Gene Simmons believes The Smiths should reunite without Johnny Marr
As Morrissey claimed that Johnny Marr blocked the possibility of a The Smiths reunion, Gene Simmons has advised the singer to do it without the guitarist. The Kiss leader has said that he believes The Smiths should come back, with or without their original co-founder.
In the wake of the news of Oasis’ reunion, the idea of bands finally squashing long running feuds to make a comeback is an exciting suggestion for both the music makers and fans alike. Now, across the globe, many acts that split up are contemplating getting back together to cash in on their enduring legacy and the clear lucrative business of reunion shows.
The Smiths are a band that people have always talked about when it comes to these theoretical comeback questions. The Manchester troupe burned bright and fast, only actually being together from 1982 to 1987, but their reputation and musical impact are still insurmountable. They’re one of the most beloved and influential acts in history; therefore, fans would naturally love a chance to see them again.
Morrissey is all for the idea, but he revealed that any possible reunition is being blocked by the band’s co-founder and guitarist, Johnny Marr. In a statement on his website, Morrissey’s camp wrote, “In June 2024 AEG Entertainment Group made a lucrative offer to both Morrissey and Marr to tour worldwide as ‘The Smiths’ throughout 2025. Morrissey said Yes to the offer; Marr ignored the offer.”
Similar allegations were made that Marr has also blocked the release of new music from the band, refusing to sign off on any re-releases or new greatest hits compilations.
According to Simmons, Morrissey shouldn’t be held back by his old bandmate. “Get rid of the guitar player and get somebody off. Nobody cares. They just want to hear the songs,” he told Forbes as his advice to Morrissey.
Simmons argued that the average person not only wouldn’t care if Marr was or wasn’t on stage as long as they heard the hits but claimed that they wouldn’t even know who he was as he added, “If you go down the street, and with all due respect to Johnny Marr, you go down the street and ask the general person, ‘Who’s Johnny Marr?’ they won’t know who you’re talking about.”
To him, the offer of a comeback on this scale is too lucrative to be turned down. He believes that no obstacle, no matter how big or essential to the original formation of the band it was, should stand in the way. “[Hypothetically], saying no to $100 million dollars would be lunacy. What other job would pay you that!?” he said, adding, “Unless you’re willing to break your back and play football or something…”
As it stands, the chances of The Smiths reuniting appear to be slimmer than ever, and Marr’s refusal to accept the lucrative offer proves he has no intentions of going back.
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