The Smiths

The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982 and active until 1987, led by singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr with Andy Rourke on bass and Mike Joyce on drums. Their music combined Marr's chiming, arpeggiated guitar work and melodic arrangements with Morrissey's literate, melancholic and often wry lyrical voice, producing a guitar-driven indie or alternative rock sound associated with jangle pop. The group is widely regarded as influential on British independent music of the 1980s.