Poet Tony Walsh performed a newly commissioned poem outside Salford Lads Club to mark the 40th anniversary of The Smiths' album The Queen Is Dead. The event drew fans to the iconic front steps made famous by the album's cover photograph.
Commemorating a Landmark Album
Released on June 16, 1986, The Queen Is Dead featured a photograph of Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke, and Mike Joyce outside Salford Lads Club. That image transformed the venue into a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide. The poem, titled Class Photo, was performed during a special open day celebrating the album's 40th anniversary.
Walsh's Poetic Tribute
Walsh explained the title's multiple meanings: "There's class as in meaning excellent. There's class as in classifying things. And there's class meaning working class." He added, "The Smiths were a working class band in a very working class city, and when they stood under a sign that said Salford, then they knew the cultural resonances that they were playing with."
Commissioned by the club earlier this year, Walsh spent months crafting the piece. "The club asked me to write a poem to mark the 40th anniversary of the album's release," he said. "I've put maybe 15 or 20 half days into it at least."
Fan Reactions
Lesley, 61, from South Manchester, said she had wanted to visit the club since discovering The Smiths as a student. "I saw on social media that this open day was on with Tony Walsh, and I'm a fan of his work as well," she said.
Phil Pearson, 59, who attended after seeing The Smiths on The Queen Is Dead tour in 1986, said, "I'm a big Smiths fan and I especially love The Queen Is Dead. I'm a fan of Tony Walsh as well."
Emotional Commission
Walsh described the project as a career highlight. "When the poem came together a few days ago and I read it to my wife, I absolutely sobbed. To have the opportunity to share it at the club was very, very special to me."
The Club's Legacy
Leslie Holmes, the club's culture and heritage project manager, noted that the photograph ensured the club's survival. "There were 22 of these clubs in Greater Manchester, and bit by bit, they're all gone. Now this one is the only original Lads Club in the whole country. The only reason why is because of that picture."
Alex Ramirez, 54, traveled from Utah to attend. "I've loved them since 1985. I thought it was very sweet and sentimental."
The open day also featured live music from Smiths On Strings, access to The Smiths Room and Wall of Names, and gladioli-inspired merchandise, highlighting the club's ongoing youth work.
