Morrissey Claims Smiths Reunion Offer 'Ignored' by Johnny Marr

A bitter feud between former Smiths bandmates Morrissey and Johnny Marr has taken another turn, with the singer claiming his ex-guitarist "ignored" a lucrative offer to reform the band for a global tour in 2025.

The iconic Manchester group, formed in 1982, released four critically acclaimed albums that redefined British guitar music before disbanding in 1987 amid a highly publicised split. Morrissey, in a statement on his website, revealed that he had accepted an offer from AEG Entertainment Group to tour as The Smiths throughout 2025, but Marr "ignored the offer".

While Marr has yet to respond to Morrissey's claims, he has previously dismissed suggestions of a Smiths reunion, notably in 2019, when he posted an image of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage – a reference to his perception of Morrissey's political views.

Fans have long hoped for a reconciliation between the duo, with rumours of a potential thawing in their relationship often met with excitement. However, their relationship has been fraught with tension since Marr's departure from the band in 1987, shortly before the release of their final album. Marr cited Morrissey's lack of flexibility as the reason for his exit, while Morrissey was reportedly frustrated and annoyed that Marr was pursuing other projects.

The rift between the pair has deepened in recent years, exacerbated by their perceived political leanings. In his 2016 autobiography, Marr wrote about sporadic encounters with Morrissey since The Smiths split, including a "real prospect" of a reunion in 2008 which Morrissey rejected.

In 2019, Marr publicly commented on Morrissey's political views, stating he believed they aligned with Nigel Farage's on Brexit.

Their animosity escalated further in 2022 when Morrissey published an open letter to Marr, accusing him of using his name as "clickbait" and blaming him for everything from a tsunami to "the dribble on your grandma's chin".

The latest statement on Morrissey's website reiterates that the live music promoter "made a lucrative offer to both Morrissey and Marr to tour worldwide as 'The Smiths' throughout 2025". It asserts that "Morrissey said Yes to the offer; Marr ignored the offer".

AEG Entertainment and Marr have been approached for comment.

Despite their ongoing feud, Morrissey and Marr's songwriting partnership remains one of the most significant for a generation of music fans. Both have enjoyed successful solo careers, with Marr collaborating with numerous artists, including Billy Bragg, Beck, Crowded House, Oasis, Pet Shop Boys and Girls Aloud.

The Smiths' other members, Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke, were involved in legal disputes with Morrissey and Marr over royalties. Rourke, who died in 2022, settled out of court, while Joyce received a settlement of about £1m and a 25% share of future royalty earnings.

The prospect of a Smiths reunion, however, remains distant. The latest statement from Morrissey highlights the seemingly insurmountable obstacles standing in the way of a reunion and reinforces the enduring bitterness between the two former bandmates.