Morrissey Announces Sale of Smiths Business Interests
Morrissey has stated that he "has no choice" but to offer his entire stake in the Smiths' business assets for sale to "any interested party/investor."
The decision, detailed in a post titled *"A Soul for Sale"* on his website *Morrissey Solo*, includes the band's name and artwork—both of which he created—along with his share of merchandise rights, songwriting credits, licensing agreements, recordings, and publishing contracts.
In the announcement, Morrissey expressed feeling "burnt out by any and all connections" to former bandmates Johnny Marr, Mike Joyce, and the late Andy Rourke.
"I have had enough of malicious associations," he wrote. "With my entire life, I have paid my rightful dues to these songs and these images. I would now like to live disassociated from those who wish me nothing but ill will and destruction, and this is the only resolution."
He added: "The songs are me—they are no one else—but they bring with them business matters that go to excessive lengths to foster dread and spite year after year. I must now protect myself, especially my health."
Interested parties were directed to contact a specified email address for further inquiries.
Morrissey co-owns 50% of the Smiths' rights alongside Marr. Whether the band's brand retains its value without Morrissey's involvement remains uncertain.
CuriosityNews reached out to representatives for Marr and Joyce but has yet to receive comment.
Morrissey did not specify the business matters he referenced. Joyce recently revealed plans to release a memoir in November, described as a "no-holds-barred" account.
In the past, Marr dismissed claims that the Smiths would reunite, rejecting what he called an "eye-watering" offer. "It was a little bit about principles, but I’m not an idiot. I just think the vibe’s not right," he said, alluding to his political and personal disagreements with Morrissey.
Earlier this year, Marr refuted Morrissey’s accusation that he had secured the Smiths' trademark without consultation. Morrissey had suggested Marr could tour under the band's name with a new singer.
A spokesperson for Marr clarified that after a third party attempted to use the Smiths’ name in 2018—and discovering the trademark was unclaimed—Marr tried to collaborate with Morrissey to protect it.
After receiving no response, Marr registered the trademark himself. An agreement was later reached with Morrissey’s lawyers, ensuring joint ownership.
In January 2024, Marr offered to share full ownership by signing a transfer document, pending Morrissey’s signature. The spokesperson denied any plans for the Smiths to tour with a different vocalist and confirmed Marr had declined an offer from Warner.
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