The combination of Morrissey’s intense, literary lyricism and guitarist Johnny Marr’s out and out virtuosity, meant 80’s indie forebears The Smiths were never short of critical acclaim, yet the fact they are not held in the same regard as The Beatles make them the most underrated band of the past 30 years. Like The Beatles they were an unprecedented sensation, they revolutionised the pop scene and their legacy was cemented by a short-lived career and an acrimonious split. Tragedy ensured The Beatles would never reform, but as all four Smiths are alive and sober, the fans’ desire for a reunion has grown increasingly passionate over the years.
The Smiths’ story began in 1982, where Marr knocked on the reclusive Stephen Morrissey’s door and demanded the two collaborate. Five years, four albums and a thousand fights later, The Smiths’ were on the verge of a major record deal, but increasing tension between Morrissey and Marr meant a rift had appeared in the band, and everyone involved was forced to choose sides. In an effort to quell tension, Marr decided to take two-week break, however misinterpreting this, the NME published an article claiming the guitarist had officially left. This proved to be the last straw, as an emotionally exhausted Johnny Marr decided to prove the NME right and leave the band.
In 1987, few felt the split would last. Morrissey, drummer Mike Joyce and bass player Andy Rourke all begged Marr to continue, and in their later, ill-fated attempts to replace him, they made it clear they wanted The Smiths to live on. Even in the midst of his increasingly successful solo career, Morrissey continued to state in interviews that he longed for his old band. However, a reunion hinged on the irreplaceable Marr, and he held no regrets in leaving it all behind.
With Rourke and Joyce continuing to work with Morrissey on his solo records in the late 80’s, fans could still be hopeful as The Smiths needed only their prodigal guitarist to be complete, but further proving their fans are as unlucky as they are loyal, a mouldering legal conflict would soon complicate matters.
In 1996, Joyce and Rourke sued Morrissey and Marr for an equal share of The Smiths’ royalties, as up to then the rhythm section had only been receiving ten percent each. Whilst Rourke settled out of court and continued to receive ten percent, the judge ruled in favour of Joyce resulting in an equal 25% share, and £1 million in back pay.
A full four member reunion was now impossible, but even though Morrissey seemed to bear no grudges towards Johnny Marr the court case seemed to leave a foul taste in the singer’s mouth, making even a Marr/Morrissey reunion unlikely. Lawyers had now picked the legacy of The Smiths apart, the magic was gone and for Morrissey this had essentially driven the final nail in the coffin. The ever-quotable front man summarised his position perfectly when he stated, “The Smiths were a beautiful thing. Johnny left it, and Mike destroyed it.”
In the thirteen years since the royalties ruling, Marr and Morrissey have grown stronger in their resolve to leave The Smiths be. Whilst it would be easy to see this as a matter of pride; neither one wishing to concede that they’ve never lived up to the precedent of The Smiths, it’s ridiculous to suggest that their egos alone are preventing a reunion. The sad truth behind many band reunions is that a string of shows or even a new album provide an instant pension for a group’s down and out members, but Mozzer and Marr are both secure and fairly prominent on the music scene and appear to feel a Smiths re-hash would be an artistically bereft endeavour. Perhaps they’re right, but where this band is concerned you truly never know, and if it ever does happen, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
The Smiths’ story began in 1982, where Marr knocked on the reclusive Stephen Morrissey’s door and demanded the two collaborate. Five years, four albums and a thousand fights later, The Smiths’ were on the verge of a major record deal, but increasing tension between Morrissey and Marr meant a rift had appeared in the band, and everyone involved was forced to choose sides. In an effort to quell tension, Marr decided to take two-week break, however misinterpreting this, the NME published an article claiming the guitarist had officially left. This proved to be the last straw, as an emotionally exhausted Johnny Marr decided to prove the NME right and leave the band.
In 1987, few felt the split would last. Morrissey, drummer Mike Joyce and bass player Andy Rourke all begged Marr to continue, and in their later, ill-fated attempts to replace him, they made it clear they wanted The Smiths to live on. Even in the midst of his increasingly successful solo career, Morrissey continued to state in interviews that he longed for his old band. However, a reunion hinged on the irreplaceable Marr, and he held no regrets in leaving it all behind.
With Rourke and Joyce continuing to work with Morrissey on his solo records in the late 80’s, fans could still be hopeful as The Smiths needed only their prodigal guitarist to be complete, but further proving their fans are as unlucky as they are loyal, a mouldering legal conflict would soon complicate matters.
In 1996, Joyce and Rourke sued Morrissey and Marr for an equal share of The Smiths’ royalties, as up to then the rhythm section had only been receiving ten percent each. Whilst Rourke settled out of court and continued to receive ten percent, the judge ruled in favour of Joyce resulting in an equal 25% share, and £1 million in back pay.
A full four member reunion was now impossible, but even though Morrissey seemed to bear no grudges towards Johnny Marr the court case seemed to leave a foul taste in the singer’s mouth, making even a Marr/Morrissey reunion unlikely. Lawyers had now picked the legacy of The Smiths apart, the magic was gone and for Morrissey this had essentially driven the final nail in the coffin. The ever-quotable front man summarised his position perfectly when he stated, “The Smiths were a beautiful thing. Johnny left it, and Mike destroyed it.”
In the thirteen years since the royalties ruling, Marr and Morrissey have grown stronger in their resolve to leave The Smiths be. Whilst it would be easy to see this as a matter of pride; neither one wishing to concede that they’ve never lived up to the precedent of The Smiths, it’s ridiculous to suggest that their egos alone are preventing a reunion. The sad truth behind many band reunions is that a string of shows or even a new album provide an instant pension for a group’s down and out members, but Mozzer and Marr are both secure and fairly prominent on the music scene and appear to feel a Smiths re-hash would be an artistically bereft endeavour. Perhaps they’re right, but where this band is concerned you truly never know, and if it ever does happen, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
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