The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in the early 1980s, they consisted of vocalist Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke plus drummer Mike Joyce. They are one of my all time favourite bands, although after their split in 1987 Morrissey's solo career has been marred by some dodgey political stances...
The band released a self-titled album in 1984 and later that year had success with a couple of singles - "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" and "William, It Was Really Nothing"
Early in 1985 the band released their second album, 'Meat Is Murder', this was followed in 1986 with, 'The Queen Is Dead'. The album was released in June 1986, shortly after the single "Bigmouth Strikes Again", "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" and "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side".
Rourke was fired from the band in early 1986 due to his use of heroin. He allegedly received notice of his dismissal via a Post-it Note stuck to the windscreen of his car. Rourke was replaced on bass by Craig Gannon (formerly a member of Scottish new wave band Aztec Camera), but was then reinstated two weeks later. Gannon stayed in the band, switching to rhythm guitar. This five-piece recorded the singles "Panic"
Other top tracks from the band include 'Girlfriend in a Coma',
The band finally split with Morrissey going solo in late 1987, out of all their tracks these are my favourite two...
'This Charming Man'
'Hand in Glove'