Crazy Face Clothing Company, 70 Portland Street, M1 4GU
Crazy Face Clothing Company, 70 Portland Street, M1 4GU The building positioned on the corner of Portland Street and Nicholas Street was, for a time, the Smiths’ Manchester HQ. The building was owned by Joe Moss who ran a clothes factory supplying garments for his Crazy Face clothing stores. Joe was an important figure in the Smiths story. He became The Smiths’ manager after their debut gig at The Ritz. He purchased their first PA system and Renault van, he also provided a rehearsal space initially in the shop itself and then on the top floor of the Portland Street building. Without the cost of rehearsal space to find The Smiths could get together as often as they could which was most weekday evenings. Joe also offered Johnny a job running the Crazy Face store in the basement at Portland Street. After a day’s work in the shop Johnny would await the arrival of Morrissey, Andy and Mike and then take the lift to the top floor where they would rehearse until 10pm. The top floor ...
