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Paul Smith (born March 13, 1979), from Billingham, North-East England, is the singer for British indie group Maxïmo Park. Smith is the eldest of three children and briefly worked as an art teacher before he was asked to join the band. Before Smith was recruited to Maxïmo Park they were a four-piece band on the verge of splitting up. Bassist Archis Tiku was originally going to be lead singer, but revealed to the band that he had no intention of being its frontman. Smith was discovered by the then-girlfriend of drummer Tom English in a pub while he was singing along to a Stevie Wonder's "Superstition". Providing the band with a stage presence, Smith began to write songs with the group, despite never imagining himself as the frontman of a band. Smith had never sung on stage beforehand. He was thrown out of the school choir, because he was afraid to sing solo. He can also play guitar.
Smith has been likened to both Morrissey and Jarvis Cocker . His on-stage behaviour is noted as being a little odd - particularly his dancing, pointing and handchops whilst singing. On stage he is also noted for his humour in between songs. He sings from his 'red book' when on stage, a book which few have seen inside, which contains his song lyrics, poems he's written and various diary entries. This red book went missing in May 2005, and messages were posted in NME and on the band's website asking eagle-eyed fans to look out for his bag on the waterfront in Newcastle [1]. Fortunately the book was returned to Paul and he continues to bring it out for songs. Smith on stage wears suits, and during the time of the first album, wore his hair in a peculiar fashion of a comb-over, with a piece of hair curling out on one side of his head. Recently he has changed to having his hair messy, with several hats, the most common the bowler hat.
He is well liked by the female audience for his "geeky charm" and good looks.
In 2007 he made a cover of Apply Some Pressure with Mark Ronson.