Morrissey Says Johnny Marr Rejected ‘Lucrative’ Smiths Reunion Offer Earlier This Year

‘Tis the season of rock reunions — but not for the Smiths, according to Morrissey, who has responded to demands for the British rock band’s revival after Oasis unexpectedly announced their return . Although it comes as no surprise (the Smiths have famously rejected similar offers for a reunion tour), Morrissey seemed encouraged to shut down any excitement for a treaty between himself and bandmate Johnny Marr.

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A message was posted onto his “ Morrissey Central ” website on Thursday claiming that the duo were presented with a “lucrative offer” to tour worldwide as the Smiths in 2025. “Morrissey said yes to the offer, Marr ignored the offer,” the statement reads. “Morrissey undertakes a largely sold out tour of the USA in November.

The Smiths broke up in 1987, and much like the Oasis brothers, Marr and Morrissey have hardly spoken to each other, with each going on as solo acts (Andy Rourke, the Smiths’ bassist, died in 2023). Marr slyly responded to fans fantasizing about the Smiths reunion tour on Aug. 26 via X with a photo of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

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For some context, back in 2016, Marr and Morrissey sparred about their political differences, with Morrissey making remarks about being pro-Brexit and in support of Farage, while Marr condemned his former bandmate for those beliefs.

“I can only really speak for myself, I don’t feel like it’s necessary at all really,” said Marr when asked about the chances of the Smiths reuniting by Sky News . “I really like moving forward. Myself and Andy play together when I’m over in New York — he plays a couple of songs with me and that’s always really nice, but that’s really as far as it needs to go I think.” In that same interview, Marr briefly touched on (more accurately, he skirted around) Morrissey’s political beliefs, calling them a “slight drawback.”

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