Revered and massively influential the Smiths have been called the most important band of the fertile U.K. 1980s music scene. While the group was only active for five years (1982 to 1987) the cult of the Manchester-reared foursome has ballooned in the three decades since its dissolution.THDespite a $75 million offer to reunite for a two month tour in 2007 Morrissey and Johnny Marr the group's principals refused opting to leave their legend untainted. The Smiths have since influenced a who's who of alternative music including Death Cab for Cutie Radiohead the Killers Jeff Buckley Pete Yorn the Decemberists and Oasis.THFeaturing a foreword by guitarist and Fifth Smith who played with the band in 1986 EThe Smiths FAQE traces the band's history with clarity and detail illuminating such questions as Who were the Nosebleeds? Why did Morrissey shun the Ramones? Who were the Paris Valentinos? What was Cult guitarist Billy Duffy's connection to the band? How was Morrissey injured during the group's U.S. debut performance? What Smiths single paid homage to T. Rex?. John D. Luerssen (author of FAQ series titles about U2 Bruce Springsteen and Nirvana) gathers the indispensable early facts the legendary stories and inimitable anecdotes that make this a must-own tome for all fans.

About the Author
JOHN D. LUERSSEN (Westfield, NJ) first discovered the Smiths in late 1984 when he heard "How Soon Is Now?" on the Jersey Shore's long-defunct WHTG-FM. His first ever record review was of Meat Is Murder, which ran in his high school's student newspaper the following spring. Luerssen has written several books, including Bruce Springsteen FAQ, U2 FAQ, and Nirvana FAQ, and has written for Rolling Stone, Billboard, AXS, AOL Music, and American Songwriter.


Book Information
ISBN 9781480394490
Author John D. Luerssen
Format Paperback
Page Count 310
Imprint Backbeat Books
Publisher Hal Leonard Corporation
Weight(grams) 526g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 153mm * 19mm