The Smiths in the 1980s
Manchester's most important band — and the template for modern British indie.
Origin: Manchester, England · Years active: 1982–1987
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Biography
The Smiths were the most important British indie band of the 1980s. Johnny Marr's chiming guitar and Morrissey's literate, witty lyrics produced four studio albums in five years that remain touchstones for guitar pop.
The Smiths (1984) introduced the band's bookish, jangly sound. Hatful of Hollow (1984) compiled radio sessions that arguably bettered the debut.
Meat Is Murder (1985), The Queen Is Dead (1986) and Strangeways, Here We Come (1987) form one of the decade's strongest catalogues. The Queen Is Dead is regularly voted among the greatest albums ever recorded.
Almost every UK guitar band since 1990 owes The Smiths a debt — Oasis, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, The 1975 and beyond.
Key 1980s albums
- The Smiths (1984) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- Meat Is Murder (1985) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- The Queen Is Dead (1986) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- Strangeways, Here We Come (1987) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
Essential songs
- This Charming Man (1983) — 80s songs
- How Soon Is Now? (1985) — 80s songs
- There Is a Light That Never Goes Out (1986) — 80s songs
- Bigmouth Strikes Again (1986) — 80s songs
Genres
Upcoming concerts
Check the interactive concert directory for current source listings, dates and status. Artist associations may include tribute shows; read the full event title.
Browse all upcoming 80s concerts.
The Smiths — quick answers
- Who are The Smiths?
- The Smiths — Manchester, England, active 1982–1987. Manchester's most important band — and the template for modern British indie.
- What did The Smiths release in the 1980s?
- RADIO 1980 lists 4 albums and 4 essential songs for The Smiths, covering 1983–1987.
- Where can I check shows associated with The Smiths?
- Open the interactive concert directory for current source listings. Check each full event title and provider before booking.
Help me choose my next concert
Compiled and fact-checked by the RADIO 1980 Editorial Team. Spotted something wrong? Send a correction.