History of The Smiths in Timeline
The Smiths, formed in 1982 in Manchester, England, were a prominent rock band known for their songwriting duo, Morrissey (vocals) and Johnny Marr (guitar). The band, including Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums), significantly impacted the British independent music scene in the 1980s.
August 1978: A Shared Love of Music
Johnny Marr and Steven Morrissey's paths first crossed in August 1978 at a Patti Smith concert at Manchester's Apollo Theatre. Marr, only 14 at the time, was struck by the fact that Morrissey, then 19, had written a book about the New York Dolls. This shared admiration for music and literature sparked a connection between the two.
May 1982: The Genesis of a Partnership
In May 1982, Johnny Marr, along with his friend Steve Pomfret, visited Steven Morrissey at his Stretford home with a proposition: to form a band. This meeting marked the beginning of their musical partnership.
May 1982: Morrissey creates The Smiths
Morrissey formed the musical group "The Smiths" in May 1982.
August 1982: First Demo and Lineup Changes
In August 1982, The Smiths, with Dale Hibbert on bass and Simon Wolstencroft on drums, recorded their first demo at Decibel Studios. Following this, Mike Joyce took over the drumming role. Morrissey presented the demo to Factory Records, but Tony Wilson, the label head, was not interested.
October 1982: The Smiths' First Public Performance
The Smiths made their public debut in October 1982, opening for Blue Rondo à la Turk at The Ritz in Manchester. The performance featured a mix of original songs and covers, including "I Want a Boy for My Birthday."
December 1982: Second Demo and EMI Rejection
The Smiths recorded their second demo in December 1982 at Drone Studios. They submitted this demo to EMI in hopes of securing a record deal, but the label declined.
1982: The Smiths are Formed
The iconic English rock band, The Smiths, was formed in Manchester in 1982. The founding members were Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass), and Mike Joyce (drums), with Morrissey and Marr taking the lead in songwriting. They quickly became recognized as a leading force in the British independent music scene of the 1980s.
1982: Embracing the Ordinary
By late 1982, Morrissey had settled on "The Smiths" as the band's name. He believed it was time for the ordinary to be celebrated. It was also around this time that Morrissey decided to be known publicly by his surname.
January 1983: Expanding Their Repertoire
By January 1983, The Smiths had added more original songs to their setlist. They continued to perform live, including a gig at Manchester's Manhattan venue.
May 1983: Hand in Glove and John Peel Session
The Smiths released their debut single, "Hand in Glove," in May 1983 on Rough Trade Records. The single, which featured a controversial cover image chosen by Morrissey, sold steadily but didn't crack the UK Top 40. The band's growing reputation led to a pivotal session for John Peel's BBC Radio 1 show, further raising their profile and garnering attention from the music press.
1983: Morrissey's Stage Persona
In 1983 Morrissey, in a move to further solidify his stage persona, expressed a strong aversion to the name "Steven," asking those around him to refrain from using it.
1983: Signing with Rough Trade Records
In 1983, The Smiths secured a record deal with the independent label Rough Trade Records, marking a significant step in their career.
February 1984: The Smiths Release Debut Album
In February 1984, The Smiths released their self-titled debut album, which climbed to number two on the UK Albums Chart, establishing their presence in the music scene. However, the album's release wasn't without controversy, with some tabloid newspapers making unfounded allegations about the lyrical content of "Reel Around the Fountain" and "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle."
March 1984: Television Debut
In March 1984, The Smiths made their television debut, performing on the popular Channel 4 music program "The Tube," expanding their reach to a wider audience.
1984: Debut Album Release
The Smiths released their self-titled debut album in 1984, a record that reached number two on the UK Albums Chart. Their unique sound, a blend of 1960s rock and post-punk, offered a stark contrast to the prevalent synth-pop of the time and quickly resonated with audiences.
November 1985: Completion of The Queen Is Dead Album
The Smiths completed their third studio album, "The Queen Is Dead," in November 1985.
