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The Smiths

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Band Timeline

1982

Formation of The Smiths in Manchester

In May 1982, The Smiths were formed in Manchester by Morrissey (vocals) and Johnny Marr (guitar), who bonded over shared musical and literary interests. They were soon joined by bass player Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce, finalizing the classic lineup. The band name was chosen by Morrissey to represent ordinary people. Early rehearsals took place that year, with the duo working on original songs and covers, laying the foundation of their distinct jangly guitar-driven sound that would define their music career.
1983

Signing to Rough Trade Records and debut single release

In 1983, The Smiths signed to the independent label Rough Trade Records. The band released their debut single "Hand in Glove" in May 1983, which failed to chart. Later that year in October, their follow-up single "This Charming Man" achieved critical acclaim and reached number 25 on the UK Singles Chart. These early releases helped establish their presence in the British independent music scene and showcased their blend of 1960s rock influences merged with post-punk sensibilities.
1984

Release of debut album, The Smiths

The debut album, "The Smiths," was released on 20 February 1984. Recorded intermittently in London, Manchester, and Stockport, the album paired Marr's bright jangly guitar work with Morrissey's literate melancholic lyrics, focusing on themes such as unrequited love, isolation, and social disaffection. It reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and included tracks like "Reel Around the Fountain" and "Suffer Little Children," which sparked some media controversy. This album established The Smiths as a significant force in the British indie scene.
1985

Release of Meat Is Murder and achieving UK number one

In 1985, The Smiths released their second studio album, "Meat Is Murder," which became their first UK number one album. The album deepened their political and social commentary, featuring songs that addressed issues such as vegetarianism and societal violence. Although the single "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" failed to reach the UK Top 40, the album solidified their critical and commercial success. This period marked the height of their popularity within the UK independent rock arena.
1986

Release of The Queen Is Dead and expansion to a five-piece band

The year 1986 saw the release of The Smiths' third album, "The Queen Is Dead," which reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and gained widespread acclaim. The band briefly expanded to a five-piece with the addition of second guitarist Craig Gannon. The album's mix of sharp social commentary and intricate guitar work demonstrated the maturation of their sound. This release achieved mainstream success not only in the UK but also across European markets, cementing their status as leading figures in 1980s British music.
1987

Release of Strangeways, Here We Come and breakup of the band

In 1987, The Smiths released their fourth and final studio album, "Strangeways, Here We Come," which reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and became their highest-charting album in the United States. Internal tensions, particularly between Morrissey and Marr, culminated in Marr's departure in August of that year, effectively leading to the band's breakup. Despite attempts to continue, the band dissolved by the time of the album's September release. Following the split, members were involved in public disputes over royalties and rejected reunion offers.
1988 and beyond

Post-breakup releases and legacy

After the breakup, several compilation albums and a live album titled "Rank" were released, featuring the band's significant works. In 1992, WEA acquired the Smiths' back catalog and produced compilations "Best I" and "Best II," with "Best I" reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart. Their legacy endures as one of the most influential acts of 1980s British independent music, noted for their unique sound and Morrissey's distinct vocals. Despite the band's dissolution, their music continues to resonate with fans globally. Andy Rourke, the band's bassist, passed away in 2023.

Albums

the-smiths_1st_album
The Smiths
11 tracks
1984
the-smiths_2nd_album
Meat Is Murder
10 tracks
1985
📷
No Image
In Concert-354
13 tracks
1985
the-smiths_4th_album
The Queen Is Dead
10 tracks
1986
the-smiths_5th_album
Strangeways, Here We Come
10 tracks
1987
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Members

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Craig Gannon

1986
1986

Guitar

Additional

Andy Rourke

1982
1987

Bass guitar

Johnny Marr

1982
1987

Guitar

Mike Joyce

1982
1987

Drums (drum set)

Morrissey

1982
1987

Lead vocals

Dale Hibbert

1982
1982

Additional

Bass guitar

Story of The Smiths

Hailing from Manchester and formed in 1982, The Smiths exploded onto the British music scene as a cornerstone of the 80s indie rock revolution. The iconic lineup featured Morrissey`s instantly recognizable vocals, the jangly guitar work of Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke on bass, and Mike Joyce on drums. The songwriting partnership of Morrissey and Marr proved undeniably potent.

Signed to Rough Trade Records in 1983, their self-titled debut album dropped in 1984. Rejecting the prevailing synth-pop soundscape, The Smiths carved a niche with their raw, guitar-driven sound, blending 60s rock sensibilities with post-punk edge. Their impact was undeniable: multiple singles cracked the UK top 20, and all their studio albums hit the UK top 5, including the number one album Meat Is Murder (1985). International success followed with The Queen Is Dead (1986) and Strangeways, Here We Come (1987), both charting in the European top 20. The band briefly expanded to a five-piece in 1986 with the addition of guitarist Craig Gannon.

However, internal conflicts ultimately led to the band`s acrimonious split in 1987, further complicated by public disputes over royalties. The members have steadfastly maintained their refusal to reunite, rejecting all offers to do so, cementing their legacy as one of the most influential and enduring bands of their era, and a definitive voice of 80s British independent music.

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