The Smiths

Origin: Manchester, England
Years active: 1982 – 1987
Members: Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitars), Andy Rourke (bass guitar), Mike Joyce (drums)
Former members: Dale Hibbert (bass guitar), Craig Gannon (bass guitar, rhythm guitar)

The Smiths were an English rock band active from 1982 to 1987.
The group was based on the songwriting partnership of Morrissey and Johnny Marr and were signed
To the independent record label Rough Trade Records. Considered by some
Critics to be the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British indie scene of
The 1980s, the Smiths have had a major influence on subsequent alternative music,
Including the Britpop movement and bands such as The Stone Roses, Radiohead, Blur, Suede,
Oasis, The Libertines, The Verve and Doves. At the time, the group was notable in particular
For two things: Morrissey's unusual, witty, ambiguous, and sometimes controversial lyrics;
And Marr's complex, dense music, which helped return guitar-based music to popularity after
It had fallen somewhat out of favour in the UK charts. The group released four
Studio albums and several compilations, as well as numerous non-LP singles.

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