In recent weeks, Morrissey<\/a> has made numerous statements about his old band with Johnny Marr<\/a>, the Smiths<\/a>. In one instance, he claimed<\/a> Marr \u201cignored\u201d an offer for a 2025 tour. He later claimed<\/a> that Marr \u201cblocked\u201d a Smiths greatest-hits album. And, most recently, he asserted<\/a> that Marr obtained the trademark rights to the Smiths\u2019 name \u201cwithout any consultation to Morrissey, and without allowing Morrissey the standard opportunity of \u2018objection.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Marr, through his management, has now responded to Morrissey\u2019s various allegations. Find it in full below.<\/p>\n Regarding the Smiths trademark, Marr\u2019s management said that, in 2018, \u201cMarr reached out to Morrissey, via his representatives, to work together in protecting The Smiths\u2019 name.\u201d Morrissey apparently did not respond to Marr, which led the latter musician \u201cto register the trademark himself.\u201d<\/p>\n Regarding a compilation album, Marr verified Morrissey\u2019s account, explaining that he declined Warner Music Group\u2019s offer to release a greatest-hits album \u201cgiven the number already in existence.\u201d<\/p>\n Most crucially for Smiths fans, Marr also confirmed that a reunion tour was offered to him: \u201cI didn\u2019t ignore the offer,\u201d Marr wrote, \u201cI said no.\u201d<\/p>\n The Smiths broke up in 1987, and Johnny Marr and Morrissey have had numerous disputes in the ensuing years. Nevertheless, the idea of a reunion has been on the table in the past, with Marr revealing in his 2016 memoir, Set the Boy Free<\/em><\/a>, that he discussed the possibility<\/a> of reuniting with Morrissey in 2008.<\/p>\n In 2018, a series of concerts billed as \u201cClassically Smiths<\/a>\u201d were announced. The shows were supposed to feature drummer Mike Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke, but Rourke quickly distanced<\/a> himself from the project, and the shows were canceled<\/a> in short order. Months later, Marr criticized<\/a> the project, telling Mojo<\/em>, \u201cI wasn\u2019t consulted and that tells you all you need to know, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n A statement from Johnny Marr\u2019s management:<\/em><\/p>\n Recent statements made by Morrissey on his website regarding the trademark of The Smiths\u2019 name are incorrect.<\/em><\/p>\n Here are the facts:<\/em><\/p>\n In 2018, following an attempt by a third party to use The Smiths\u2019 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\u2019 name.<\/em><\/p>\n A failure to respond led Marr to register the trademark himself. It was subsequently agreed with Morrissey\u2019s lawyers that this trademark was held for the mutual benefit of Morrissey & Marr.<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/em><\/p>\n In the interests of accuracy and clarity regarding the trademark, and to answer recent reports that Marr ignored a promoter\u2019s offer to tour as The Smiths, Marr says:<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cTo prevent third parties from profiting from the band\u2019s name, it was left to me to protect the legacy. This I have done on behalf of both myself and my former bandmates.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAs for the offer to tour, I didn\u2019t ignore the offer – I said no.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Additionally, speculation about Johnny Marr touring with a different singer as The Smiths is not true. There are no such plans.<\/em><\/p>\n Johnny Marr also confirms that he declined a suggestion for another greatest hits compilation from Warner Music Group given the number already in existence.<\/em><\/p>\n
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