1985: Morrissey's Controversial Interviews and Extensive Touring
Throughout 1985, Morrissey's outspoken political views in interviews, targeting entities like the Thatcher government and Band Aid, ignited controversies. The Smiths also embarked on extensive tours across the UK and the US in 1985.
1985: Release of Meat Is Murder
In 1985, The Smiths released their second studio album, "Meat Is Murder," marking a period of musical and political evolution for the band.
1985: Meat Is Murder Tops the Charts
The Smiths' commitment to their ethical beliefs was evident in their 1985 album "Meat Is Murder," a record that reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.
1985: 'Meat Is Murder' Tops UK Charts
The Smiths' 1985 album, 'Meat Is Murder,' reached the number one spot on the UK charts, signifying a pivotal moment in their career and their ability to resonate with a wide audience. This achievement cemented their status as a major force in British music.
1985: Experimenting with Sound
In 1985, The Smiths, while maintaining their signature guitar-driven sound, began to incorporate keyboards into their music, adding another dimension to their already rich sonic palette.
June 1986: Release of The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths' third studio album, "The Queen Is Dead," was released in June 1986, featuring singles like "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" and "Bigmouth Strikes Again."
October 1986: Conclusion of UK Tour and Gannon's Departure
The Smiths concluded their UK tour in October 1986, leading to the departure of Craig Gannon from the band.
December 1986: The Smiths' Final Concert
On December 12, 1986, The Smiths held their last concert at Brixton Academy in London, marking the end of an era for the influential band.
1986: Rourke's Dismissal and Temporary Replacement
Andy Rourke was fired from The Smiths in early 1986 due to heroin use, almost being replaced by Guy Pratt for their North American tour. However, Rourke rejoined the band just before the tour.
1986: The Smiths' Unconventional Style
In 1986, The Smiths' appearance on the British music program 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' showcased their distinctive, understated style, contrasting with the flamboyant fashion trends of the time. Morrissey, the band's vocalist, notably wore a fake hearing aid in a gesture of solidarity with a hearing-impaired fan.
1986: The Queen Is Dead and a New Member
The Smiths released "The Queen Is Dead" in 1986, an album that catapulted them to mainstream success across Europe. The album reached the top 20 of the European Albums Chart, signifying their growing international appeal. The band also temporarily expanded to a five-piece with the addition of guitarist Craig Gannon.
1986: Recording of Rank Album
The Smiths' live album, "Rank," was recorded in 1986 during Craig Gannon's time with the band.
March 1987: Release of Louder Than Bombs in the US
March 1987 saw the release of The Smiths' compilation album, "Louder Than Bombs," in the US, later released in the UK two months later.
June 1987: Marr Takes a Break
Exhausted from The Smiths' demanding schedule, Johnny Marr took a break in June 1987, which he perceived was met with disapproval from his bandmates, contributing to tensions within the band.
October 1987: Release and Chart Success of Strangeways, Here We Come
"Strangeways, Here We Come" achieved significant success, peaking at number two in the UK charts in October 1987 and becoming their highest-charting album in the US.
1987: Strangeways, Here We Come Released
1987 saw the release of "Strangeways, Here We Come," another album that solidified The Smiths' position in the European music scene. This album also reached the top 20 of the European Albums Chart, demonstrating their continued popularity.
1987: The Smiths' Influence on Britpop
The Smiths' appearance on 'The South Bank Show' in 1987 proved to be a catalyst for the formation of Blur, a band that would become central to the Britpop movement. This event highlights the significant, yet complex, influence of The Smiths on the Britpop genre, which embraced their musical style while diverging from their anti-establishment ethos.
1987: Signing with EMI
In 1987, following their separation from Rough Trade, The Smiths secured a new record deal with EMI, a move that sparked criticism from their fanbase and music press.
