The Smiths

Star file

The Smiths

rock band · indie group

4 stories · latest Sep 12, 2026 · Music

About The Smiths

The Smiths are a legendary British indie rock band celebrated for their defining contribution to alternative music during the 1980s. Former guitarist Johnny Marr played a key role in crafting the group's classic guitar-driven sound, which established foundational anthems within the indie genre.

Coverage of the band frequently focuses on the enduring impact of their discography and historical instruments. In September 2026, Johnny Marr reunited with Oasis star Noel Gallagher at Christie's auction house in London to showcase key artifacts from his personal collection, including a 1982 black Rickenbacker 330 electric guitar utilized to compose defining hits such as "This Charming Man" and "What Difference Does It Make?"

The group's music also maintains an active presence in international culture. In August 2026, British politician Andy Burnham delivered an acoustic cover of "Rusholme Ruffians," a beloved song from the band's acclaimed 1985 album Meat Is Murder, to frontline entertainment personnel and soldiers in Kyiv, Ukraine, drawing reaction from Marr.

  • Coverage surrounding The Smiths primarily centers on former guitarist Johnny Marr and the long-term cultural influence of the band's 1980s catalog.
  • Attention focuses on historic gear used to record their iconic tracks alongside unexpected public performances of their music.

The The Smiths shelf

Books to own

Latest on The Smiths

The Smiths timeline

  1. Johnny Marr Reacts To Politician Covering The Smiths For Soldiers In Ukraine

    Aug 26, 2026

    Johnny Marr reacted to British politician Andy Burnham performing an acoustic cover of Rusholme Ruffians in Kyiv.

    Johnny Marr Reacts To Politician Covering The Smiths For Soldiers In Ukraine
  2. Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr Reconnect at London Exhibition of Famous Smiths Guitars

    Sep 12, 2026

    Johnny Marr and Noel Gallagher met at Christie's to inspect historic guitars from Marr's era with The Smiths.

    Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr Reconnect at London Exhibition of Famous Smiths Guitars

The photos · 2

Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr Reconnect at London Exhibition of Famous Smiths Guitars
Johnny Marr Reacts To Politician Covering The Smiths For Soldiers In Ukraine

The Smiths: your questions

Who was the guitarist for The Smiths?

Johnny Marr served as the guitar god and songwriter for The Smiths.

What guitar was used to write This Charming Man?

Johnny Marr wrote "This Charming Man" using a 1982 black Rickenbacker 330 semi-hollow electric guitar.

Which album features the track Rusholme Ruffians?

"Rusholme Ruffians" is a track from the band's 1985 album Meat Is Murder.

Often in the same story