and Johnny Marr. However, his intricate bass work, particularly on Meat Is Murder, provided a solid foundation that allowed the singer and guitarist to shine. This mural is a reminder of his importance to the band and Manchester’s music scene. The Wheatsheaf’s owners, Robert Ashton and Lisa Booth, were eager to support the project. “We’re a music pub, we both love music, so we said yes straightaway,” they told BBC Manchester. The mural cements the Northern Quarter’s reputation as a hub for Manchester’s musical heritage.

The project also served as a fundraising effort, with over £32,000 raised so far for the Pancreatic Cancer Action charity. Mike Joyce played a key role, offering personalised rewards for donors, including signed Smiths vinyl and prints of the original photograph used for the mural. “We wanted to do something to celebrate Andy’s life,” Joyce explained. “We initially thought we’d put on a gig or a DJ show… but the next day, it would have been over. Now, we have something that will last forever.”

Manchester has long been a city proud of its musical history, with tributes to local icons like Mark E. Smith, Pete Shelley, and Liam Gallagher adorning its streets. These must-see locations have been a boost for tourism, drawing music fans to landmarks like Salford Lads Club and the murals of the Northern Quarter.

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The reaction to the Rourke mural has been overwhelmingly positive. Reddit user InnerBlacksmith1858 summarised the sentiment: “Criminally underrated. [Joyce] and Rourke both.” Fans have expressed gratitude that a quieter, yet essential, part of The Smiths’ rhythm section is receiving overdue recognition.

What a tribute to one of Mancunia’s finest.

— ChrisL20 (@Drainstarrrr) November 21, 2024

With its thoughtful design, the mural strikes a balance between honouring Rourke and raising awareness for pancreatic cancer. As Joyce aptly put it, Andy Rourke’s legacy is immortal—and now it’s painted in his home city for all to see.

Rourke contributed to all four of The Smiths’ albums, The Smiths, Meat is Murder, The Queen is Dead and Strangeways, Here We Come. Following their disbandment, Rourke went on to work with artists such as Badly Drawn Boy, Sinead O’Conner, The Pretenders and former Oasis guitarist, Bonehead.

There was an outpouring of tributes from his ex-bandmates, with The Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr taking to Twitter to confirm the news.

Marr wrote, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer. Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans.“

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.
Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans.
We request privacy at this sad time pic.twitter.com/KNehQxXoFz

— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) May 19, 2023

Marr went on to request privacy as the band grieve their former bandmate and friend.

The Smiths’ frontman Morrissey shared his own tribute on his website, writing, “I just hope … wherever Andy has gone … that he’s OK. He will never die as long as his music is heard. He didn’t ever know his own power, and nothing that he played had been played by someone else. His distinction was so terrific and unconventional and he proved it could be done.”

Morrissey continued, “He was also very, very funny and very happy, and post-Smiths, he kept a steady identity – never any manufactured moves. I suppose, at the end of it all, we hope to feel that we were valued. Andy need not worry about that.”

Mike Joyce, The Smiths’ drummer, also shared his thoughts, tweeting, “Not only the most talented bass player I’ve ever had the privilege to play with but the sweetest, funniest lad I’ve ever met. Andy’s left the building, but his musical legacy is perpetual. I miss you so much already. Forever in my heart mate.”  

Not only the most talented bass player I’ve ever had the privilege to play with but the sweetest, funniest lad I’ve ever met. Andy’s left the building, but his musical legacy is perpetual. I miss you so much already. Forever in my heart mate. — Mike Joyce (@mikejoycedrums) May 19, 2023

Andy Rourke’s contribution to music has been celebrated by musicians and fans alike, with presenter Terry Christian summing his passing up as “another hole left In the History of Manchester music.”

Sad to hear of death of Andy Rourke, I knew he’d jad cancer for sevetal years now but understood he was in some ki d of recovery . Lovely guy – I first met him in November 1983 – another hole left In the History of Manchester music. R.I.P Andy #Manchester #TheSmiths

— terry christian (@terrychristian) May 19, 2023

I’m back… we’re back. New music. Let’s go. pic.twitter.com/F7sIY3UPZU

— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) August 26, 2021

The musician also hinted at a new music video in his tweet. The musician recently signed an album deal with musical publisher BMG, describing the deal the musician expressed his joy and stated “It’s a good feeling”

The musician’s rise to fame began when he co-wrote and played the guitar with The Smiths formed in 1982.  The band lineup also included frontman Morrisey, Andy Rourke (Bassist) and Mike Joyce (Drummer).

The band’s debut album The Smiths was released on the 3rd March 1984 and peaked at number 10 in the UK Official Albums Chart. The band’s album Meat is Murder was released on February 11th 1985 providing them with a number 1 album.

The musician departed from the band in 1987 and worked with various bands until embarking on his solo career. The soloist released his debut solo album The Messenger co-produced with James Doviak on February 25th 2013.  The album reached number 10 in the UK Official Singles Chart and the musician has not released any solo material since the release of his 2019 single “Single Life”.

Upon signing his new deal with BMG, the musician has now hinted at new music and is ready to release new material under his new deal with BMG. The musician is set to perform intimate concerts next month and is joined by Blossoms, The Big Moon and Zuzu for his sold-out tour date in Manchester.

See Johnny Marr’s Tour dates below. Tickets for the remainder of his dates are available here

20/09/21 University Union- Leeds
21/09 King George’s Hall- Blackburn
23/09 Electric Ballroom- London
25/09 Emirates Old Trafford- Manchester

Tickets on sale now. https://t.co/tnoz5F0oWg pic.twitter.com/HrJqihK5sC

— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) July 30, 2021