8. A Light That Never Goes Out

The band was over. But the drama wasn't. In the years after The Smiths split, the financial fallout left some members struggling. Eventually, the four of them found themselves reunited, not on stage, but in a London courtroom.

Joyce versus Morrissey and Others.

This final episode traces the aftermath: the court case that divided old friends, the careers that followed, the glimmer of a reunion that never quite materialised, and the death of beloved bass player Andy Rourke in 2023.

Through archive testimony and the words of the band themselves, Steve and Elizabeth ask: what is the true legacy of The Smiths? And is there any chance, even now, that the story isn't quite over yet?

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. The Commissioner was Will Wilkin, and the Commissioning Producers were Hannah Clapham and Jon Hillcock.