Morrissey has announced that he is putting his entire business interests in the Smiths up for sale, citing a desire to sever ties with his former bandmates. In a post on his website, Morrissey Solo, titled “A Soul for Sale”, the singer said he “has no choice” and is “burnt out by any and all connections” to Johnny Marr, Mike Joyce and the late Andy Rourke.
The sale would include the band’s name, artwork, Morrissey’s share of merchandising rights, lyrical and musical compositions, synchronisation, recordings and publishing contractual rights. Morrissey wrote that he has “had enough of malicious associations” and wants to “live disassociated from those who wish me nothing but ill will and destruction”. He added: “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. I must now protect myself, especially my health.”
Serious investors were directed to email a provided address, although it appears to be non-functional. Morrissey shares 50% of the rights to the Smiths with Marr, and it remains unclear whether the brand retains 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. Marr previously stated that he registered the trademark after Morrissey failed to respond to an offer to protect it jointly, and that he later signed an assignment of joint ownership which Morrissey has yet to execute. Marr also denied plans to tour with a new vocalist under the Smiths name.
Morrissey has faced difficulties releasing his 14th solo album, Bonfire of Teenagers, which has been completed since May 2021. He was dropped by BMG in 2020 and blamed the split on the label’s “new plans for ‘diversity’”. The album’s title track references the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing and includes controversial lyrics.
