The Smiths were an English band from Manchester, UK formed in 1982 consisting of Steven Patrick Morrissey (Vocals, Lyrics), Johnny Marr (Guitar, Music), Mike Joyce (Drums) and Andy Rourke (Bass). Hugely influential, The Smiths lasted all of five years from 1982 to 1987, releasing during this period four studio albums ('The Smiths', 'Meat Is Murder', 'The Queen Is Dead' and finally 'Strangeways, Here We Come') and three compilation albums ('Hatful Of Hollow', 'The World Won't Listen' and 'Louder Than Bombs'). 'Meat Is Murder' went on to enter the British charts at number one in February of 1985, and 'The Queen Is Dead' further confirmed the band's popularity with its release in spring 1986. Greeted with enthusiastic reviews and peaking at number two on the U.K. charts, the album also developed The Smiths' cult following in the U.S., breaking into the Top 100.