Formed in 1992 by lead singer Jose "The Mexican Morrissey" Maldonado, Sweet and Tender Hooligans have performed their tribute to Morrissey and The Smiths to sold out audiences in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Boston, New York City, Austin, and El Paso. As well in international countries/cities such Monterrey and Tijuana, Mexico and London, Leeds, Glasgow Scotland, and Manchester UK.

Recently featured on ABC's Good Morning America, the band covers material from all of Morrissey's career and have recorded Spanish language translations of his songs. Jose Maldonado portrayed Morrissey in the feature film "My Life with Morrissey". Sweet and Tender Hooligans have appeared in several documentaries about Morrissey's Los Angeles Latino fanbase and each year at Hollywood's House of Blues celebrate Morrissey's birthday in grand fashion complete with a live string section and guest musicians.

Morrissey has acknowled the band at one of his recent shows at The Wiltern by jokingly announcing to his audience "Hello, we are the Sweet and Tender Hooligans!"