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Story Of How An 80s B Side Became This Band's Greatest Song | Professor of Rock — DeepCutsArchive
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Story Of How An 80s B Side Became This Band's Greatest Song | Professor of Rock

The SmithsR.E.M.MorrisseySting


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The compelling story of how Morrissey and Johnny Marr created one of the greatest epics in modern history: How Soon Is Now by The Smiths from 1984. Armed with One of the most arresting guitar riffs of the Rock Era inspired by an innocuous bubble gum pop song.. The story of how it became a touchstone for disaffected use is next on Professor of Rock. We Have New MERCH! https://bit.ly/ProfessorsMerch Thank you to this Episodes Sponsor, Zenni Optical Incredible Prices on New Glasses - https://bit.ly/ZenniOpticalShop ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Executive Producer Brandon Fugal Honorary Producers Scratchers J. Scratcherton Esq, Neil Gardner, Moon Comix, Greg Arends ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check Out My Hand Picked Selection Below Professor's 80s Store - 100 Best Selling Albums https://amzn.to/3h3qZX9 - Ultimate History of 80s Teen Movie https://amzn.to/3ifjdKQ - 80s to 90s VHS Video Cover Art https://amzn.to/2QXzmIX - Totally Awesome 80s A Lexicon https://amzn.to/3h4ilrk - Best In Ear Headphones (I Use These Every Day) https://amzn.to/2ZcTlIl ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Access To Backstage Content Become a Patron - http://bit.ly/ProfessorofRockVIPFan Purchase The Albums Help out the Channel by purchasing your albums through our links! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you, thank you for your support. Click here for Premium Content: https://bit.ly/SignUpForPremiumContent​ https://bit.ly/Facebook_Professor_of_...​ https://bit.ly/Instagram_Professor_of...​ ​#80s #Rock #Story Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 80s vinyl songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community. If you’ve ever owned records, cassettes and CD’s at different times in you life or still do this is your place Subscribe below right now to be a part of our daily celebration of the rock era with exclusive stories from straight from the artists and click on our patreon link in the description to see our brand new show there. In 1984, the mind-boggling question became a song title for an epic track that has been referred to as “the Stairway to Heaven” of the 80s….”How Soon is Now” by The Smiths. Now... to get to the bottom of “How Soon is Now” the song, we need to explore the innovative artistry of Johnny Mars, and the tortured artistry of Morrissey- the brilliant ‘fire and gasoline' duo that created one of the most compelling collaborations of the Rock Era as co-founders of the indie rock supergroup The Smiths. My personal favorite band of all time. The duo pushed each other to extraordinary heights to create a true classic that transcends New Wave, post punk, or Alternative Rock classification. “How Soon Is Now” began with symbiotic experimentation of various guitar riffs that earned his obsession since his adolescence. Marr wrote the music for “How Soon is Now” during a 4-day period at Earl’s Court in London in 1984. As Marr tells it, over a few days he was writing new material. He was writing along the lines of fitting three songs on a 12 incher. The first song he wrote was fast and short, one of the shortest song the Smiths would ever record, The second song he approached as the B Side, was more melancholy, he had been missing his family and so he tapped into that feeling through his instrument and it ended up behind short and waltz. He felt that next he should write something longer with some kind of a groove. He rolled a joint, plugged in his Epiphone Casino and started playing a rhythm. Marr had been a long time fan of a band called the Gun Club and he liked the style of the Swampy Blues.

About The Smiths

The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, composed of Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Morrissey and Marr formed the band's songwriting partnership. The Smiths are regarded as one of the most important British bands and one of the pioneers of 1980s independent music. The Smiths signed to the independent label Rough Trade Records in 1983 and released their debut album, The Smiths, in 1984. They focused on a guitar, bass ...

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Added 30 Mar 2026

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About This Footage

The Smiths' "How Soon Is Now" is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs in modern history, and its creation story is just as fascinating. In this rare backstage footage from 1984, Professor of Rock delves into the making of this iconic track, which was inspired by an innocuous bubble gum pop song.

The Smiths' music was always a departure from the mainstream, but "How Soon Is Now" stands out even among their discography. Morrissey and Johnny Marr's songwriting partnership is renowned for crafting songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. The guitar riff in "How Soon Is Now" is one of the most arresting in rock history, and its influence can be heard in countless bands that followed.

The story behind this song's creation is a testament to Morrissey and Marr's innovative approach to music. They were able to take an obscure bubble gum pop song and transform it into something entirely new and groundbreaking. This process is not only a fascinating glimpse into the creative minds of two musical geniuses but also a reminder that even the most unlikely sources can inspire greatness.

Professor of Rock's in-depth exploration of this song's creation is a must-watch for any fan of The Smiths, Morrissey, or 80s music. The footage provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the band's creative process and offers insights into the making of one of their most beloved songs.

The Professor's enthusiasm and knowledge are infectious, making this video an engaging watch for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. His passion for 80s music is evident throughout, and his handpicked selection of merchandise and resources is a great addition to the channel.

As we delve into the story behind "How Soon Is Now," it becomes clear that The Smiths' impact on modern music cannot be overstated. Their influence can be heard in countless bands that followed, from R.E.M. to Morrissey's own solo work. This song has become a touchstone for disaffected youth and a symbol of the power of music to transcend generations.

The Professor's exploration of this song's creation is not only a tribute to The Smiths' genius but also a reminder of the enduring legacy of 80s music. As we continue to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of this era, it's clear that "How Soon Is Now" will remain an iconic anthem for years to come.

For fans of The Smiths, Morrissey, or 80s music, this footage is a rare treat. Professor of Rock's in-depth exploration of this song's creation offers a unique glimpse into the making of one of their most beloved songs and serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire and influence generations.

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