The Smiths "Shoplifters of the World Unite" LIVE at Le Poisson Rouge Feb 10 2024
The Smiths Tribute NYC performs "Shoplifters of the World Unite" at Le Poisson Rouge (Live at LPR) in Greenwich Village, New York City on February 10, 2024. Music by Johnny Marr, Lyrics by Morrissey.
The song was released as a non-album single in January 1987, replacing plans to release "You've Got Everything Now" as an A-side. The song later appeared on the compilation LP Louder Than Bombs.
Morrissey told KROQ in 1997 that "Shoplifters" arrived during what he believes to be The Smiths' finest period: "Very, very witty single and a great moment for The Smiths in England. I think it was probably the best days of our career. It was just a very funny time and a time of very sparky rebellion, and this song, more than any, I think, exemplifies that. I like it."