Morrisey, the controversial exvocalist of The Smiths, has announced on its website that sells its commercial rights over the legacy of the British band that led since the beginning of the eighties. In a statement entitled A soul for saleSteven Patrick Morrissey (Davyhulme, United Kingdom, 66 years) makes available to the best bidder: the name of the band, all art in relation to group products, all rights of merchandising, All songs from The Smithsboth lyrics and music, recordings and contractual rights to publish training material.
The artist makes this decision, he explains in a clear and brief state More – but they bring with them responsibilities and commercial rights that lead to too much resentment and fear.
At the end of the text it includes an email for those interested in buying the legacy of a band that was formed in 1982. Morrissey, along with guitarist Johnny Marr, bass player Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce, recorded the model that would be worth the contract with the Rough Trade seal. With just a couple of simple –Hand In Glove y This Charming Man– They became a a few months in a cult band that signed great classics such as There Is a Light That Never Goes Out y This Charming Man.
In September 2024, Morrissey surprised with a statement in which he claimed that Johnny Marr had achieved “the total control of The Smiths, acquiring all the rights of the brand and intellectual property.” The vocalist’s text was already bitter for the followers: he said that Marr has prevented a great hits from the band and even a meeting.
Marr’s response came days later by his representative: “In 2018, after an attempt at a third party to use the name of The Smiths, and discovering that the registered brand was not owned by the band, Marr communicated with Morrissey, through her representatives, to work together in the protection of the name of The Smiths. Not receiving an answer, Marr decided to register the brand himself.” He also said that his idea is not to go on tour with another singer, as Morrissey said the guitarist planned.