The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982. Consisting of vocalist Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke, and drummer Mike Joyce, critics consider the band one of the most important to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s. The Smiths were signed to the independent label Rough Trade Records. Based on the songwriting partnership of Morrissey and Marr, the Smiths' focus on a guitar, bass, and drum sound, and fusion of 1960s rock and post-punk, were a rejection of the synth-pop sound that was predominant at the time. Marr's Rickenbacker guitar work was reminiscent of the jangle pop sound of Roger McGuinn from the Byrds. Morrissey's complex, literate lyrics combined themes of ordinary lives with mordant humour. Several Smiths singles reached the top 20 of the UK Singles Chart and all their studio albums reached the top five of the UK Albums Chart, including the number-one album Meat Is Murder.
| Origin | Manchester, England |
| Genres | Indie rock, jangle pop, post-punk, alternative rock |
| Years active | 1982–1987 |
| Labels | Rough Trade, Sire |
| Associated acts | The Pretenders, D.A.R.K, The Adult Net |
| Past members | Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce, (see band members for others) |
About The Smiths
Their debut and self titled album was ranked one of the top 500 Albums of All Time by Rolling Stone. They were nominated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and 2015.
Achievement of The Smiths
The band broke up in 1987, after which various members pursued solo careers.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About The Smiths
The Smiths Category.. Jangle pop groups.. NME Awards winners.. Rough Trade Records artists.. Sire Records artists.. Musical groups from Manchester.. English post-punk music groups.. English alternative rock groups.. English indie rock groups.
Latest information about The Smiths updated on July 28 2021.
