SMITHS, THE
RED LIGHT NEVER GOES OUT

The Smiths formed in Manchester in 1982, the result of a partnership between guitarist Johnny Marr and vocalist-lyricist Morrissey. Joined by bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce, the group quickly distinguished themselves with a singular sound, characterised by Marr’s melodic guitar work and Morrissey’s literate, introspective lyrics. As an antidote to the prevailing synthesiser-driven pop of the early 1980s, The Smiths offered a raw and emotive alternative that resonated deeply with both British and international audiences throughout the decade. Over time, they garnered widespread critical acclaim and are now regarded as one of the most influential independent groups of all time.

Their self-titled debut album, The Smiths, was released in February 1984, following the success of several early singles, including "Hand in Glove" and "This Charming Man". Anticipation for a full-length release was considerable, and while the album largely met expectations, the band expressed frustration with the disjointed recording process. This dissatisfaction later led to the release of Hatful of Hollow, a compilation album issued later that same year, intended to better convey the immediacy and vitality of their live performances - qualities the band felt The Smiths did not fully capture.