Salford Lads Club to celebrate 40 years of The Smiths’ The Queen is Dead

Salford Lads Club has announced a special lineup of events to mark the 40th anniversary of The Smiths’ iconic record, The Queen is Dead.

One of the celebratory events will take place across two dates, offering fans a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the legacy of one of Manchester’s most influential bands, in a location synonymous with their history.

Salford Lads Club famously appears as the backdrop behind the band on the inner sleeve of The Queen is Dead.

Happening on Sun 14 Jun and Sun 21 Jun, visitors can expect a curated programme that celebrates the cultural impact of the record. Highlights include an immersive video installation inside the club’s well-known Smiths Room, an exhibition of more than 100 original posters and rare memorabilia, and a recreated 1980s fan bedroom capturing the spirit of the era.

The event will also feature a dedicated ‘fan’s journey’ exhibit, a record fair featuring releases from The Smiths, Morrissey and wider Manchester artists by Mishmash Records, and limited edition artwork created exclusively for the occasion by Paul Staveley. Exclusive merchandise, including event t-shirts, will be available alongside a selection of items from independent artisan traders.

Additional elements include a raffle running across both event days, live DJ sets from the club’s balcony, and a range of interactive photo opportunities, with further details to be announced.

Entry will be managed through 90-minute timed slots. Tickets are priced at £10, with 50% of all ticket sales and raffle proceeds going directly towards supporting the ongoing community work of Salford Lads Club.

Along with the exhibition, a new poem by much-loved Manchester poet Tony Walsh will be performed on the front steps of the building on Sat 13 Jun as part of a special open day. Along with Tony’s new poem, there will be Smiths music performed on strings, a lino print workshop by Jantze Holmes, who has created designs for The Queen is Dead celebrations, including a gladioli-inspired t-shirt, tote bag and limited edition run of 40 lino prints. You can register for a free ticket here.

“This is a dream job for me,” Tony said. “I’ve variously lived, worked, studied and performed in Salford for over 40 years now, and I’m a great admirer of the city’s proud and distinctive spirit. I’ve been a huge fan of The Smiths too since the very early days. I tuned in for their first John Peel session and was lucky enough to see them at GMex in the summer that The Queen is Dead was released. I was on the dole when the album came out and vividly remember scraping the money together for the gig and LP.

“I first performed at Salford Lads’ Club more than 15 years ago and I have huge respect for the vital work that goes on there. I used to manage youth and community programmes in inner-city Salford myself, and so I really do understand what that takes and what it delivers.

“To be invited to celebrate The Smiths and Salford Lads Club in a single poem has been a huge challenge, but also a very great honour. I’ve been spending a lot of ‘warm summer days indoors’ lately, writing ‘frightening verse’ but I’m confident that I’ve got something really special to share with people. Frankly, Mr Shankly, I can’t wait!”

Also forming part of the anniversary programme on Thu 11 Jun will be the book launch for It’s Time The Tale Were Told – A People’s History of The Smiths by Iain Key and Richard Houghton.

Laura Slingsby, CEO of Salford Lads Club, said: “This is a chance to celebrate an album that means so much to so many people, in a place that is deeply connected to that story. We are also proud that the event will help support the club’s ongoing work with young people and the local community.”

Mitchell Harrison, founder of Mishmash Records, added: “We’ve already sold over half the tickets, which shows just how much this album still resonates. It’s a real privilege to be part of celebrating such a seminal record in a place that means so much to fans – it’s going to be a special couple of days.”

Featured image credit: Kodakcork