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THE SMITHS

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Biography: 

British indie band The Smiths were together for just 5 years but their legacy is monumental. Formed in Manchester in 1982, the band were comprised of Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitars), Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums).

They have been described as the important alternative alternative rock band to emerge from the 1980's, and have influenced many bands, including Suede, Oasis and The Libertines.

The Smiths released four studio albums, several compilations and non-LP singles over the course of 1983 to 1987. Morrissey was an offbeat frontman, famous for his adoration of Oscar Wilde, 60 girl singers, James Dean and ''kitchen sink'' dramas.

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With the very first release, ''Hand In Glove'' in 1983 the band acquired a passionate fanbase, who were enthused by Morrissey's witty and observant lyrics married with Johnny Marr's accomplished and unique guitar style.

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The Mancunian group scored one No.1 album ''Meat Is Murder'' and split in 1987 due to personal differences, at the same time the album ''Strangeways Here We Come'' was released, reaching No.2.

Johnny Marr went on to work with several notable bands, including the THE and Electronic, he is currently a full-time member of The Cribs.

Morrissey has been a successful solo singer-songwriter since 1988, releasing No.1 albums and performing sell-out tours.

Mike Joyce successfully sued the band for £1m back pay in a court case, on the grounds of not receiving a fair share of recording and performance royalties.

Band formed in 1982, in Manchester, England; original members included Steven Patrick Morrissey (born 1959, in Manchester, England), lead vocals; Johnny Marr, guitar; Andy Rourke, bass; and Mike Joyce, drums. Band dissolved in 1987.
 
Simon Reynolds was kinder to the group's final effort in his New Statesman review of Strangeways, calling it "a fascinating mess." He also speculated on the defunct group's contribution to popular music: "Morrissey's own idea of why the Smiths were important is rather traditional—he talks of the Smiths as a solitary bastion of Meaning and Human Depth in an age of processed, vapid, dehumanised, plastic pop. In fact, it's more complex and interesting than this.... Morrissey glamorises failure. And rather than matching our misery to his in a simple process of identification, we're seduced into aspiring to the same heroic pitch of maladjustment and exile.. .. Smiths music is perfectly poised between the vague dream of something more and the sinking realisation that the dream will always remain out of reach."
 
Albums:
 
The Smiths, Rough Trade, 1984.
 
Hatful of Hollow, Rough Trade, 1984.
 
Meat Is Murder, Sire, 1985.
 
The Queen Is Dead, Sire, 1986.
 
Louder Than Bombs, Sire, 1987.
 
Strangeways, Here We Come, Sire, 1988.
 
"Rank," Sire, 1988.
 

Sources: Wendy Gabriel; Joan Goldsworthy

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This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com

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