According to other band members (certainly Mike and Dale) the first time they saw James Maker was a few minutes before going on stage at The Ritz
It was definatley Morrissey's decision and not the bands (not sure if Johnny knew).
It is covered in 'The Severed Allience', if you don't have it, I could type it up for you tomorrow.
EDIT - Johnny didn't know either...(page 156) 'The Smiths seemed equally vague about Makers role in the scheme of things. ''I never quite got that and neither did the rest of the band'' explained Johnny, ''It wasn't discussed. It was a whim of Morrissey. Nothing against James, he just looked silly....'' (Johnny talking after the 2nd gig)
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