The Smiths

On 28 September 1987, a few months after the band had effectively broken up, The Smiths released their fourth and final studio album, Strangeways, Here We Come. Recorded at The Wool Hall in Bath, the album features more experimental instrumentation and is widely considered a lush and emotionally resonant swan song to their career.

In August 1987, guitarist Johnny Marr announced his departure from The Smiths amid growing frustrations over management and creative pressures. The split was formalized shortly before the release of Strangeways, Here We Come. Reasons cited include personal disagreements—especially between Marr and Morrissey—and industry pressures that burdened Marr unnecessarily.

On 12 December 1986, The Smiths performed their final live concert at the Brixton Academy in London, at a benefit event. The show marked the end of their touring years and foreshadowed the growing internal tensions that would soon lead to their dissolution.

On 16 June 1986, The Smiths released their third studio album, The Queen Is Dead. Featuring tracks like “Bigmouth Strikes Again” and “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out,” the album combined sharp wit and emotional depth, and is widely regarded as their masterpiece, cementing their influence in alternative rock.

In February 1985, The Smiths released their second studio album, Meat Is Murder. It marked a shift toward more political themes—highlighting vegetarianism in its title track and criticizing corporal punishment and schooling in songs like “The Headmaster Ritual.” It became their only studio album to reach number one in the UK.

On 2 November 1984, The Smiths released the compilation album Hatful of Hollow, which included BBC session recordings, the debut single “Hand in Glove,” and singles like “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” and “William, It Was Really Nothing.” The album showcased the band’s range and reinforced their growing popularity.

On 20 February 1984, The Smiths released their self-titled debut album via Rough Trade. Featuring Marr’s jangly guitars and Morrissey’s literate lyrics, the album reached number two on the UK Albums Chart, establishing the band as a key voice in 1980s British indie music and earning critical recognition.

On 24 November 1983, The Smiths made their television debut performing “This Charming Man” on BBC’s Top of the Pops. Morrissey subverted the show's format by holding flowers instead of the microphone, signaling the band’s unconventional approach and setting a memorable tone for their public image.

In May 1983, The Smiths released their debut single “Hand in Glove” on Rough Trade Records. Though it did not reach the UK Top 40, it generated buzz and led to a John Peel BBC Radio 1 session—boosting the band’s visibility and helping secure wider media attention in NME and Sounds.

In May 1982, Johnny Marr invited Morrissey to form a band—drawing on their shared musical and literary sensibilities. By late 1982, they had chosen the name “The Smiths,” recorded their first demo in August at Decibel Studios and made their live debut at Manchester’s Ritz in October. These early rehearsals and demos marked the genesis of the band’s creative identity.

On 31 August 1978, Johnny Marr (aged 14) and Steven Morrissey (aged 19) met at a Patti Smith concert at Manchester's Apollo Theatre. This chance meeting brought together two young music fans who bonded over their mutual passion for literature and music, ultimately laying the foundation for one of the most influential songwriting partnerships in British independent music.