Scratching the Surface

Nearly two decades after breaking up, the Smiths have become one of the most beloved acts to come out of the '80s. Heralded groups like Bright Eyes, the Postal Service and Interpol owe a massive debt to Morrissey and company, who were named the most influential band ever by the...

By Timothy Pittz

June 2, 2005

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Nearly two decades after breaking up, the Smiths have become one of the most beloved acts to come out of the '80s. Heralded groups like Bright Eyes, the Postal Service and Interpol owe a massive debt to Morrissey and company, who were named the most influential band ever by the New Musical Express in 2002. Andy Rourke, the Smiths' bass player, has since joined the ranks of celebrity DJs -- a growing contingent that includes cats like Carlos D from Interpol and That '70s Show's Danny Masterson -- playing clubs near his home in Manchester, England, as well as those in hip indie spots from Vegas to NYC. His place in musical history firmly secure, Rourke seems to have come along at just the right time, as indie jocks are currently all the rage. He heads over to La Rumba this Friday, June 3, to join the boys at Lipgloss for a celebrity version of "Hang the DJ."

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