1987: The End of an Era
Despite their success, internal conflicts led to The Smiths' disbandment in 1987. The split was followed by public legal disputes over royalties, further cementing the break. Despite numerous offers, the members maintained that a reunion would never happen.
March 1988: Morrissey Releases Debut Solo Album, 'Viva Hate'
Following The Smiths' split, Morrissey released his debut solo album, "Viva Hate," in March 1988, which topped the UK charts, marking the start of his successful solo career.
1988: Rourke and Joyce Tour with Sinéad O'Connor
Following The Smiths' breakup, Rourke and Joyce toured with Sinéad O'Connor in the first half of 1988.
1988: Release of Morrissey's Debut Solo Album
Morrissey's debut solo album, "Viva Hate," was released in 1988, featuring an early version of "Bengali in Platforms," a song initially worked on during The Smiths' sessions with Ivor Perry.
March 1989: Joyce and Rourke Initiate Legal Proceedings
In March 1989, former Smiths members Joyce and Rourke began legal action against Morrissey and Marr, claiming their shares of the band's profits were unfairly disportionate. While Rourke quickly settled for a lump sum, Joyce continued his legal battle.
1989: Rourke and Joyce Record with Morrissey
Despite the legal tensions, Rourke and Joyce recorded singles with Morrissey in 1988 and 1989.
1989: Morrissey's Perspective on The Smiths' Split
In a 1989 interview, Morrissey attributed The Smiths' breakup to the absence of a manager and unresolved business matters.
1989: Marr Joins Electronic Supergroup
Johnny Marr returned to music in 1989, joining the supergroup Electronic with Bernard Sumner and Neil Tennant, going on to release three albums over the next decade.
1990: Rourke Appears on Sinéad O'Connor's Album
Rourke further collaborated with Sinéad O'Connor, appearing on her 1990 album, "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got."
1990: Joyce's collaborations and radio career begin
Mike Joyce's career flourished as he collaborated with Suede and Buzzcocks, marking the beginning of his musical journey beyond The Smiths in 1990.
1990: Marr discusses The Smiths' musical direction
Johnny Marr, in 1990, shed light on The Smiths' musical direction, emphasizing the equal partnership and creative synergy between him and Morrissey.
1992: Marr's Discontent with Covering 1960s Pop Artists
In 1992, Johnny Marr expressed his frustration with Morrissey's insistence on covering 1960s pop artists, citing it as a contributing factor to The Smiths' breakup.
1992: Joyce tours with musical icons
Joyce embarked on tours with Julian Cope and Public Image Ltd in 1992, showcasing his versatility and expanding his musical horizons.
1993: Marr Collaborates with The The
Between 1989 and 1993, Marr recorded two albums with the band The The, further expanding his musical collaborations.
1994: Rourke joins The Pretenders
Andy Rourke joined The Pretenders in 1994, contributing his bass skills to their album "Last of the Independents."
1995: Joyce records with P.P. Arnold
In 1995, Joyce lent his musical talents to a recording project with P.P. Arnold, demonstrating his continued involvement in the music scene.
December 1996: Joyce's Case Reaches High Court
In December 1996, the legal dispute between Joyce and former bandmates Morrissey and Marr over profit shares reached the High Court of Justice. The central issue was whether Joyce was entitled to a quarter of the band's profits beyond songwriting and publishing.
1996: Joyce teams up with Pete Wylie
Joyce's musical journey continued as he joined forces with Pete Wylie in 1996, touring and recording together.
1997: Morrissey and Marr Make Partial Payments to Joyce
In 1997, following legal proceedings, both Morrissey and Marr made partial payments of £215,000 each to former bandmate Joyce.
November 1998: Morrissey's Appeal Dismissed, Rourke Faces Bankruptcy
Morrissey's appeal against the court's decision in Joyce's favor was dismissed in November 1998. Meanwhile, Rourke, inspired by Joyce's legal victory, sought legal advice but ended up declaring bankruptcy in 1999.
