10 Most Dramatic Band Splits In Music History

The Smiths were one of the most unique bands of the 1980's, with a sound that put a modern twist on the classic rock styles of old. Throughout the band's tenure, they created some of the best alternative music of the decade from Johnny Marr's inventive guitar breaks to Morrissey's angst-ridden lyrics.

For all the artistic triumphs the band had, the disdain the members had for each other could no longer be ignored. While each member had an equal role in the music, the media tended to focus on Morrissey, whose outspoken nature and controversial opinions worked wonders for the tabloids. After Marr took a break from touring with the band, the guitarist found an article in NME eluding to the Smiths's breakup. Reading through the article, Marr initially thought that Morrissey had deliberately put the article to print to put a nail in the band's coffin.

When it came time for the band to rehearse, Marr was nowhere to be found, which led the band to look for a new guitar player. Though the band recorded material with substitute six-stringers, the sound just wasn't the same. With Morrissey going on to a solo career and Marr moving on to other styles, the earnest alt-rock superstars were officially put to rest.