Trending
A Special The Smiths Reissue Cancelled Due to a Dispute Between Morrissey and Johnny Marr
Danny Jones
According to new information, a special reissue of The Smiths’ debut album was reportedly abandoned due to disagreements between Morrissey and Johnny Marr.
In a time when the Gallagher brothers seem to have buried the hatchet, it appears someone has to keep the Manchester music feuds alive. A prominent source from Rough Trade reported that ‘Moz’ and Marr couldn’t settle on a key issue regarding the album’s re-release, originally planned to coincide with the 50th anniversary of their label and the iconic indie record store.
Speaking on the German music podcast, Vinyl &…, Rough Trade’s European managing director revealed that the two legendary musicians are not exactly on friendly terms these days. They specifically clashed over the album’s artwork, an issue that surprisingly halted the project from moving forward.
Yes, that really was the main sticking point, apparently. Curt Keplin noted that The Smiths were a central part of their anniversary celebrations, making their absence all the more glaring when the plans were scrapped last minute, with the ‘Smooth Operator’ herself, Sade, stepping in to fill the void.
Originally, Keplin intended to feature The Smiths prominently in a retrospective looking back at their influence since 1984. However, he mentioned, “Actually, The Smiths were supposed to be included, but Johnny Marr and Morrissey couldn’t agree on how the packaging should look. So, things remain relatively difficult between those two.”
Labeling their relationship as ‘difficult’ is perhaps an understatement. Morrissey has previously accused Marr of controlling key rights that could allow him to tour as The Smiths without his former bandmate. Marr has denied these allegations, but the lingering tension seems to complicate both their professional and personal interactions.
Keplin elaborated, stating, “You first have to find an artist who is basically open to it and thinks it’s great and then gives us the rights – or rather, the label then says, ‘Ok, this is now being repressed in a different colour, in new packaging,’ and so on and so forth.”
Initially, plans for the anniversary celebration began last summer, marking a year-long schedule of limited edition vinyl releases and more. However, it appears The Smiths won’t be part of this anticipated lineup.
While this might seem trivial to some, the ongoing disputes signify the deep-rooted resentment that continues to simmer beneath the surface between Morrissey and Marr. Nonetheless, fans have been treated to recent releases from both artists, with Morrissey’s latest divisive effort, Make-Up Is a Lie, and Marr’s upcoming homecoming gig at Castlefield Bowl generating excitement elsewhere in the music community.
Read more:
For all the latest news, events, and goings-on in Greater Manchester,subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Sire Records/Raph_PH (via Flickr)/Rough Trade Records