Morrissey Explains Hopes of the Smiths Returning to the Stage and How Johnny Marr “Ignored the Offer”

Although only spending a short time in the music industry, the Smiths emerged as one of the top bands in British music in the 1980s. Releasing their debut album, The Smiths, the band went on to release three more albums. While gaining fame and success, the band struggled with finding common ground and tensions led to them disbanding in 1987. Receiving numerous offers to get the band back together, the group continuously refused. But according to Morrissey, the revival of the Smiths stalled due to Johnny Marr not accepting an offer. 

Shedding some light into the Smiths and what happened to the group over the last few years, Morrissey decided to share some news. He posted on his website about a recent deal to perform throughout 2025. “In June 2024 AEG Entertainment Group made a lucrative offer to both Morrissey and Marr to tour worldwide as ‘The Smiths’ throughout 2025. Morrissey said Yes to the offer; Marr ignored the offer.” Not letting Marr dictate his own career, Morrissey added he “undertakes a largely sold out tour of the USA in November.” As for Marr, he “continues to tour as a special guest to New Order.” 

[RELATED: Morrissey Announces North American Tour in Fall 2024]

Morrissey Promises “The Smiths Do Not End”

Just a few weeks ago, Morrissey discussed the stardom surrounding the Smiths and how their legacy continued throughout the decades. “I am well aware of the Smiths’ rise in recent years, and their affirmed position in our cultural heritage. It proves how taking risks can work beautifully … and if you don’t take risks when you make music then what the hell are you doing making music? I am incredibly grateful to anyone who walked out to buy, or who stayed in to download, Smiths’ music.”

Although the future holds no promises for the Smiths, Morrissey ended his message, writing, “The musicians are considered to be those who make the change, but the consumer plays an equal part by having faith. We’re all in this together. It was always about a refusal to surrender to enemy propaganda – something I still face today just as much as I faced it in 1983, 84, 85, 86 and 87. The Smiths do not end.”

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)