Morrissey is officially selling his 50% stake in The Smiths, marking a significant moment in the band’s legacy. This article explores the details of this surprising move and its implications.
Morrissey Sells Stake in The Smiths
Almost 40 years after The Smiths disbanded, Morrissey is officially distancing himself from the band.
Sale of Business Interests
The singer is selling his 50% stake in the iconic Manchester group. Currently on a break from touring, Morrissey is set to perform in Canada and the East Coast, and will hit the Smiths’ stronghold of LA on October 25. He has announced that he is putting up for sale his rights to the songs, the name, the merchandise, and, most importantly, the publishing rights.
Announcement on Instagram
In a recent Instagram post, Morrissey stated he has “no choice but to offer for sale all of his business interests in ‘The Smiths’ to any interested party or investor.” This sale could potentially run into the tens of millions. The successful bidder would acquire:
1. The name 'The Smiths', as created by Morrissey.
2. All Smiths artwork, as created by Morrissey.
3. All Smiths merchandising rights.
4. All Smiths songs lyrically/musically.
5. All synchronization rights.
6. All Smiths recordings.
7. All contractual rights for Smiths publishing.Morrissey’s Break from Former Bandmates
If there was any doubt about the reasons behind this surprising move, Morrissey has made it clear he feels no obligation to his former bandmates. He expressed feeling “burnt out by any and all connections to Marr, Rourke, Joyce,” referring to guitarist Johnny Marr, deceased bassist Andy Rourke, and estranged drummer Mike Joyce.
The Financial Landscape of Music
With legacy artists like Kiss ($300M), Bruce Springsteen ($500M), David Bowie ($250M), and Michael Jackson selling significant portions of their catalogs, Morrissey’s decision is neither crass nor careless.
The Smiths’ Cultural Impact
The Smiths’ music, from their 1984 self-titled debut to their 1986 masterpiece The Queen Is Dead, continues to resonate. Their songs have been featured in numerous films and TV shows, making them a significant cultural touchstone.
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Potential for a Reunion
Despite the potential for a lucrative reunion tour, Marr has previously stated that the vibe isn’t right for such an event.
Trademark Issues
Adding to the tension, Marr trademarked The Smiths name in 2018, a move that Morrissey claimed was made without consultation. Marr later clarified that it was for their mutual benefit.
Current Status
As of now, Morrissey is actively seeking offers for his stake in the band.
Reps for Johnny Marr have not commented on Morrissey’s recent announcement.
