1.13 William It Was Really Nothing ; Hand in Glove
Description:
The Smiths´final live performance was at Brixton Academy in London on December 12, 1986, as part of an Artists Against Apartheid benefit concert. The concert marked the end of The Smiths as a live band, a few months before their eventual breakup in 1987.
"December Concert 1986" on CD captures The Smiths at the height of their creative powers in the mid-1980s, presenting an intense and emotionally charged live performance from their late career phase. The recording showcases the band's signature blend of jangling guitars, literate lyrics and melancholic yet energetic songwriting, allowing listeners to experience the immediacy and urgency of a Smiths concert in full. Fans can expect a set that spans key moments of their catalogue, with intimate ballads flowing into sharp, driving tracks that demonstrate why The Smiths remain one of the most influential indie bands of all time. The sound of this CD aims to preserve the raw atmosphere of the night, highlighting the interplay between Johnny Marr's guitar textures and Morrissey's unmistakable vocal delivery.
The packaging of this CD edition underlines the archival character of the release, making it attractive both for dedicated collectors and for new listeners discovering The Smiths' live legacy. "December Concert 1986" works as a time capsule from an era when alternative guitar music was redefining the musical landscape, and it fits seamlessly alongside the band's studio recordings as a vivid document of how these songs were transformed on stage. Whether played in full immersion on headphones or as the centerpiece of a living room listening session, this disc offers a focused, concert-like experience that foregrounds the intensity and emotion of a late-1986 performance.
Rockin Bear Rec. positions itself as a specialist in publishing carefully curated archival and live recordings, with a focus on preserving important moments in rock and alternative music history. Their releases generally place value on authentic sound restoration and informative presentation, aiming to give both long-time fans and new audiences access to historically significant concerts and sessions. With "December Concert 1986", Rockin Bear Rec. continues this approach by bringing a notable concert event by The Smiths into a high-quality CD format that respects the original atmosphere while making it accessible for contemporary listeners.
The Smiths, formed in Manchester in the early 1980s, quickly became one of the defining bands of the British indie scene. Across a run of acclaimed studio albums and singles, they helped shape the sound and attitude of alternative rock, influencing countless artists that followed. Known for their combination of poetic, often sardonic lyrics and melodic guitar work, The Smiths built a devoted global fanbase and remain a reference point for guitar-based pop and indie music. This live CD offers an additional angle on that legacy by presenting the band on stage during one of their most vital periods.
Rock&Pop
107.146
- Beat 219- Bombast Rock 122- Classic Rock 15.247- Glamrock 107- Latin Rock 215- Mainstream Rock 72.462- Rockpop 17.621- Soft Rock/Pop Rock 530- Westcoast 517Songwriter 3.365
