The enduring rift between The Smiths' drummer, Mike Joyce, and lead singer Morrissey has captivated fans for decades. In a recent interview, Joyce revealed that the falling out began in 1992, following a legal battle over the band's royalties. The dispute, which involved Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke, accused Morrissey and Johnny Marr of not providing equal shares of the band's earnings. This led to a court case, with Joyce's legal team emphasizing the importance of the band's unique sound, attributed to the four members' collaboration. Despite the settlement, the tension persisted, and Joyce hasn't spoken to Morrissey since. The situation took a tragic turn when Rourke, a key figure in the band's success, passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2023. This prompted a reconciliation between Joyce and Marr, but Joyce remained unaware of the band's potential reunion offer, which he believes he forfeited due to the legal dispute. The story highlights the complex dynamics within bands and the lasting impact of personal conflicts on creative partnerships.
