Heaven knows they’re miserable now: Johnny Marr denies former bandmate Morrissey’s claims he ignored offer of lucrative Smiths reunion tour

Johnny Marr has denied claims made by former bandmate Morrissey that he ignored the offer of a Smiths reunion tour.

Instead the guitarist, now 60, revealed he simply ‘said no’ to the lucrative offer.

The Manchester band was composed of Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce. Formed in 1982, The Smiths made hits such as Easy Money and Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.

Lead singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr have been arguing both publicly and privately for decades since the band’s tumultuous split in 1987.

As fans speculated that The Smiths would put their arms down and reunite for a world tour – just as fellow Mancunians Noel and Liam Gallagher did – Morrissey alleged that Marr ‘ignored the offer’.

Singer Morrissey performs songs in Madrid, Spain on October 9, 2014

A statement on Morrissey’s website, titled ‘War is Old, Art is Young’, claimed he ‘said yes’ to the offer by AEG to tour as The Smiths throughout 2025, but ‘Marr ignored the offer’

Morrissey also claimed that Marr ‘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 the original lead singer.

A statement from Marr’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. 

Guitarist Johnny Marr, singer Morrissey, drummer Mike Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke of The Smiths pose for a portrait before their first show during the Meat Is Murder Tour in 1985

Marr (left) and Morrissey (right) of The Smiths pose together in the store room of Rough Trade records in London in 1983

‘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.’ 

Adding to the statement, Marr said: ‘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.’

Morrissey is continuing the feud with Johnny Marr, his ex-bandmate from The Smiths

The Smiths pictured performing live on stage in 1984

Singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr of The Smiths perform on stage at Hammersmith Palais, on March 12th, 1984 in London

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’.

Both Marr and Morrissey have enjoyed successful careers since the band was binned, but neither have reached the peak of The Smiths – widely regarded to be one of the most influential British indie bands of all time after forming in 1982.