Morrissey explains why he wanted The Smiths to reunite in 2025
Morrissey, the former frontman of The Smiths, has explained his reasoning for accepting an offer to reunite the indie icons in 2025 before Johnny Marr rebuffed the lucrative opportunity.
Earlier this year, after Oasis buried the hatchet to announce plans for their comeback, Morrissey took to his website to reveal that he and Marr had been propositioned by AEG Entertainment Group in June to tour as The Smiths in 2025. “Morrissey said Yes to the offer; Marr ignored the offer,” the statement claimed.
The singer also used the statement to take a shot at Marr’s solo career, adding, “Morrissey undertakes a largely sold-out tour of the USA in November. Marr continues to tour as a special guest to New Order.”
Furthermore, Morrissey later claimed that Marr had blocked The Smiths from releasing a new compilation record and accused him of taking ownership of the band’s name.
In response, Marr issued a statement shortly after that explained his version of events and revealed that his reasoning for taking control of their trademark was to protect their legacy rather than use it for financial gain.
A spokesperson for Marr shared: “Here are the facts: In 2018, following an attempt by a third party to use The Smiths’ name—and upon discovery that the trademark was not owned by the band—Marr reached out to Morrissey, via his representatives, to work together in protecting The Smiths’ name.”
Regarding the reunion, Marr bluntly said: “As for the offer to tour, I didn’t ignore the offer – I said no.” He also ruled out the possibility of accepting an offer anytime in the future.
Morrissey’s latest comments on Johnny Marr
In a new interview on Medium with Fiona Dodwell, Morrissey claimed that timing was the main reason for his willingness to reunite the band, stating, “I agreed because it felt like the last time such a thing would be possible.”
The vocalist then denied it was due to any sentimental feelings he has towards Marr, adding, “We’ve all begun to grow old. I thought the tour that was offered would be a good way of saying thank you for those who have listened for what suddenly feels like a lifetime. It wasn’t because I had any emotional attachment to Marr. I have absolutely none.”
Morrissey then hit out at Marr for gatekeeping their former band, continuing: “He seems to me to be just as insecure and fearful as he was during the 1980s. But he gains more press adoration by pretending to be the Smiths gatekeeper and custodian in isolation, and as long as he is sitting in a corner complaining about me he has a pedestal which would disappear in the event of a reunion.”
Furthermore, Morrissey implied that Marr should stop playing songs by The Smiths during his solo shows if he wants nothing to do with the vocalist, continuing, “He claims to find me completely indigestible, but whenever he walks onto a stage he sings my lyrics, my vocal melodies and my song titles. Is this hypocrisy or self-deception?”
Morrissey concluded by claiming that Marr’s comments have divided the fanbase of The Smiths, alleging, “He has forced people to choose between Morrissey and Marr, and I’ve had just about enough of his bitchslap comments. I’ve quietly put up with them for over 30 years.”
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