Morrissey has announced that he is putting his entire business interests in the Smiths up for sale, citing a 'malicious' feud with his former bandmates. In a post on his website titled 'A Soul for Sale', the singer said he had 'no choice' but to sell his share of the band's name, artwork, merchandising rights, and publishing contracts.
The 65-year-old musician wrote that he was 'burnt out by any and all connections' to Johnny Marr, Mike Joyce and the late Andy Rourke. 'I have had enough of malicious associations,' he said. 'The songs are me – they are no one else – but they bring with them business communications that go to excessive lengths to create as much dread and spite year after year.'
Morrissey shares 50% of the rights to the Smiths with Marr. It remains unclear whether the brand would retain its value without Morrissey's active participation. Representatives for Marr and Joyce declined to comment.
The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between Morrissey and Marr over the Smiths' trademark. In 2024, Marr denied Morrissey's claim that he had acquired the trademark without consultation, stating that he had registered it after Morrissey failed to respond to an offer to work together. Marr said he had since signed an assignment of joint ownership, but Morrissey has yet to sign it.
Morrissey has also faced difficulties releasing his 14th solo album, 'Bonfire of Teenagers', which remains unreleased due to its controversial subject matter. He was dropped by his former label BMG in 2020 and has since signed with Capitol Records.
