I would be happy if they did just one show and offered it as a live CD release.

I've heard all the arguments against them reuniting, and have been convinced by none of them. A tiny minority seem to think either that the legacy of The Smiths would be tarnished, or that Marr has "lost it", or that it would be embarrassing. All three of those arguments are bollocks.

In the first place, the legacy of The Smiths CANNOT be tarnished. The Smiths will not reunite. Morrissey and Marr may, The Smiths will not. Even if Moz/Marr reunited and put out a so so record (which I very much doubt, I have every confidence it would be excellent), this would not eradicate Strangeways, The Queen or Hatful. Those records are here to stay. It's like saying Dylan's poor 80s albums somehow eradicated the stature of 'Highway 61 Revisited' - not at all. The Smiths back catalogue will ALWAYS be revered. Moreover, a Moz/Marr project would be separate from The Smiths and treated as such - it would not be called 'The Smiths' and I suspect Marr would want to try and explore new avenues, something which Morrissey desperately needs.

Marr, moreover, is still an astonishing player. I can list plenty of musicians who've been through fallow creative periods - sometimes lasting decades - and returned later with records that made it worthwhile, Dylan being an example with 'Love And Theft'. We should give Marr a chance - he has touched greatness and may do so again.

In addition, the reunion of American Music Club, Pixies, Gang Of Four (live) among others have been praised and greeted with critical acclaim - embarrassing failure is not inevitable at all. Of course, Marr/Moz would have to work to ensure that new material was up to scratch, maybe harder in the past, but their egos would ensure that they did this, I think.

The Boorer/Whyte collaboration has also run out of steam. Three mediocre albums on the trot now with no sign of change or improvement - if anything, 'Public Image' and 'Slum Mums' indicate worse to come. Some people will say - oh, but Marr lost it in 1987, while look at the songs Boorer/Whyte have written. Well, they haven't been on form since 1994/5 and, while they've done some superlative work with Moz, it's not so great when you realise that one third to a half of their output is excellent, but maybe up to two thirds is simply mediocre. Morrissey can do better. Marr, on the other hand, has touched true greatness frequently (there are even some fab moments in his solo career, musically) and could easily do so again in the right circumstances.

Finally, the simple fact is that each partner is the best partner the other ever had, and the music they made together was spectacular. It's like they're both working on half-measures at the moment, but if they got back together they could well both work to full capacity again. And that would be truly wondrous.

Give them a chance - if they produce some rubbish (doubtful), well, TQID et al will still be there and no one will die a horrible death. I sometimes think people who come here forget - 99% of the population wouldn't give a stuff if Moz/Marr DID release a bad song as part of a reunion. It matters far more to us that to others, and the embarrassment is therefore imagined. On the other hand, they COULD produce something wondrous. But no one can tell unless they give it a try.

I do think they should release NEW material though, or it would smack of a cash-in project. But even then, live concerts from M and M would be EVENTS for fans!

If they did they'd be multi-millionaires beyond their wildest dreams. Especially Marr, who is making considerably less than Morrissey. Only Smiths fans even remember his name, or which one he is.(So many people with the same name!) It'd be nothing but good for him. He can't be making money from the Smiths like Morrissey is, being so closely tied to his past, and very memorable. The royalties can't be that good from the Smiths, since they can't remaster and re-release (like they should, just like the excellent Ramones reissues, b-sides included). Paige and Plant re-uniting didn't hurt Zepplin's historical "importance". I'm not a fan, but it's very comparable. Of course new songs would be greeted extremely well...until the criticisms start pouring. Just having the album would be very nice though. As far as the difference between a Morrissey tour and a Morrissey/Marr tour and album, the CD and ticket sales would probably triple. The price better not though, Morrissey is expensive enough! I know I talked alot about the Money, but that would really be the only significant difference from the last tour, unless they really did write new songs. They certainly wouldn't have to. Also, the way Marr talks ... that'd be the only reason I could see him doing it. All that being said ... It'll NEVER happen !!!

- Meecro Peeni

Otherwise they will have sold out to the cash cow.

If they reunite for artistic purposes, to create new material as well as tour, then I'm all for it, most definitely.

Hopefully they will realize each of their wells have run dry without one another.

-The Treading Lemming

"writhing on the shagpile, just like oliver reed"

We have the Smiths stuff to listen to whenever we want and we also have the next installment of Morrissey solo to look forward to. I'm happy with that.

Marr does not interest me in his own right any more than I'd be interested in going to see Alain Whyte's new band. Morrissey's musicians only interest me in terms of what they have done with Morrissey. Marr has done nothing else I'd ever bother with.

