Former Smiths bandmates Morrissey and Johnny Marr are at odds again, with Morrissey accusing Marr of exploiting reunion rumors and legal disputes over the band’s name to divide fans. Marr, meanwhile, has denied the claims, shedding light on their fraught history and the failed reunion proposal.
Morrissey’s Take on the Reunion That Never Happened
When asked about a potential Smiths reunion, Morrissey revealed:
- Why He Agreed: Morrissey admitted he agreed to the reunion because it felt like the last realistic opportunity to thank lifelong fans—not out of emotional attachment to Marr.
- Why It Fell Apart: Marr ultimately declined the offer, with Morrissey alleging that the guitarist’s refusal was tied to maintaining his position as the band’s “gatekeeper.”
“He gains more press adoration by pretending to be the Smiths gatekeeper… and as long as he is sitting in a corner complaining about me, he has a pedestal.”
Band Name Ownership Dispute
Morrissey also accused Marr of manipulating legal rights to the Smiths’ name:
- Morrissey’s Allegation: Marr applied for 100% ownership of the Smiths trademark without consulting Morrissey.
- Marr’s Response: Marr denied the claim, explaining he acted to prevent a third party from taking control of the name. He clarified that the trademark is now under joint ownership between the two.
Past Conflicts Over Projects
Morrissey alleged Marr blocked a proposed greatest hits album (Smiths Rule OK!) and a 40th anniversary box set of the Smiths’ debut album. Marr refuted the claims, stating he never intended to prevent collaborative releases but simply declined the reunion tour offer.
“I didn’t ignore the offer—I just said no.”
A Difficult Legacy
Despite their shared history, the feud has continued to overshadow any possibility of reconciliation. While Marr maintains he has no plans to tour with another singer under the Smiths name, Morrissey’s recent remarks suggest the tensions are far from resolved.
Source: Loudwire
