There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
Spotlight: The Smiths (1982-1987) What Happened to The Smiths?
In the heart of Manchester, where the grey skies often mirror the mood of its residents, a band emerged in the early 1980s that would change the landscape of alternative rock forever. The Smiths, comprised of the enigmatic Morrissey, the virtuosic Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke, and Mike Joyce, quickly became the voice of a disenchanted generation. Yet, at the height of their fame, they abruptly disbanded, leaving fans and critics alike to wonder: What happened to The Smiths?
Enjoy this track list while reading this post. ~ JT
The Rise of The Smiths
The Smiths were born out of the creative collision between Morrissey, a moody and articulate poet, and Johnny Marr, a young guitar prodigy. Their partnership produced a unique sound characterized by Marr's jangly guitar riffs and Morrissey's melancholic yet witty lyrics. Songs like "This Charming Man," "How Soon Is Now?" and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" resonated deeply with a generation grappling with the social and political turbulence of Thatcher-era Britain.
From their self-titled debut album in 1984 to their critically acclaimed 1986 release, "The Queen Is Dead," The Smiths rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of the indie music scene. Their influence extended beyond the UK, attracting audiences in the United States and around the world. Their music, often marked by a combination of despair and dark humor, provided solace to the alienated and the misunderstood.
Tensions Beneath the Surface
Despite their outward success, tensions simmered beneath the surface. Morrissey, known for his mercurial personality and exacting standards, often clashed with his bandmates and the record label. Marr, on the other hand, grew increasingly frustrated with the constraints of the band and the relentless pressure to produce hits.
In interviews, both Morrissey and Marr would later recount their growing disenchantment with the music industry. Morrissey felt constrained by the commercial expectations placed upon them, while Marr longed for creative freedom. These underlying tensions set the stage for the band's eventual unraveling.
The Breaking Point
In the summer of 1987, as The Smiths were working on what would become their final album, "Strangeways, Here We Come," the cracks in their foundation widened. Marr, feeling overwhelmed and unappreciated, decided to leave the band. His departure marked the beginning of the end for The Smiths.
Without Marr, the heart and soul of their sound, The Smiths were effectively finished. Although Morrissey, Rourke, and Joyce attempted to carry on, it quickly became apparent that the magic that defined their music was gone. In September 1987, just a month before the release of "Strangeways, Here We Come," The Smiths officially announced their breakup.
The Aftermath
The disbandment of The Smiths left a void in the music world that many felt could never be filled. Fans were left to grapple with the sudden end of a band that had provided the soundtrack to their lives. Speculation about the reasons for their breakup ran rampant. Some believed it was purely creative differences, while others suspected deeper personal conflicts.
In the years that followed, Morrissey embarked on a successful solo career. Johnny Marr collaborated with various artists and bands, and Rourke and Joyce continued to play music but struggled to achieve the same level of success they had enjoyed with The Smiths.
The Legacy of The Smiths
Despite their brief tenure, The Smiths left their mark on the music industry. Their influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in their footsteps. Bands like Oasis, Radiohead, and The Stone Roses have all cited The Smiths as a major inspiration. Their music continues to resonate with new generations of fans, proving that their legacy is as enduring as ever. Have you tried buying their early vinyl records? Be prepared to shell out major coin.
The mystery of The Smiths' breakup remains a topic of fascination and debate. Was it merely the result of creative differences, or were there deeper, unresolved issues that led to their demise? While the true reasons may never be fully known, the impact of their music is undeniable.
The Light That Never Goes Out
Something that fascinates me about The Smiths is that although they came and went quickly, their music has not only continued to influence, but the band is being discovered by new fans daily. Their Spotify lists continue to experience massive plays.
There’s no doubt their songs continue to captivate and console, offering a sense of connection to those who feel out of step with the world around them.
As the final notes of "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" echo through the air, one thing is certain: The Smiths may have disappeared, but their light will never fade.
If for some strange reason you have not discovered The Smiths, I encourage you to make some time to listen to their greatest hits here.
For those of you that also enjoy The Smiths, what’s your favorite track?
The Smiths were a hit! I fondly remember playing their tapes on the family Hi-Fi system, much to my dad's dismay. And, Morrissey is still going strong and touring — next stop Vegas.