Morrissey is an alternative rock singer and songwriter from Stretford, Greater Manchester, England. He rose to prominence in the 1980s as the vocalist of the English band The Smiths. When the band broke up in 1987, Morrissey began a successful solo career, having racked up ten Top 10 singles in the UK. He does not shy from controversy in his songs, with themes including; child murder, gang violence, racism, homosexuality, suicide and terrorism.