Johnny Marr has responded to fans’ calls for The Smiths to reunite after the recent rumours that Oasis are getting back together.
Over the past few days, Oasis fans have been holding their breath in hopes of an announcement that the band are getting back together after both Liam and Noel Gallagher – and the official band’s social media – share the same date on socials, teasing an announcement at 8am today (August 27).
Since then, fans of other bands with tumultuous histories have been hoping for their favourites to reconcile – one such case being The Smiths, who have been public about the feud between Morrissey and Johnny Marr.
Now, Marr has responded to one fans’ hopes of a Smiths reunion. The fan wrote, themselves noting that it would be a long shot: “If Oasis can do it The Smiths can too (I’m delusional).
In return, Marr posted a photo of former UKIP leader and MP for Clacton, Nigel Farage with a pint in hand. This isn’t the first time Marr has posted something in relation to Farage when asked about The Smiths.
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) August 26, 2024
Back in 2016, Marr responded to Morrissey’s remarks about being pro-Brexit and being in favour of Nigel Farage – adding that his political beliefs are yet another reason why a reunion of The Smiths is unlikely.
After the results of the EU Referendum were revealed, Morrissey caused controversy among many of his fans when he hailed the result as ‘magnificent’ – and called Nigel Farage a ‘liberal educator’. Marr later sought to distance himself from his former bandmate’s beliefs.
And then in 2019, when replying to rumours that the indie veterans would reform with Morrissey at the helm, Marr responded with the four word tweet, “Nigel Farage on guitar”.
Nigel Farage on guitar
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) November 6, 2019
Earlier this month, Morrissey looked back at the legacy of The Smiths, and said that the band’s popularity has not come to an end as it was all about “a refusal to surrender to enemy propaganda”.
“I am well aware of the Smiths’ rise in recent years, and their affirmed position in our cultural heritage,” he began. “It proves how taking risks can work beautifully … and if you don’t take risks when you make music then what the hell are you doing making music?
“We’re all in this together. It was always about a refusal to surrender to enemy propaganda – something I still face today just as much as I faced it in 1983, 84, 85, 86 and 87. The Smiths do not end,” he continued
Back in 2019, Marr spoke to NME about whether or not he was worried about people viewing the music and legacy of The Smiths differently given the controversy surrounding Morrissey’s political beliefs and statements.
“I don’t think you can change history,” he said. “I’ve said that before. I’m not worried. It’s got nothing to do with my world or my life. The songs are out there for people to judge, relate to and hear. I think that’s all going to be forgotten in a few weeks, as these things inevitably are – for better or worse. It’s always been that way. I understand the issue, but I’m used to stuff coming and going.”
Later, in early 2022, Johnny Marr opened up further about his spat with Morrissey, saying that he felt he had to “defend [himself]”. It came after Morrissey asked Marr to stop mentioning him when giving interviews.