1985 homecoming show from The Smiths!

 

Early in 1985, The Smiths released their second studio album, 'Meat Is Murder'. More strident and political than its predecessor, it included the pro-vegetarian title track, the light-hearted republicanism of "Nowhere Fast", and the anti-corporal punishment "The Headmaster Ritual" and "Barbarism Begins at Home". The band had also grown more diverse musically, with Marr adding rockabilly riffs to "Rusholme Ruffians" and Rourke playing a funk bass solo on "Barbarism Begins at Home".  'Meat Is Murder' was the band's only studio album to reach number one in the UK charts.

 

The Smiths completed lengthy tours of the UK and US to promote the album. Among the most enticing shows of ’85 was their homecoming Manchester gig, performed on 31st March at the city’s Palace Theatre.  Recorded for live FM radio broadcast but not previously released on vinyl, this superb concert is now available for the first time here on this 2LP set.