Morrissey has sharply criticized his former bandmate Johnny Marr, accusing him of leveraging Smiths reunion rumors and band name disputes to force fans into choosing sides.
In an interview with Medium, Morrissey addressed whether he was genuinely open to sharing a stage with Marr again, citing their longstanding differences. He revealed that he once agreed to a reunion for nostalgic reasons but emphasized, “It wasn’t because I had any emotional attachment to Marr. I have absolutely none.”
Accusations of Manipulation
Morrissey accused Marr of using his position as a “gatekeeper” of The Smiths to maintain public adoration, claiming Marr’s criticism of him keeps his relevance alive. “He has forced people to choose between Morrissey and Marr, and I’ve had just about enough of his bitchslap comments,” Morrissey stated. He also alleged that Marr continues to perform his lyrics and melodies despite expressing disdain for him.
Dispute Over Band Name and Releases
Earlier this year, Morrissey claimed Marr blocked the release of Smiths Rule OK!, a proposed greatest hits album, and a 40th-anniversary box set of their debut record. Additionally, Morrissey accused Marr of attempting to claim full ownership of The Smiths’ trademark without consulting him. Marr, however, responded on social media, stating he acted to protect the band’s name after a third party made a claim in 2018.
Marr clarified that he later reached an agreement of joint ownership with Morrissey’s legal team. Regarding reunion tour offers, Marr reiterated, “I didn’t ignore the offer—I just said no.” He also assured fans he has no intention of touring under The Smiths’ name with another vocalist.
Ongoing Tensions
Despite their shared legacy, the public feud between the two musicians highlights lingering resentments that continue to overshadow The Smiths’ legacy. For now, fans remain caught in the middle of this decades-long conflict.
