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Thu 19 June 2025 9:42, UK
Johnny Marr has revealed why he holds no regrets about The Smiths’ split and also explained his decision to reject a lucrative opportunity to reunite last year.
During a new appearance on Stick to Football, Marr reflected on The Smiths’ decision to part ways in 1987 when the guitarist was only 24 years old. He stated their future had become “untenable”, but also admitted he was fearful for his future in the music industry due to his age.
“It was horrible, because I was so young, it was an emotional decision,” he shared. However, when asked whether he has any regrets about the band calling it quits, Marr honestly reflected, “Funnily enough, I don’t, no. It was untenable, really, and it wasn’t an impulsive decision, either.”
Elaborating on why he couldn’t continue with The Smiths, Marr stated: “I looked at it for quite a long time and I was really about it, really. It certainly wasn’t a career decision because I had to really look at what’s next.”
Marr continued: “I have grown-up children, and I’m getting very serious here, but I’d like to think if they were in a similar position that they’d do the same as me. That’s why I don’t regret it. At the age of 61 now, I look back and go, ‘Ballsy’.”
The guitarist also opened up about the reunion offer they received in 2024. Marr told host Gary Neville: “We got made an offer really recently, in fact, but yeah, I said no.” The guitarist added: “I’m not an idiot, the vibe’s not right. Bad vibe.”
After Oasis announced their reunion last August, Morrissey revealed news of the opportunity in a blog post on his website: “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.”
Additionally, The Smiths vocalist made a series of claims about Marr regarding trademarks related to the band, which Marr explained were made in order to “prevent third parties from profiting from the band’s name”. He also confirmed it was true he’d snubbed the reunion, writing, “As for the offer to tour, I didn’t ignore the offer – I said no.”
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