1998: Marr Produces Marion's Second Album
Beyond his own music, Marr produced the second album, "The Program," for the band Marion in 1998.
1998: Rourke and Joyce Work with Aziz Ibrahim
Rourke and Joyce toured and recorded with Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim in 1998.
2000: Marr Forms Johnny Marr + the Healers
In 2000, Marr founded the band Johnny Marr + the Healers, releasing the album "Boomslang" in 2003 before disbanding.
2001: Formation of Specter and Moondog One
Rourke and Joyce formed the band Specter in 2001, touring the UK and US. They also recorded demos with Paul Arthurs, Aziz Ibrahim, and Rowetta Idah under the name Moondog One, though the project didn't progress further.
2001: Marr Settles Final Payment, Morrissey Defaults
While Marr settled his final payment to Joyce in 2001, Morrissey failed to do so, claiming he was overseas and didn't receive the paperwork, leading to further legal action by Joyce.
2001: The Smiths' Influence on Radiohead
The Smiths' influence on Radiohead became particularly apparent in 2001, with Radiohead's single 'Knives Out' drawing inspiration from the band's sound. Johnny Marr acknowledged Radiohead as one of the few bands to authentically capture The Smiths' essence.
2002: Marr Guests on Oasis Album
Expanding his collaborations, Marr contributed as a guest musician on Oasis's album "Heathen Chemistry" in 2002.
2002: Joyce expresses disinterest in reunion
Mike Joyce shared his lack of interest in a Smiths reunion in 2002, believing that the band had run its course.
2003: Johnny Marr + the Healers Release 'Boomslang'
Johnny Marr's band, Johnny Marr + the Healers, released their only album, "Boomslang," in 2003, achieving moderate success.
November 2004: VH1's "Bands Reunited" features The Smiths
VH1's "Bands Reunited" aired an episode in November 2004, documenting the unsuccessful attempt to reunite The Smiths for a performance.
2004: Marr Expresses Regret Over Lack of Legal Documents
In 2004, Johnny Marr admitted that while he didn't regret breaking up The Smiths, he wished they'd signed legal documents to avoid subsequent financial disputes.
2004: The Smiths' Songs Featured on Rolling Stone's '500 Greatest Songs of All Time'
Rolling Stone magazine included The Smiths' songs "William, It Was Really Nothing" and "How Soon Is Now?" on their 2004 list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time," highlighting the songwriting prowess and lasting impact of the band.
2004: Rourke's musical collaborations
Rourke's musical journey in 2004 included playing with Badly Drawn Boy for two years and contributing to Proud Mary's album "Love and Light."
November 2005: Joyce's Financial Struggles and Ongoing Dispute with Morrissey
In November 2005, Joyce revealed his financial difficulties, resorting to selling rare Smiths recordings. This prompted a public dispute with Morrissey, who highlighted past payments made to Joyce and claimed significant financial losses due to the ongoing legal battles.
2005: Collaboration with Vinny Peculiar
Rourke and Joyce played with Vinny Peculiar in 2005, recording the single "Two Fat Lovers."
January 2006: Marr and Rourke reunite on stage
Johnny Marr joined Andy Rourke on stage at Rourke's Manchester v Cancer benefit concert in January 2006, marking a rare reunion performance of "How Soon Is Now?."
March 2006: Morrissey reveals Coachella refusal
In March 2006, Morrissey revealed that The Smiths declined a $5 million offer to reunite for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, citing his desire to move on from the band's legacy.
2006: Joyce Appears on Vinny Peculiar's Album
Joyce further collaborated with Vinny Peculiar, appearing on his 2006 album, "The Fall and Rise of Vinny Peculiar."
2006: Morrissey reiterates stance on reunion
Morrissey firmly stated his disinterest in a Smiths reunion, citing his solo work and lack of friendship with the other members in 2006.
