
3. You’ve Got Everything Now
From a Manchester rehearsal room to Top of the Pops in a heartbeat: The Smiths become the most important band of their generation.
24 November 1983: The Smiths take the stage on Top of the Pops, and everything changes.
In just four relentless years, the band scored hit after hit, filled venues the length and breadth of the country, and inspired a devotion that bordered on the religious, fans storming the stage at every turn.
But for all the euphoria, the pace was punishing. The cracks were already beginning to show.
The archive tells the story of The Smiths at the height of their powers.
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.
On radio
Broadcast
- Next Monday00:30BBC Radio 6 Music
Podcast
![]()
The Rise and Fall of ...
Get to know the shocking highs and lows of the biggest stories in music.
