Johnny Marr, the renowned guitarist and co-writer for The Smiths, dismissed rumours of a possible reunion tour, revealing he also took on the role of safeguarding the band’s name and reputation where it involved a trademark conflict. Marr opposed allegations thrown by Morrissey, the band’s lead vocalist. Marr’s representatives communicated on Tuesday that Marr had made efforts to halt anyone from capitalising on the band’s name, employing his role to retain the integrity of the band on behalf of himself and his past cohort. He clarified his stance on the proposed reunion tour, stating that he outrightly said “No” instead of disregarding it.
Marr was reacting to Morrissey’s statements on his website labeling them as inaccurate in a section captioned, “Morrissey’s recent comments regarding the Smiths’ name trademark are false”. The band, hailing from Manchester, tasted fame in the 1980s with hit singles like ‘This Charming Man’, ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’, and ‘There Is A Light That Never Goes Out’ before disbanding in 1987.
In the month of August, Morrissey, aged 65, announced that Marr had refused a reunion tour. He also alleged that Marr had gained complete trademark rights without seeking his opinion. Marr’s representatives replied along the lines that the guitarist reached to Morrissey in 2018 after a third party tried to use the Smiths’ name and it was discovered that no band member owned the trademark. The management clarified that Marr took the initiative to register the trademark when Morrissey didn’t respond to this appeal. An agreement was later reached with Morrissey’s legal team that Marr retained this trademark for their mutual benefit.
As a goodwill gesture, Marr moved towards joint ownership by transferring rights to Morrissey in January 2024. This arrangement still requires Morrissey’s signature. Marr dispelled rumours of touring with a different Smiths’ frontman, clarifying that no such plans existed. He also declined an offer by Warner Music Group to produce another greatest hits compilation, stating there were already several in existence. – PA.