2006: Marr Starts Working with Modest Mouse
Marr began collaborating with Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse in 2006, writing songs that would be featured on their 2007 album, marking the start of their musical partnership.
August 2007: Morrissey reportedly declines $75 million reunion offer
Reports circulated in August 2007 that Morrissey had rejected a $75 million offer for a Smiths reunion tour, a story later dismissed as a hoax.
2007: Marr Discusses His Guitar Influences and Style
In a 2007 BBC interview, Johnny Marr, guitarist of The Smiths, shared insights into his musical influences, citing artists such as James Honeyman-Scott of the Pretenders and Bert Jansch of Pentangle, as well as his admiration for producer Phil Spector's 'symphonic' approach to recording.
2007: Joyce's collaborations continue
Joyce's collaborative spirit remained strong in 2007 as he toured with Vinny Peculiar and Paul Arthurs.
2007: Marr Officially Joins Modest Mouse
Marr became a full member of Modest Mouse in 2007, touring extensively with the band throughout 2006 and 2007.
2007: Release of 'Inside the Smiths' Documentary
Rourke and Joyce released the documentary DVD "Inside the Smiths" in 2007, offering their perspective on their time in the band. Notably absent were Marr, Morrissey, and their music.
2007: Rourke's collaborations and Freebass
Rourke's musical career continued to flourish in 2007 as he played on Ian Brown's album "The World Is Yours" and formed the band Freebass with fellow bassists Peter Hook and Mani.
2007: The Smiths' Enduring Legacy in British Music
Simon Goddard, writing for 'Q' magazine in 2007, hailed The Smiths as 'the one truly vital voice of the '80s' and 'the most influential British guitar group of the decade.' Goddard emphasized their impact on subsequent generations of musicians, solidifying their place as indie pioneers who achieved mainstream success on their own terms.
January 2008: Marr Collaborates with The Cribs
In January 2008, Marr engaged in a songwriting session with the Cribs, which led to a three-year collaboration and an appearance on their 2009 album, "Ignore the Ignorant."
2008: Joyce tours with Autokat
Joyce's musical journey led him to tour with the band Autokat in 2008.
2008: Morrissey, Marr, and Rourke discuss reunion
Morrissey, Marr, and Rourke reconnected in 2008 to discuss the possibility of a Smiths reunion, ultimately deciding to exclude Joyce and postpone the idea.
2008: Potential reunion year
A reunion tour for The Smiths was rumored to take place in 2008.
February 2009: Morrissey dismisses reunion rumors
In a February 2009 BBC Radio 2 interview, Morrissey expressed his lack of interest in a Smiths reunion, emphasizing his contentment with the past and his focus on his solo career.
June 2009: Marr reveals $50 million reunion offer
Johnny Marr disclosed in a June 2009 interview that The Smiths had received a $50 million offer for a reunion, but emphasized that personal reasons prevented it.
2009: Potential reunion year
A reunion tour for The Smiths was rumored to take place in 2009.
2009: Rourke moves to New York and forms Jetlag
Andy Rourke relocated to New York in early 2009, where he embarked on a new musical venture, forming the DJ and audio production outfit, Jetlag, with Olé Koretsky.
2009: The Cribs Release 'Ignore the Ignorant' Featuring Marr
The Cribs released their fourth album, "Ignore the Ignorant," in 2009, featuring contributions from Johnny Marr during their collaboration.
December 2010: Morrissey and Marr's communication ends
Communication between Morrissey and Marr regarding a potential reunion ended abruptly in December 2010.
2010: Morrissey Praises Jeff Buckley's 'Grace'
In 2010, Morrissey ranked Jeff Buckley's album 'Grace' as his 12th favorite, reflecting the mutual admiration between the two artists. Buckley, known for his emotive vocals, frequently covered The Smiths' songs during his career.
