Morrissey claims Marr ignored Smiths reunion offer

Morrissey has claimed that ex-bandmate and songwriting partner Johnny Marr “ignored” a recent offer by AEG to reunite The Smiths for a global tour.

The seminal Manchester band – Morrissey, Marr, bassist Andy Rourke, who died last year, and drummer Mike Joyce –split up in 1987 and have never reformed.

Morrissey, 65, pursued a successful solo career following the group’s disbandment, while 60-year-old guitar virtuoso Marr had stints as a member of the Pretenders, The The, Electronic, Modest Mouse and The Cribs before eventually going solo.

In a post on his website featuring a classic photo of the two of them together, Morrissey wrote: “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.

“Morrissey undertakes a largely sold out tour of the USA in November. Marr continues to tour as a special guest to New Order.”

In a 2022 interview, Marr said there was “zero chance” of him ever working with Morrissey again

Marr and AEG have been approached for comment. However, in a 2022 interview with BBC Radio 2, Marr said there was “zero chance” of him ever working with Morrissey again, adding that it had been “18 or maybe 15” years since he had last spoken to the frontman in person.

His comments followed another website post from Morrissey asking Marr to stop mentioning his name in interviews.

Speaking in 2012, Goldenvoice boss Paul Tollett said that Coachella “try every year” to book the band, despite them turning down a $5 million offer from the festival.

The talk comes days after fellow Manchester legends Oasis announced they are reuniting for the first time since 2009 for a series of huge shows next summer.

Revisit IQ‘s article on the music’s biggest reunion tours here.

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