Guitarist Johnny Marr and singer Morrissey were
introduced, by a mutual friend, in the spring of 1982. After writing
their first batch of songs, the duo brought in Marr's schoolmate
Andy Rourke on bass and drummer Mike Joyce, solidifying the Smiths
lineup. The band were gigging by late 1982. In early 1983, Rough
Trade Records issued the group's debut single, "Hand in Glove,"
which placed well on the independent charts. Follow-up 45s "This
Charming Man" and "What Difference Does It Make?"
climbed their way onto the official UK pop chart, cementing the
rise of The Smiths to national celebrity.