2010: Morrissey Named One of Rolling Stone's Greatest Singers
Morrissey's distinctive vocal style and lyrical prowess earned him a place on Rolling Stone's 2010 list of the greatest singers, further solidifying his status as an icon in music history.
April 2011: Marr Departs The Cribs
Marr's time with the Cribs ended in April 2011, marking the end of their three-year musical partnership.
2012: The Smiths' Albums Featured on Rolling Stone's '500 Greatest Albums of All Time'
In 2012, Rolling Stone magazine recognized The Smiths' enduring impact by including four of their albums on their prestigious '500 Greatest Albums of All Time' list. This accolade solidified their place among music's most influential acts.
2013: Marr Releases Debut Solo Album
Marr released his first solo album, "The Messenger," in 2013, embarking on his solo career as a recording artist.
April 2014: Rourke forms D.A.R.K.
In a unique turn of events, Rourke, alongside his band Jetlag, welcomed Cranberries vocalist Dolores O'Riordan, leading to the formation of their new band, D.A.R.K., in April 2014.
2014: Marr Releases Second Solo Album
Marr released his second solo album, "Playland," in 2014, continuing his solo musical endeavors.
2014: The Smiths Nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Smiths received a nomination for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, recognizing their significant contributions to music history and their lasting influence on generations of musicians.
2014: Marr and Rourke perform at Lollapalooza Brazil
Marr and Rourke shared the stage once again in 2014, performing "How Soon Is Now?" at the Lollapalooza Brazil festival.
2015: The Smiths Nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Smiths were nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame again in 2015, further demonstrating their lasting impact and influence on the music industry.
2016: Marr jokes about Farage joining potential reunion
Johnny Marr jokingly suggested in 2016 that Nigel Farage would replace him as guitarist in any potential Smiths reunion, alluding to Morrissey's political leanings.
2018: Marr registers The Smiths' trademark
In 2018, Marr registered the trademark for The Smiths under his name to protect it from third-party use after an attempt to use the band's name.
2018: Marr Releases Third Solo Album
Marr's third solo album, "Call the Comet," was released in 2018, further solidifying his solo career.
2020: Morrissey Remains Active as a Solo Artist
As of 2020, Morrissey has released 13 studio albums, continuing to perform and record as a successful solo artist.
2021: Blossoms and Rick Astley Embark on Smiths Covers Tour
The band Blossoms and singer Rick Astley began performing a series of concerts in 2021, showcasing their interpretations of The Smiths' iconic songs. These performances offered a unique way for fans to engage with the band's music.
May 2023: Andy Rourke passes away
The music world mourned the loss of Andy Rourke, the bassist for The Smiths, who died of pancreatic cancer on 19 May 2023, at the age of 59.
2023: Blossoms and Rick Astley Perform Smiths Covers at Glastonbury
In 2023, Blossoms and Rick Astley continued their exploration of The Smiths' catalog with a performance at the Glastonbury Festival, garnering positive reviews from 'The Guardian.' The performance sparked discussion about separating the band's music from Morrissey's controversial public persona in recent years.
2023: Andy Rourke's Passing
In 2023, the music world mourned the loss of Andy Rourke, The Smiths' bassist.
January 2024: Marr signs agreement to share ownership of The Smiths' name
Johnny Marr signed an agreement in January 2024 to share ownership of The Smiths' name with Morrissey, an agreement that Morrissey has not yet acted on.
August 2024: Morrissey announces reunion offer, Marr refutes claims
In August 2024, Morrissey claimed that The Smiths received a lucrative offer to tour in 2025. He stated he accepted but Marr ignored the offer. Marr refuted this, stating he declined the offer. Morrissey's team also claimed Marr filed for sole ownership of The Smiths' trademark without consulting Morrissey. Marr clarified that he trademarked the name to prevent third-party usage after failing to receive a response from Morrissey and his representatives.
2025: Potential reunion year
A reunion tour for The Smiths was rumored to take place in 2025.