As the drummer for the Smiths, Mike Joyce was basically lost in the shadows of the group's flamboyant, eccentric vocalist Morrissey and stylish, inventive guitarist Johnny Marr. Joyce joined the Smiths in 1982. The Smiths became one of Britain's most acclaimed and controversial bands. After the Smiths split in 1987, Joyce and Smiths bassist Andy Rourke played with Sinéad O'Connor; Joyce toured with her as well. In 1991, former Teardrop Explodes singer Julian Cope then hired Joyce for his critically praised Peggy Suicide album. Joyce also filed a lawsuit that year against Morrissey and Marr over profits from the Smiths; he won in 1996. Joyce then became a member of the Buzzcocks, the legendary British punk group. The Buzzcocks, one of the Smiths' influences, had initially disbanded in 1981; however, they reunited in 1989 and recruited Joyce after original drummer John Maher left. However, Joyce's stint with the Buzzcocks was short-lived; he eventually joined Public Image Ltd. and remained with them until 1992. Joyce formed Aziz in 1999 with guitarist Aziz Ibrahim, ex-Jam vocalist Paul Weller, bassist Noel Redding, and drummer Steve White. Aziz debuted at a benefit concert in Manchester, England, in March 1999. In 2000, Aziz released the CD Middle Road. ~ Michael Sutton, Rovi