The Queen Is Dead is the third studio album by the English rock band the Smiths. It was released on 16 June 1986 in the UK by Rough Trade Records, and on 23 June 1986 in the US by Sire Records.
RAK Studios in 2011
Promotional photograph of the Smiths in 1985. The same photo is used in the album's inner gatefold.
The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, composed of the singer Morrissey, the guitarist Johnny Marr, the bassist Andy Rourke, and the drummer Mike Joyce. Morrissey and Marr formed the band's songwriting partnership. The Smiths are regarded as one of the most important acts to emerge from 1980s British independent music.
The Smiths in 1984 (from left to right): Andy Rourke, Morrissey, Johnny Marr and Mike Joyce.
The Smiths in 1984
Morrissey performing at SXSW in Austin, Texas in 2006
Johnny Marr performing as part of the group the Cribs at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC, in 2010