13 Problems Only The Smiths Fans Will Understand

10. Who Craig Gannon Is

The Smiths Craig Gannon Did you know that The Smiths had a "second guitarist?" If you happen to be a true fan of the greatest alternate rock band of the '80s, chances are that you did. His name? Craig Gannon, the guy who temporarily found himself as part of the band's iconic line-up during a particularly turbulent period. Gannon, in case you care, was involved with two bands - Aztec Camera and The Bluebells - prior to his work with The Smiths. So how did he end up as a sort-of member of The Smiths, reduced now to that of a mere pub quiz question? The strange little incident occurred when Andy Rourke was fired from the band and Gannon was hired to fill his position as a bassist. Two weeks later, Rourke was back in, and Gannon - kind of unnecessary now - was kept around as second guitarist. He played on a number of famous tracks, including "Panic" and "Ask," and even toured with the band for a bit. By 1986, he was gone. Kind of harsh, but at least he got to be one of The Smiths for a while. Not many can say that.
Contributor

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.