Smithdom The Moses Gate, Bolton Road Thursday, October 1 THE Smiths are dead. Long live Smithdom.

Bolton’s own Smithdom swaggered on to the stage at a packed Moses Gate last Thursday and are now contenders for the crown of the best tribute band to The Smiths after just one gig.

The Smiths were wonderful because they divided opinion. You either loved or hated them – there was no middle ground.

And so it will be with Smithdom, who have honed their imitation down to the finest detail before emerging with a show that any fan of the original band will find irresistible.

Smithdom spent four months attempting to find their Morrissey look-and-sound-alike.

And it was worth the wait.

This Glossop-based former karaoke singer – Johnny Turner - has got what it takes to carry off the role, both visually and with his uncannily Mozzer-like voice.

They started in fine style with The Queen is Dead, before progressing through Still Ill, This Charming Man, with Alex Gaskell fantastic reproduction of Johnny Marr’s iconic guitar riffs ringing in our ears.

Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now was a joy, as was The Boy With The Thorn in His Side and the unforgettable Girlfriend in a Coma.

All the essential classics are in their set and I’ll bet my original vinyl copy of Hatful of Hollow, these boys are going to be massive on the tribute band circuit.

My personal favourites came in the second half when wowed the crowd with Panic, Sheila Take a Bow, Shoplifters of the World Unite, The Headmaster Ritual and Handsome Devil, and the amazing encore Big Mouth Strikes Again.

Magnificent.

Memo to the Moses Gate. Get some red wine in. We’re not all beer swillers!

Nick Jackson