A Light That Never Goes Out

The definitive biography of the Smiths, one of the most beloved, respected, and storied indie rock bands in music history.

“[Tony] Fletcher . . . combines original interviews with quotes and anecdotes from the vast paper trail of the British music press to piece together this enigmatic band’s rise and fall in obsessive detail.”—Boston Globe

They were, their fans believe, the best band in the world. Hailing from Manchester, England, The Smiths were critical and popular favorites throughout their mid-1980s heyday and beyond, and to this day are considered one of the greatest British rock groups of all time.

A Light That Never Goes Out is the definitive story of the Smiths’ rise and fall—from the legendary circumstances of their first meeting to their tragic breakup at the very height of their success. Acclaimed music writer Tony Fletcher, a British-born contemporary of the Smiths, paints a vivid portrait of the fascinating personalities within the group—iconic lead singer Morrissey; his songwriting partner, guitarist Johnny Marr; and the talented but internally unappreciated rhythm section of Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce—and takes readers and fans behind the scenes of the Smiths’ early days, their life on tour and in the studio, and the details of their disbandment in 1987.

For all the drama of the group’s internal politics and the heartbreak of their premature breakup, A Light That Never Goes Out is a celebration: the saga of four working-class kids from a northern English city who come together despite contrasting personalities, find a musical bond, inspire a fanatical following, and leave a lasting legacy on the world of popular music.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs