Johnny Marr Reflects On Turning Down The Smiths Reunion: 'The Vibe’s Not Right'

Johnny Marr, the founding guitarist of Manchester indie icons The Smiths, has reflected on the band’s breakup and the unlikeliness of a reformation.

The influential group – who existed for just five years – have not been active since their 1987 dissolution. Also featuring Morrissey on vocals, Mike Joyce on drums, and Andy Rourke on bass, the band issued four critically-acclaimed albums throughout their career, with calls for a reunion coming repeatedly over the years.

While Marr and Morrissey have been famously combative over the years, 2024 brought with it news that the group had once again been offered a “lucrative offer” to reform (despite Rourke’s passing in 2023).

According to Morrissey, the tour would have gone worldwide under the name “The Smiths” and would have lasted through 2025. Morrissey reportedly said yes to the offer, and Marr allegedly “ignored” it.

Marr chimed in during a trademark dispute between the two, simply explaining his side of the situation. “As for the offer to tour, I didn't ignore the offer - I said no.”

Now, in a new episode of the Stick To Football podcast, Marr was asked about the reunion offer, especially in the wake of fellow Mancunians Oasis being about to launch their highly-anticipated global reunion trek.

“We got made an offer really recently, but I said no,” he said, with the hosts joking the amount perhaps wasn’t high enough “It was a little bit about principles, but I’m not an idiot, I just think the vibe’s not right.”

“It was an eye-watering amount of money,” Marr admitted. “But also, I really like what I’m doing now which makes it a lot easier. I like where I’m at. I still want to write the best song I’ve ever written. I want to be a better performer.”

Elsewhere in the chat, Marr reflected on the group’s initial breakup, explaining that their split was a necessity, and a decision that he feels proud to have made when he reflects on his life and legacy.

“It was untenable really,” he said of the band’s fraught relationship at the time. “And it wasn’t really an impulsive decision either.”