Get ready for a lineup of captivating stories and insightful narratives as RTÉ’s award-winning series, Documentary on One returns with a brand-new season. Set to premiere on August 19th on RTÉ Radio 1, the new episodes promise an array of thought-provoking stories with the first instalment titled “Louder Than Bombs: The Smiths in Ireland, Nov ’84”.

Documentary on One continues its legacy of delivering in-depth explorations of intriguing and compelling topics. The upcoming episodes are set to enthral audiences with meticulously crafted stories that span a wide range of subjects, offering an immersive and enriching experience for listeners.

The season opener, “Louder Than Bombs: The Smiths in Ireland, Nov ’84”, takes listeners on a journey, diving into the iconic music scene of the 1980s. Through a combination of interviews, archival material and expert insights, this episode offers an unparalleled glimpse into the legendary band’s visit to Ireland during a pivotal moment in their career and in the history of the Northern Irish Troubles. Produced by documentary makers David Coughlan and Donal O’Herlihy, music enthusiasts and history buffs alike will be captivated by the anecdotes and perspectives shared in this unique documentary.
 
It’s a look into a tour that involved paramilitarism, politics, emigration, unemployment and the soundtrack to a generation as the iconic Mancunian-Irish band pitched up in Ireland for nine gigs in ten chaotic days at the height of the Troubles.

On October 12, 1984, the IRA blew up a section of the Grand Hotel in Brighton, narrowly missing British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Amidst widespread condemnation, Morrissey, lead singer of The Smiths, praised the bombers and turned the band’s upcoming Irish tour into a political storm. Formed in Manchester in the early 80s, The Smiths are regarded as one of most influential bands of all time. The four members: Guitarist Johnny Marr, lead singer Morrissey, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce all had Irish backgrounds and the nationwide November ’84 tour was very much a homecoming.

But it was less than 10 years since the UVF had killed members of the Miami Showband and tensions increased as the band reached the border counties. Why did one of the biggest bands of the 1980s go from headlining Glastonbury to playing a community centre in Donegal? And what happened when The Smiths found themselves in the middle of one of the biggest political flashpoints of The Troubles?

Documentary on One will continue for 10 weeks and will include a wide range of topics. The next instalment of Documentary on One will air on August 26th at 2pm on RTÉ Radio 1 and will look at polyamory, the practice where a couple encourages each other to form romantic attachments with other people. Documentary-maker, Mary-Elaine Tynan speaks to Irish polyamorists in “What If She’s Prettier Than Me?”

Louder Than Bombs: The Smiths in Ireland, Nov ’84
Narrated by David Coughlan
Produced by David Coughlan & Donal O’Herlihy

Where to listen:
RTÉ Radio 1 – Saturday 19th of August 2023 at 2PM
Also available from here and wherever you get your podcasts

About:
Documentary on One is a renowned series produced by RTÉ Radio 1, offering in-depth explorations of various topics through expertly crafted audio documentaries. With a commitment to storytelling excellence, the series captivates audiences with its thought-provoking narratives and engaging content.