The SmithsThe Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, composed of Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Morrissey and Marr formed the band's songwriting partnership. The Smiths are regarded as one of the most important British bands and one of the pioneers of 1980s independent music. The Smiths signed to the independent label Rough Trade Records in 1983 and released their debut album, The Smiths, in 1984.
StretfordStretford is a market town in Trafford, in Greater Manchester, England, sited on flat ground between the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal; the Bridgewater Canal bisects the town. The town is located 4 miles (6.4 km) south of central Manchester, 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Salford and 4 miles (6.4 km) north-east of Altrincham.
Pop musicPop music, or simply pop, is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form during the mid-1950s in the United States and the United Kingdom. During the 1950s and 1960s, pop music encompassed rock and roll and the youth-oriented styles it influenced. Rock and pop music remained roughly synonymous until the late 1960s, after which popbecame associated with music that was more commercial, , and accessible.
Old Trafford (area)Old Trafford is an area of Trafford, Greater Manchester, England, which borders the cities of Manchester and Salford, two miles (3.2 km) south-west of Manchester city centre in the historic county of Lancashire. It is the north-eastern tip of the parliamentary constituency of Stretford and Urmston and is roughly delineated by two old toll gates, Brooks' Bar and Trafford Bar, to the east and west.
MononymA mononym is a name composed of only one word. An individual who is known and addressed by a mononym is a mononymous person. A mononym may be the person's only name, given to them at birth. This was routine in most ancient societies, and remains common in modern societies such as in Afghanistan, Bhutan, some parts of Indonesia (especially by older Javanese people), Myanmar, Mongolia, Tibet, and South India.
Slum clearance in the United KingdomSlum clearance in the United Kingdom has been used as an urban renewal strategy to transform low-income settlements with poor reputation into another type of development or housing. Early mass clearances took place in the country's northern cities. Starting in 1930, councils were expected to prepare plans to clear slum dwellings, although progress stalled upon the onset of World War II.
BaritoneA baritone is a type of classical male singingvoice whose vocal range lies between the bass and the tenorvoice types. It is the most common human male voice. The term originates from the Greekβαρύτονος (barýtonos), meaning "low sounding".
HulmeHulme () is an inner city area and electoral ward of Manchester, in Greater Manchester, England, immediately south of Manchester city centre. It has a significant industrial heritage. Historically in Lancashire, the name Hulme is derived from the Old Norse word for a small island, or land surrounded by water or marsh, indicating that it may have been first settled by Norse invaders in the period of the Danelaw.
Kitchen sink realismKitchen sink realism (or kitchen sink drama) is a British cultural movement that developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s in theatre, art, novels, mainstream and independent cinema, and television, whose protagonists usually could be described as "angry young men" who were disillusioned with modern society.
Anti-establishmentOpposition to the conventional social, political, and economic principles of a society An anti-establishment sign at Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, in 2012 An anti-establishment view or belief is one which stands in opposition to the conventional social, political, and economic principles of a society. The term was first used in the modern sense in 1958 by the British magazine New Statesman to refer to its political and social agenda.Emotional isolationEmotional isolation is a state of isolation where one may have an extensive or reliably available social network but still feels emotionally separated from others. Population-based research indicates that one in five middle-aged and elderly men (50–80 years) in Sweden are emotionally isolated (defined as having no one in whom one can confide). Of those who do have someone in whom they can confide, eight out of ten confide only in their partner.
Self-deprecationSelf-deprecation is the act of reprimanding oneself by belittling, undervaluing, disparaging oneself, or being excessively modest. It can be used as a way to make complaints, express modesty, invoke optimal reactions or add humour. It may also be used as a way for individuals to appear more likable and agreeable.
LancashireLancashire ( LANG-kə-shər, -sheer; abbreviated Lancs) is a ceremonial county in North West England. It is bordered by Cumbria to the north, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire to the east, Greater Manchester and Merseyside to the south, and the Irish Sea to the west. The largest settlement is the city of Preston. The county has an area of 3,079 square kilometres (1,189 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 1,601,645 in 2024.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.