The Smiths before they were THE SMITHS — awkward, brilliant, and already iconic.
This was the first hometown gig where the Smiths were headliners. As the band came on stage Morrissey greeted the fans "Hello you little charmers... we're the Smiths, how d'you do?" then launched into "You've Got Everything Now". Throughout the show, in one song out of two (faster numbers), Morrissey - who still looked ill at ease on stage at the time - had something to shake in his right hand while with the left one he held the microphone.
Sound
Marr's jangle before the world knew his name.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Haçienda was Madchester's cathedral — this gig predates the rave era by years, capturing the venue's punk roots.
Morrissey's mysterious hand-shaking object was likely a tambourine, though fans debate if it was nerves or nascent showmanship.
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