The Smiths were one of the most influential British alternative bands of the 1980s, known for their distinctive blend of jangly guitar pop, poetic lyricism, and sharp emotional clarity. Formed in Manchester in 1982 by vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr—with bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce completing the lineup—the group quickly became a defining force in indie music.
Their songs combined Marr’s intricate, melodic guitar work with Morrissey’s introspective, often provocative lyrics, creating a sound that was both timeless and unmistakably their own. Though their career was relatively brief, ending in 1987, The Smiths left behind a catalog that shaped the direction of modern guitar-based music and inspired generations of alternative and indie artists. Their legacy endures as one of originality, authenticity, and artistic impact.
Sadly, Andy Rourke passed away in 2023.
The Smiths’ 1986 single “Panic” is a sharp, provocative anthem that captures the band’s ability to fuse social commentary with irresistible guitar-pop energy. Written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr during a period of disillusionment with contemporary pop culture, the song pairs jangling, upbeat instrumentation with lyrics that critique the disconnect between mainstream media and real-world anxieties.
Marr’s bright, driving guitar lines provide a striking contrast to Morrissey’s urgent call to “Hang The DJ,” creating a tension that made the track both controversial and compelling. “Panic” quickly became one of The Smiths’ most memorable releases, embodying their talent for turning frustration into art and cementing their status as a voice for the disaffected youth of the 1980s.
The song peaked at No. 11 in the UK singles chart on the 9th August 1986.
| A-Side | Panic (2:20) (Morrissey, Marr) Produced By John Porter |
| B-Side | Vicar In A Tutu (2:21) (Morrissey, Marr) Produced By John Porter |
| Genre | Rock, Pop, Indie |
| Release Date | 21st July 1986 |
| Label | ROUGH TRADE |
| Catalogue Number | RT 183 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 2nd August 1986 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 11 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 06 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [6 Weeks] – 2nd August 1986 – 6th September 1986 |
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
Panic on the streets of London
Panic on the streets of Birmingham
I wonder to myself
Could life ever be sane again?
The Leeds side streets that you slip down
I wonder to myself
Hopes may rise on the Grasmere
But, honey pie, you’re not safe here
So you run down to the safety of the town
But there’s panic on the streets of Carlisle
Dublin, Dundee, Humberside
I wonder to myself
Burn down the disco
Hang the blessed DJ
Because the music that they constantly play
It says nothing to me about my life
Hang the blessed DJ
Because the music they constantly play
On the Leeds side-streets that you slip down
Provincial towns you jog ’round
Hang the DJ, hang the DJ, hang the DJ
Hang the DJ, hang the DJ, hang the DJ
Hang the DJ, hang the DJ, hang the DJ
Hang the DJ, hang the DJ
Hang the DJ, hang the DJ
Hang the DJ, hang the DJ, hang the DJ
Hang the DJ, hang the DJ
Hang the DJ, hang the DJ
Hang the DJ, hang the DJ, hang the DJ
Hang the DJ, hang the DJ
Hang the DJ, hang the DJ
Hang the DJ, hang the DJ, hang the DJ
Hang the DJ, hang the DJ
Written By Morrissey, Marr
