The famous British musician Morrissey published a statement on his website, claiming that his former colleague from The Smiths, Johnny Marr, is against the release of the box set and reissue program. The Smiths frontman wrote that a greatest hits album titled "Smiths Rule OK!" was planned, with reissues of the band's 1983 first single, "Hand in Glove," and follow-up single, "This Charming Man," as well as deluxe box set of their self-titled debut album.
"Warner contacted Morrissey and cover designer Darren Evans to put together designs for all four issues, but all were rejected by Johnny Marr," Morrissey wrote.
The proposed design and the colorful title "Smiths Rule OK!", which would see the words graffitied above a picture of the band, would be unusual for a group whose album covers tend to feature serious fonts. Except for the 2008 album "The Sound of the Smiths", their album covers do not show pictures of the band, but street photos or portraits of movie stars.
This is the latest in a series of disagreements between Morrissey and Marr, who formed The Smiths in 1982. The band became the definition of British indie music of the decade, thanks to Mar's characteristic ringing guitar, Morrissey's alternately toxic and romantic lyrics, and dynamic rhythm section. Their music is still very popular – the band has 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
In August, Morrissey claimed that promoter AEG had made "a lucrative offer to Morrissey and Marr for The Smiths' world tour in 2025, and that Morrissey accepted and Marr ignored the offer.
Since the band's breakup in 1987, both Morris and Mar have had successful solo careers, and the band has never reunited.
"I'd rather eat my own testicles than reunite The Smiths, and that means something to a vegetarian," Morrissey said earlier.
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