THE SMITHS LTD. – 23.05.2026 – Aberdeen, Scotland
- Posted on 30-05-2026
VENUE: Lemon Tree
DATE: 23.05.2026
ORGANIZER: Aberdeen Performing Arts
PHOTOGRAPHER: C. Nepper
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How often does one come across a tribute band as good as this? The answer is “rarely”, and the highly talented constellation of musicians collectively sporting the moniker The Smiths Ltd. left a lasting impression on this scribe when they played the Lemon Tree in the heart of the Granite City last Saturday night. Spawned in Manchester just like the original purveyors of melancholy and madness that they are paying homage to were, this group of musicians is the real deal in terms of conjuring up all the traits and characteristics that made Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce unique.
There was undoubtedly a great turnout at the venue, and although not absolutely packed to the rafters, it must have been rather close to being sold out. Relatively crammed but not claustrophobic, if that makes sense. The prospect of experiencing the revered and much-loved songs of the Smiths played live by seasoned veterans was simply an opportunity too good to pass up on, and as the lights dimmed and the quartet walked on stage while a brooding and moody piece blared out of the speakers, you could feel the anticipation and emotional charge intensifying in the room. We were neither disappointed nor let down as the ensemble tore through nearly two hours of memorable and moving song material – all of which was tightly executed yet suitably playful – but it took two or three songs before things really started to gel with respect to the punch and power of the sound, the balance and level between the various instruments, and the atmosphere in the room becoming outright electrified. The members of the audience were relatively reserved at first yet appreciative and undoubtedly immersed in some of the finest riffs and melodies to have come out of the post-punk movement, but halfway through the set something sparked a burst of energy, and it felt like the whole place erupted, which was quite exhilarating. The four-piece channeled the wit, gloom, sarcasm, morbid irony, and borderline lethargy inherent in the Smiths’ compositions superbly while simultaneously capturing the essence and embodying the spirit of the original versions and the entire aesthetic surrounding the legendary 80s outfit. The momentum kept building until it all culminated in the mesmerizing and majestic “How Soon Is Now?,” and along the way we were served plenty of classics such as “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,” “I Know It’s Over,” “Girlfriend in a Coma,” “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” and “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” among many others. However, two tunes in particular swept me off my feet and ticked all the right emotional boxes for some weird, wonderful, and inexplicable reason, namely “Hand in Glove” and “Handsome Devil.” Fucking hell did they sound great!
If you find yourself in the UK and get the chance to catch these gentlemen in a town or city near you, by all means go as they harbor genuine passion and lovingly bring the introverted and perfectly reflective music of the Smiths to life in an impeccable manner. As we made our way to the exit after the show, I felt certain that not a single soul at the Lemon Tree walked out of there unmoved or unfulfilled.