It was a captivating performance as always from the incredible act, The Smyths. The tribute band were back in Leeds for their annual Brudenell weekend* and they did not disappoint.

Taking to the stage just before 9pm, the outfit were welcomed by thunderous applause and cheering. Frontman Graham Sampson donned the classic Morrissey getup (soaring quiff and the iconic buttoned-down shirt), perfectly encapsulated the melancholic voice of the man himself from the beginning. His subtle gestures were one of many defining attributes that made him the finest Morrissey doppelgänger.

The atmosphere was riotous and buzzing; the crowd were instantly hooked from the moment Tom Harris began the beat for ‘The Queen Is Dead’. The drumming was quickly met by intense licks of the bass guitar by Simon Smyth. The bodies in the room were relentlessly buoyant for the whole evening, to the point where an encore could not be turned down.

The Smyths served the fans just what they came for and finished up with the favourite, ‘How Soon Is Now?’.  Overall a very impressive performance that left me itching for more. 

Guest article contributed by Tom Vrahoulakis.

*With thanks to Nathan at Brudenell Social Club for the press access on the Thursday.