A new book telling the story of The Smiths through the voices of more than 500 fans will be launched this June at an iconic Salford location connected to the band.
Salford Lads Club will host the launch of ‘It’s Time The Tale Were Told – A People’s History of The Smiths,’ a book written by author Iain Key, bringing together first-hand memories, photographs and personal stories of the band.
The launch will take place on 11 June 2026 at the venue, which famously featured on the inside sleeve of the group’s The Queen Is Dead album and has become a worldwide tourist destination for The Smiths’ fans.
Rather than a traditional biography, the book captures the lived experience of fans, offering a collective narrative of the band’s impact across generations and across the world.
Organisers say that the launch event will reflect that spirit, combining literature, music and community.
Alongside the book launch, the evening will feature live music performances and a makers market.
Salford Lads Club continues to operate as an active youth and community organisation, supporting young people in Salford while also welcoming visitors from across the globe drawn by its cultural significance to the unassuming site in Ordsall.
Laura Slingsby, CEO of Salford Lads Club, said: “This feels like a really natural fit for the club. The book is built on people’s stories, memories and shared experiences, and that is exactly what this place represents.
“We have people visiting from all over the world because of that connection to The Smiths, but what matters just as much is that the building is still here, still active and still supporting young people today.”
Author Iain Key said: “This book is about the fans as much as the band. It brings together hundreds of voices to tell a story that is personal, emotional and collective. To launch it at Salford Lads Club, a place so closely connected to that history, makes it even more meaningful.”
The event offers a rare opportunity for fans, readers and music lovers to come together in a venue that has become part of the band’s visual identity and cultural legacy, while supporting a working community space at the heart of Salford.
Tickets for the book launch are available to purchase here.
