The Smiths were an influential English rock band from Manchester, formed in 1982 by Morrissey (vocals) and Johnny Marr (guitar), with Andy Rourke on bass and Mike Joyce on drums. Known for their distinctive blend of 1960s-inspired guitar melodies and post-punk, The Smiths stood apart from the synth-driven pop of their era. Their albums, including The Smiths, Meat Is Murder, The Queen Is Dead, and Strangeways, Here We Come, all found commercial and critical success, with several singles reaching the UK charts. The band split in 1987 after internal disputes and never reunited, despite repeated offers. Andy Rourke passed away in 2023. The Smiths remain a defining act of 1980s British indie music.