Even casual fans of The Smiths know who Morrissey is, and most people are probably well aware of Johnny Marr. Only true Smiths fans, however, will have bothered to learn the names of bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce - the two unsung heroes of the band, both of whom are rarely afford the credit they deserve. After all, The Smiths wouldn't have been The Smiths without these guys. Bassists and drummers are usually written off - no matter how famous a band they're in; think of poor Ringo - as inessential additions when compared to the people who sing and play lead guitar. But Rourke and Joyce's contributions to The Smiths are particularly noteworthy, given that they developed the music and rhythms - alongside Johnny Marr - in the studio to assure that unforgettable Smiths sound.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
