MusicJohnny Marr speaks out about The Smiths reunion: ‘I didn’t ignore it, I said no’Morrissey said his former bandmate ignored an offer for The Smiths to reunite and even registered the band’s name himselftoday at 16:29

Johnny Marr spoke out about recent statements made by Morrissey about the The Smiths. Fans of the band called for a reunion after the brothers’ reconciliation Gallagherwho announced a tour of Oasis for 2025. So, Morrissey stated, in a post on its website, that an offer for the return of The Smiths was made, but Marr ignored her:

In June 2024, AEG Entertainment Group made a lucrative offer for both Morrissey as for Marr for a world tour as The Smiths throughout 2025. Morrissey said yes to the offer; Marr ignored the offer. Morrissey will perform a largely sold-out US tour in November. Marr continues to tour as a special guest of New Order.

On Monday, the 16th, the singer mentioned again Marr on his blog and wrote:

J Marr successfully applied for 100% of the trademark/intellectual property rights to the name The Smiths. His request was accepted based on the oaths or proclamations he submitted. This action was taken without any consultation with Morrissey and without allowing Morrissey had the standard opportunity to ‘object’. Among many other things, this means that Marr now you can tour like The Smiths using the vocalist of your choice, and also prohibits Morrissey to use the name, in addition to depriving him of a considerable source of financial support.
Morrisseyalone, created the name of the band ‘The Smiths‘ in May 1982.

This Tuesday, 17th, Marr spoke out through a post on Instagram:

A statement from the agents of Johnny Marr:
Recent statements made by Morrissey on their website about the trademark The Smiths are incorrect.
Here are the facts:
In 2018, after a third party attempted to use the name of the The Smiths — and upon discovering that the brand did not belong to the band —, Marr contacted Morrisseythrough their representatives, to work together to protect the name of The Smiths.
A failure to respond led Marr to register the trademark alone. It was then agreed with the lawyers of Morrissey that the trademark was registered for the mutual benefit of Morrissey and Marr.
As a gesture of goodwill, in January 2024, Marr signed a joint ownership agreement with Morrissey. The execution of this document still requires the signature of Morrissey.
Regarding the brand and to respond to recent news that Marr ignored a promoter’s offer to tour as The Smiths, Marr he said:
‘To prevent third parties from profiting from the band’s name, the legacy was left to me to protect. What I did was for my own and my former bandmates’ benefit.
As for the tour offer, I didn’t ignore it — I said no.
Furthermore, speculations about Johnny Marr tour as The Smiths with a different singer are not true. There are no plans for that.
Johnny Marr also confirms that he rejected a suggestion to make a greatest hits compilation from Warner Music Group, given the number already in existence.