According to The Guardian, this month, Morrissey reignited his feud with Johnny Marr by posting on his blog. He claimed AEG offered them a profitable tour, which he accepted but Marr ignored. Morrissey also alleged that Marr blocked a new Smiths compilation and sought total ownership of the band’s name without consulting him.
Marr’s management responded, explaining that he reached out to Morrissey in 2018 about joint ownership after discovering the band name wasn’t trademarked. Since Morrissey didn’t reply, Marr registered the trademark himself. They later agreed that it would benefit both of them, and Marr signed a document for joint ownership, pending Morrissey’s signature.
Morrissey’s “failure to respond led Marr to register the trademark himself,” it continued. “It was subsequently agreed with Morrissey’s lawyers that this trademark was held for the mutual benefit of Morrissey and Marr. As a gesture of goodwill, in January 2024, Marr signed an assignment of joint ownership to Morrissey. Execution of this document still requires Morrissey to sign.”
Marr clarified that he turned down the tour offer and has no intention of touring alone as The Smiths.
“I didn’t ignore the offer – I said no.’
The band split in 1987 due to creative differences, and while they’ve discussed a reunion in the past, it never happened as they focused on their individual projects. Therefore, as a result of the failed Smiths reunion, Morrissey decided to fire Red Light Management/Pete Galli Management and it is not really hard to see why. Nevertheless, fans will never stop hoping for a reunion even if it feels impossible at this point in time.
Morrissey has severed all connections with Red Light Management/Pete Galli Management
