2. Hand in Glove

Available for over a year

In May 1982, a young guitarist with ambitions to form his very own Mancunian Rolling Stones found himself on a bus to Stretford, cassette in hand, and a hunch about the right frontman. Johnny Marr and Morrissey seemed like opposites. But they had Irish roots, Manchester streets, a love of 60s pop, and an unstoppable sense of purpose in common. From that first afternoon bonding over records, the chemistry was instant. Then came a drummer on mushrooms, a bass player dragged in from a lumber yard, and the band's first unforgettable gig, with a go-go dancer thrown in for good measure. If you're enjoying this series of The Rise & Fall podcast, there are loads of other gripping music stories to immerse yourself in, focusing on Britpop, Madchester, Indie Sleaze, Sex Pistols and Oasis. Just search 'rise and fall' in BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts. A Tempo+Talker production for BBC Sounds. Produced by Tom Pooley with original music and sound design by Coach Conrad.