Biography

Morrissey's arch lyricism and Marr's dynamic guitar work

Members were singer Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce.

The Smiths were a British alternative rock band who released four studio albums between 1984 and 1987 and became regarded by many music critics as the most influential British guitar band of the period.

The Smiths frequently issued songs as singles only. Consequently, they are one of the rare artists with more compilation albums than studio albums. Many of these compilations were released after the band had split.

The band's 1985 album "Meat is Murder" was once mistaken by Mick Jagger for being a concept album about meat. Jagger was quoted as saying he didn't want to hear a whole album about meat when it went to number one in the UK in 1985.

In 1989, the band's drummer, Mike Joyce, sued Morrissey and Johnny Marr for unpaid royalties. The judge ruled in favor of Joyce, who was awarded damages in excess of $1 million. Morrissey and Marr have both refused to speak to Joyce since the court case.