Johnny Marr has admitted he “said no” to a Smiths reunion.
The ‘Easy Money’ hitmaker has responded to a string of recent claims from former bandmate Morrissey, who alleged the 60-year-old guitarist had “ignored the offer” to get back together for a 2025 world tour, “blocked” the release of a greatest hits album, and acquired “trademark rights and intellectual property” of The Smiths, meaning he could tour as a band without him.
A statement from Johnny’s management explained the musician had taken steps to trademark the group’s name “following an attempt by a third party” to use it and “as a gesture of goodwill”, he had offered to share that with his former bandmate.
The statement, which was shared on social media, read: “Here are the facts:
“In 2018, following an attempt by a third party to use The Smiths’ 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’ name.
A failure to respond led Marr to register the trademark himself. 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 agreement of joint ownership to Morrissey. Execution of this document still requires Morrissey to sign.”
Johnny then added: “To prevent third parties from profiting from the band’s name, it was left to me to protect the legacy. This I have done on behalf of both myself and my former bandmates.
“As for the offer to tour, I didn’t ignore the offer – I said no.”
Despite Morrissey’s claims Johnny could tour under the band name with a different singer, his team insisted that won’t be happening.
The statement read: “Additionally, speculation about Johnny Marr touring with a different singer as The Smiths is not true. There are no such plans.”
Meanwhile, when it came to the proposed new greatest hits collection, Johnny felt it was unnecessary.
The statement concluded: “Johnny Marr also confirms that he declined a suggestion for another greatest his compilation from Warner Music Group given the number already in existence”.