Morrissey has revealed that he agreed to a "lucrative" deal to reunite The Smiths for a tour in 2025, but former bandmate Johnny Marr ignored the offer.
As the world loses its mind over news that Oasis will be touring next summer, a statement posted to Morrissey Central, the singer's official website, claims he was interested in embarking on his own reunion with his legendary indie band.
“In June 2024 AEG Entertainment Group made a lucrative offer to both Morrissey and Marr to tour worldwide as ‘The Smiths’ throughout 2025,” the statement begins.
“Morrissey said Yes to the offer; Marr ignored the offer," it continues.
And then in true Morrissey fashion, it takes a shot at his former songwriting partner, pointing out that in lieu of not taking up the offer, “Morrissey undertakes a largely sold out tour of the USA in November. Marr continues to tour as a special guest to New Order.”
Morrissey and Marr last performed together as The Smiths on December 12, 1986 at Brixton Academy, London, England. The band broke up shortly after due to internal tensions between the two members.
For nearly 40 years, fans of the band have held their breath for a reunion. Despite regular rumours that offers have been made, Morrissey and/or Marr have reportedly turned them down.
Following the news of Oasis's announcement to reunite on Tuesday (August 27), fans of The Smiths were sharing their hopes of a reunion, with one fan tweeting, "If Oasis can do it, The Smiths can too (I'm delusional)."
Marr actually responded to that comment, posting a photo of British right wing politician Nigel Farage, which means it's likely never going to happen. Back in 2016, Marr responded to his claims that Morrissey was supporting Farage as the leader of the Brexit Party, telling Sky News the two of them "probably don’t have much ideologically in common any more."
Three years later in 2019, Marr double-downed on his stance, reacting to new reports of a possible Smiths reunion with a tweet that read, "Nigel Farage on guitar."
It appears Marr hasn't flip-flopped on his feelings towards his old bandmate.
Even more than Oasis, however, The Smiths have become a favourite of Gen-Z, largely through discovering the band on apps like TikTok and Spotify. However, between Morrissey's anti-immigration idealogy and "far-right babbling" and Marr's unwavering stance, the kids are likely not going to get what they want.
See the post below.
Holy moly! Morrissey was up for a reunion with Johnny Marr, but Johnny said no. This is quite astounding. Statement from Moz attached. pic.twitter.com/5PHKbzycJh
— The Morrissey Mercury (@MorrisseyMerc) August 29, 2024