The long-running saga between former Smiths bandmates Morrissey and Johnny Marr has reached a new boiling point, with Morrissey now claiming that Marr has unilaterally acquired the trademark rights to the group's name. He also hinted that the move could allow Marr to hire a replacement vocalist.
Last night, A statement written on behalf of Morrissey and titled “THE PLOT COMPLEMENTS” was posted on his website stating that Marr had “successfully applied for 100% of the trademark/intellectual property rights to the name The Smiths”.
“Your application has been granted despite all the oaths and proclamations you have submitted,” it continues. “This action was carried out without consulting Morrissey and without allowing him the usual opportunity to ‘object’. Among many other things, this means that Marr can now tour as The Smiths using the vocalist of his choice and also prohibits Morrissey from using the name, whilst denying Morrissey a considerable financial livelihood. Morrissey created the name of the musical unit ‘The Smiths’ alone in May 1982.”
In case you didn't know, Oasis' reunion last month sparked hopes that fans would speculate about the possibility of The Smiths following suit. After Marr dismissed the idea, Morrissey said he had accepted a “lucrative offer” to reunite The Smiths in 2025, but Marr turned it down.
Last week, Morrissey went on to claim that Marr “blocked” a proposed greatest hits album, a deluxe box set of the band’s debut album and two 7-inch reissues.
Political differences have long prevented a possible Smiths reunion, and Morrissey's pro-Brexit views have prompted Marr will distance himself from his former bandmate in 2016. Showing that his stance has not changed, Marr dismissed fan speculation by sharing a photo of right-wing UK Member of Parliament (and Brexiteer) Nigel Farage, whom Morrissey once suggested was a good candidate for prime minister.
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