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In an interview with the “Stick to Football” podcast, Johnny Marr said why he rejected an offer of millions for a reunion tour of The Smiths.
Not the right vibe
It was certain for him: Despite the “breathtaking” fee, the emotional situation was more important. It is not the first time that the guitarist and songwriter publicly reject a reunion of the band.
“It was a bit of a principle of principles, but I’m not an idiot – I just think the mood doesn’t fit,” said Marr in the podcast. “It was a breathtaking amount of money, but also: I really like what I’m doing at the moment, and that makes it much easier. I like where I am. I still want to write the best song I’ve ever written. I want to be a better performer.”
In early 20 between tour stress and tax law
In the podcast, Marr also spoke extensively about his experiences as a young musician at The Smiths. He had deliberately founded the band in teenagers and took responsibility early – not only artistically, but also organizationally. “We were all dead cubs,” he said in the podcast. “We were not friends from school. I wanted to found a band, so I searched the members together. We quickly learned to love each other and got really tight, but we didn’t really know each other.”
Success came quickly – and the pressure with him. “Five years later, when we played in front of 10,000 people, I was 23! I sit in a meeting with bookholders who explain tax laws that I did not understand.”
Despite all the recognition, Marr became increasingly dissatisfied: “I had a great time – until I didn’t have any more. I became unhappy. I thought the Smiths was the best band in the world. I was so proud of us and I loved the music we made. I love the boys but relationships are broken.”
Got out with 24: “It was an emotional decision”
At the age of only 24, Marr left the group – a decision that he describes today as brave but correct. So he said in the podcast: “It was an emotional decision, but not an impulsive. I weighed it for a long time and was very unhappy about it.” The exit enabled him to work with other bands such as The Preters, The The The and The Cribs. He learned a lot about band dynamics and personal development.
Smiths singer Morrissey publicly showed interest in a reunion, but, according to “NME”, emphasized that he had no emotional connection to Marr. There have been some disputes between the two in the past, especially the political views of the two do not go hand in hand. Ex-drummer Mike Joyce spoke of a conciliatory meeting with Marr at the funeral of bassist Andy Rourke-however, he considers a reunion without a Rourke to be excluded.
Instead of thinking about a comeback, Johnny Marr prefers to look ahead: “I like where I am. I still want to write the best song I’ve ever written.”