Smithsfest

From Friday 29 – Saturday 30 March 2013 the ICA will survey the artistic and cultural impact of The Smiths, one of the most iconic, seminal and controversial guitar bands in the history of pop music, over a two day festival comprising talks, performance, art and film.

To their passionate fans, The Smiths are the greatest band in the history of rock music. Morrissey himself stated that “The Smiths were the last group of any importance” and they are key countercultural figures of 1980s Britain.

Smithsfest guests and participants are coming from across the country to pool their knowledge and passion for the band. Highlights confirmed include a London debut of Salford lad Terry Christian’s solo show Naked Confessions of A Recovering Catholic; a double-bill of A Taste of Honey & The Leather Boys introduced by Rita Tushingham, two films that she starred in and that were a huge influence on The Smiths. Mark Simpson, author of Saint Morrissey, will be in discussion exploring the question Morrissey: Saint or Sinner?

Get a quiffed up with a Moz Makeover with Open Barbers, and confront MozTerMind: ask him anything about the Smiths/Morrissey and he knows the answer! DJs The Readers Wifes play a Smiths inspired set, plus an exhibition of exclusive Smiths and Morrissey photographs by legendary rock photographer Tom Sheehan.

Full details of the programme and ticketing will be announced shortly.