File:The_Smiths_(1984_Sire_publicity_photo)_002.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
The Smiths were a British rock band that became influential in the 1980s music scene. They are remembered for their distinctive sound and significant impact on rock and alternative music during their era.
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Wikidata facts
- Official name
- The Smiths
- Official website
- www.officialsmiths.co.uk
- Image
- The Smiths (1984 Sire publicity photo) 002.jpg
Show 5 more facts
- Commons category
- The Smiths
- inception
- 1984-00-00
- start of work period
- 1982-00-00
- social media followers
- 470000
- end of work period
- 1987-00-00
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The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, composed of Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Morrissey and Marr formed the band's songwriting partnership. The Smiths are regarded as one of the most important British bands and one of the pioneers of 1980s independent music.
The Smiths signed to the independent label Rough Trade Records in 1983 and released their debut album, The Smiths, in 1984. They focused on a guitar, bass and drum sound, fusing art rock and post-punk, which was a rejection of the synth-pop sound predominant at the time. Several of the band's 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 (1985). The Queen Is Dead (1986) and Strangeways, Here We Come (1987) both entered the top 20 of the European Albums Chart.