Johnny Marr explains why he rejected huge payday to reunite The Smiths with Morrissey

Johnny Marr has said that he turned down a huge offer to reunite The Smiths. He said the money was “eye-watering.” But he added that the “vibe” was not right for him. Marr spoke on the Stick to Football podcast with Roy Keane, Gary Neville, and Ian Wright. He is close to these soccer players and talked there about his love for Manchester City. He also spoke about the reunion offer for The Smiths.

He said he was not ignoring the offer. He said he simply said no. He said it was not about the money. He said it was about his feelings and about the mood not being right. He also said he is happy with what he is doing now as a solo artist.

Why Johnny Marr said no to the reunion

In August 2024, Morrissey said on his website that AEG had made a “lucrative offer” to both him and Johnny Marr. The deal was to tour as The Smiths in 2025. Morrissey said he had said yes to the deal. He added that Marr “ignored” the offer. This caused a big stir. It came soon after Oasis members Liam and Noel Gallagher said they were reuniting in 2025. Fans wondered if The Smiths would do the same. In September 2024, Johnny Marr spoke up. He told BBC News that he did not ignore the offer.

He also said he registered The Smiths’ name as a trademark to protect it. He said people were trying to use it without permission. He added that he did this for all the band members, not for himself alone. He also said he had agreed to share the trademark with Morrissey, but he still needed to sign the paperwork. On the podcast, Marr explained more about why he said no. He said he is happy doing what he does now. He said:

"It was an eye-watering amount of money, but also, I really like what I’m doing now which makes it a lot easier. I like where I’m at. I still want to write the best song I’ve ever written. I want to be a better performer."

Past tensions and solo careers

The Smiths formed in 1982. The original lineup was Johnny Marr, Morrissey on vocals, Andy Rourke on bass, and Mike Joyce on drums. They made four albums between 1984 and 1987. Meat Is Murder and The Queen Is Dead both reached No. 1 in the UK. Marr left the band in 1987 after tensions with Morrissey. The band broke up soon after.

Since then, Marr and Morrissey have had solo careers. Marr played with bands like The Pretenders, Electronic, The The, Modest Mouse, and The Cribs. He also launched a solo career in 2013 and has released four solo albums. He has toured around the world.

Morrissey also went solo and toured widely. He has made headlines over the years for strong comments about a reunion. In 2006, he said he would “rather eat my own t*sticles than reform The Smiths.” But by 2024, he was open to the offer. Despite the offer in 2024, Marr said he and Morrissey are too “estranged” to work together - Johnny Marr said in Uncut magazine that they are “so different.”

Their past conflicts include a lawsuit over royalties in the 1990s. The two have exchanged sharp public comments. In 2022, Morrissey asked Marr to “stop mentioning my name.” Marr answered that he had to defend himself when attacked.

What comes next for Johnny Marr and The Smiths?

Marr’s decision ends hope for a full The Smiths reunion. It means there will be no tour in 2025 or later. He seems focused on his solo work. He said he wants to write more songs and improve live. He seems content, seeing no need to go back.

Morrissey remains active on tour. Johnny Marr continues as a guest musician with New Order and with his own solo shows. Marr also continues to manage The Smiths name and legacy. His move to trademark the band’s name shows he cares about its future. He seems open to publishing compilations but turned down Warner’s offer for another “best of” album. Johnny Marr said there are already enough of them.

Morrissey and Marr are unlikely to work together again soon. Marr said in interviews that their relationship is too strained. Fans may feel sad. But both men still have strong solo careers.

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