Johnny Marr Responds (Negatively) to a Possible Reunion

The rumours of the last few days about a possible Oasis reunion, now officially confirmed, have set in motion the fantasies of fans of other bands whose history ended on a rather rough note, such as that of Smiths.

At the height of success in August 1987 Johnny Marr announces his exit from the band due to various personal problems as well as artistic differences with the frontman Morrissey. The relationship between the two has never been easy and “the rags” still continue to fly.

But time passes, sometimes it can smooth out the edges and “oil” the friction. Not in this case because Marr and Morrissey will never be able to find that balance and harmony necessary to resume their collaboration.

But fans, as we know, are always of the opinion that hope dies last and so one of them wrote on X: “If Oasis can do it, so can The Smiths (I’m delirious)”.

In return, Marr posted a photo of the former UKIP leader and Clacton MP, Nigel Faragewith a pint of beer in hand.

This isn’t the first time Marr has posted something in relation to Farage when asked about The Smiths. There is in fact a specific reason for this response with the presence of the British politician.

In 2016, Marr responded to Morrissey’s comments about being pro-Brexit and pro-Nigel Farage, adding that his political beliefs were another reason why a Smiths reunion was unlikely.

After the results of the European Union referendum were revealed, Morrissey sparked controversy among his fans when he hailed the result as “magnificent” and called Nigel Farage a “liberal educator.” Marr later sought to distance himself from his former bandmate’s beliefs.

In 2019, responding to rumors that the indie veterans were reforming with Morrissey at the helm, Marr responded with a four-word tweet: “Nigel Farage on guitar.” Thus making the two incompatible for a possible new joint project.

Also in relation to a possible reunion, it should be kept in mind that in 1996 the drummer Mike Joyce had taken the Smiths (in the persons of Morrissey and Johnny Marr) to court to settle a question of division of profits within the band. The drummer claimed that he had never signed the agreement in which he was entitled to ten percent of the royalties deriving from the records and live performances. In the first instance the judge ruled in favor of Joyce, establishing that he should be compensated with one million pounds and the increase to 25% of the royalties (thus divided in four parts among the members of the band).

Morrisey appeals claiming that he and Marr were the real authors and “minds” of the band while the others were “mere” executors. The appeal is lost and the court decrees the execution of what was established in the first instance sentence. Andy Rourke, the bassist who died in 2023, instead accepted, due to his financial problems, a much lower amount in 1989, renouncing any other future claims.

Earlier this month, Morrissey for his part he analyzed the legacy of the Smiths, stating that the band’s popularity had not come to an end, as it was “a refusal to surrender to enemy propaganda”.

“I’m very aware of the rise of The Smiths in recent years and their established place in our cultural heritage,” he began. “It’s proof that taking risks can work beautifully… and if you’re not taking risks when you make music, then why the hell are you making music?

“We’re all in this together. It’s always been about refusing to give in to the enemy’s propaganda – something I still deal with today as much as I did in 1983, ’84, ’85, ’86 and ’87. The Smiths never end,” the singer continued.

In 2019, Brown spoke to NME about how (and how) concerned he was that people would see the Smiths’ music and legacy differently, in light of Morrissey’s political beliefs and statements.

“I don’t think you can change history,” the guitarist said. “I’ve said this before. I’m not worried. It has nothing to do with my world or my life. The songs are out there for people to judge, listen to and relate to. I think this will all be forgotten in a few weeks, as these things inevitably are, for better or for worse. It’s always been that way. I understand the problem, but I’m used to things coming and going.”

In early 2022, Johnny Marr has returned once again to his falling out with Morrissey, saying he felt he had to “defend himself” after Morrissey asked his former bandmate not to mention him again when giving interviews.