The SMITHS Reader: 1983-1987

In 2002, the NME declared The Smiths “the greatest artists of all time”. And it’s a notion that’s difficult to dispute. In just five short years, the Manchester foursome conquered the world, forever changing the scope of modern music. Along the way, the fame seemed to make frontman Morrissey even more peculiar than he already seemed, going from an absolute frenzy of press interviews in 1983 and 1984 before easing up in 1985 and ultimately withdrawing, save for a few critical pieces in 1986 and 1987. As The Smiths’ frontman recoiled from the public eye, his songwriting accomplishments with guitar maestro Johnny Marr gave way to one brilliant song cycle after another. Inspired, influential and always prolific, Morrissey, Marr, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce were like no other band, either before them or since the group’s unexpected implosion in August of 1987.