Episode 154 - Gavin Murphy of These Charming Men

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Gavin Murphy, guitarist and manager of These Charming Men, one of Ireland’s best known Smiths tribute bands, and a man whose love of The Smiths has taken him from Dublin’s northside to stages around the world. Gavin takes us back to growing up in Donaghmede, his early love of Horslips and Thin Lizzy, and the moment hearing “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” changed everything. He tells us how These Charming Men came together in 1995, the story behind their incredible trip to the Smiths and Morrissey Convention in Los Angeles, and how they ended up playing the main stage at Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival in front of 35,000 people. We talk Johnny Marr, the painstaking process of recreating his distinctive guitar playing, the enduring appeal of The Smiths, and why the band’s fans are among the most passionate you will find. Gavin also gives his thoughts on Morrissey and Marr, the possibility of a Smiths reunion, and reveals the story behind a personal letter he received from Morrissey. There’s also Gavin’s own music, including his 2020 album 45RPM, his work teaching guitar and ukulele to children in Sligo, These Charming Men’s sold out Olympia shows, Forest Fest, Electric Picnic and what keeps the band going after more than 30 years. Passionate, fascinating and packed with stories about one of the most influential bands in British music history, it’s a brilliant conversation with the man behind one of Ireland’s most enduring tribute acts.Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Gavin MurphyIf you enjoy our show please Like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcastsThanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie