7. I Know It's Over

They were recording what would turn out to be their final album, and by all accounts Strangeways, Here We Come was going remarkably well. Laughter, in-jokes, and some of the best music The Smiths ever made.

But beneath the surface, Johnny Marr had reached his limit. Five relentless years without a holiday, without a proper manager, and without any resolution to the tensions quietly pulling the band apart. Something had to give.

Spring 1987: the four of them sit down in a fish and chip shop in Notting Hill, and Johnny drops a bombshell.

The story of The Smiths' break-up, in the words of the band and the people who watched it unfold.

If you're enjoying this series of The Rise & Fall podcast, there are loads of other gripping music stories to immerse yourself in, focusing on Britpop, Madchester, Indie Sleaze, Sex Pistols and Oasis. Just search 'rise and fall' in BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts.

A Tempo+Talker production for BBC Sounds. Produced by Tom Pooley with original music and sound design by Coach Conrad.