The Smiths

The Smiths formed in Manchester in 1982 with <a href="/artist/morrissey/">Morrissey</a> on vocals and lyrics, Johnny Marr on guitar and composition, Andy Rourke on bass, and Mike Joyce on drums. The band released four studio albums: "The Smiths" in 1984, "Meat Is Murder" in 1985, "The Queen Is Dead" in 1986, and "Strangeways, Here We Come" in 1987. The group disbanded in 1987 after five years together. Their combination of Morrissey's literary lyrics and Marr's jangly guitar work significantly influenced the development of indie and alternative rock in Britain and beyond.