when were the smiths popular

The Smiths peaked in popularity during the mid-1980s. Formed in Manchester in 1982, the band—led by Morrissey's baritone vocals and Johnny Marr's jangling guitars—captivated the UK indie scene with their blend of post-punk melancholy and witty lyrics. Their rise from underground darlings to chart- toppers unfolded rapidly between 1983 and 1987.

Formation and Early Buzz

The Smiths debuted with "Hand in Glove" in May 1983, igniting the independent music world through John Peel sessions and buzz in the music press. "This Charming Man" hit UK charts in November 1983, landing them on Top of the Pops —Morrissey's flower-throwing antics won over shy indie fans nationwide. By early 1984, "What Difference Does It Make?" reached number 12, signaling their breakout.

Chart Dominance (1984-1986)

1984 marked their commercial explosion: Debut album The Smiths hit number 2 on UK charts, fueled by singles like "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" (number 10). Hits poured in—"How Soon Is Now?", "Panic," "Shoplifters of the World Unite"—with seven top-20 UK singles total. Albums Meat Is Murder (1985, number 1) and The Queen Is Dead (1986, number 2) cemented their status as alternative rock icons, blending social commentary with infectious hooks.

Disbandment and Legacy

Tensions led to their 1987 split after Strangeways, Here We Come (number 2 UK), but their influence endures—paving paths for Britpop and indie acts like Oasis and Radiohead. Forums still debate their miserabilist charm: Reddit users hail Marr's riffs and Morrissey's image as timeless.

Key Milestone| Date| UK Peak Chart
---|---|---
"This Charming Man"| Nov 1983| 25 5
Debut Album| Feb 1984| 2 9
"How Soon Is Now?"| Jan 1985| 24 1
Meat Is Murder| Feb 1985| 1 5
The Queen Is Dead| Jun 1986| 2 5

TL;DR: The Smiths ruled UK indie rock from 1983-1987, with peak fame 1984-1986 via multi-platinum albums and top-10 hits. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.