If M/M reunite, it's a different project than reuniting the Smiths. I don't think I would want to play on the same stage as someone who owes me cash from litigation (and vice-versa). But, at least, M/M are both in the same circumstance....

idont think it would tarnish or compromise The Smiths' legacy. if they did reform they would almost certainly not call themselves The Smiths- The Smiths is indeed dead. of course, Marr would not come on board to be simply a collaborator to another "Morrissey" project- he would definitely demand equal billing of the "Morrissey & Marr" sort (which does ring a little corny, does it not?- it definitely makes you think of Page & Plant and then summarily makes you want to puke).

however, what it would compromise is not their past, but rather their current integrity. im not bothered by an artist reaching for the golden ring- thats why you join a band, and anyone who denies that is lying- but no one should do such at the compromise of their integrity and their word. Morrissey and Marr hav both spent the better part of the past two decades saying that would not wish to ever reunite. if they were to do so now it would undermine everything both of them hav done since The Smiths. frankly, they, as well as their various collaborators over the past 18 or so years, deserve more credit than that.

and all the assumptions that a reunion would somehow be spectacular, or at least very good and much better than recent product from either of them, are extremely naïve. look at the most recent reunion of this sort- former founders of Suede, Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler, reuniting to form the "new" band The Tears. 'Here Come The Tears' is a mediocre effort at best, exceeded even by Butler's various solo meanderings if only the fact that they are so less contrived. at thats juste Suede- could you imagine the amount of pressure that would be placed upon the newly reunited founders of undisputably one of the greatest and most influential bands of all-time, especially after all of this time? it would be so enormous to the point of making it next to impossible for any good to come of it.

finally, its simply not necessary for either of them to put themselves through that for what would surely be less of a payoff. Morrissey went on and continues to be a highly successful and respected solo artist, and while Marr has not enjoyed nearly as much success post-Smiths, hes certainly not starving in the streets and remains highly respected in the industry. if they reunited they would be short changing themselves, and id hate to see two men whom ihav so much lov and respect for make such a blind mistake.

would be for Marr to send Moz a song sometime as a one off for him to use on an album or single, or for Morrissey to do a one off contribution to one of Marr's projects. that would be nice to see and would reinfore their friendship (which is by far the most important thing here) without compromising each other's current artistic, professional or personal integrity.

I used to be of the school of thought that The Smiths were no more, and that a reunion could only harm their legacy, and that Morrissey was doing quite well on his own. However, YATQ really showed how much Morrissey needs Johnny Marr. Mozzer's voice sounds better than ever, his wit is as sharp as ever, and his lyrics and melodies are wonderful. The music is lacking, though. Johnny Marr is still making great music, but isn't much of a singer. Honestly, for either of them to make music that means anything they need to get back together, otherwise they'll never be relevant again.

Well I thought it was interesting that very soon after Alain Whyte "departed" Morrissey that they started opening shows with "How Soon Is Now?" - a Smiths song never performed live solo by Moz since the Smiths... Yes he did play many other Smiths songs before Alain left but HSIN? is easily the most famous Smiths one- and maybe it has no significance at all- but it may have been a message to Marr. Neil Finn (Split Enz/Crowded House) sang HSIN? live here in Moz Angeles with Marr on guitar in 2002- and it was incredible to see it live - and now I think I speak for many fans when I say it's to see Moz/Marr do it together live again ;^)

Cheers,

Jay

The only way they would ever re-unite is if Marr were writing material that was both brilliant and that he thought Morrissey would be interested in. He'd also have to want to work with Morrissey which I'm not sure he would if he could remember why he jumped ship in the first place. As long as Morrissey still has a band (has he?) then I can't see him wanting to throw them away for the sake of working with Johnny again either. I live in hope though!

It would be interesting to see Moz/Marr reunite. As of late, the music industry has been filled with surprises, some good some not. It can be a success if they do it right. They would possibly have to create music on their own terms without any third party involved. They should also stay away from the mainstream. Moz has done very well staying indy without tarnishing his image.

Of course they should reunite. And that wouldn't necessarily be intended to affront Morrissey's current band, but just think how many dreams would come true fans of The Smiths. I have enjoyed Morrissey's band replicating The Smiths music from the latest You Are The Quarry tour, and it was done very well. But the distinct guitar sound of Marr was still noticably missing. Andy R. & Mike J. wouldn't necessarily be needed to join to bring back the magic. Today's music could use a boost like that. However, as much as we would like to see this, it's probably futile to see it ever happen. Damn It!

As good as it sounds you cannot go back. Neither would want to tread water on a new project and only something magical would add to their magnificent canon of tunes.

The Smiths will never and should never reform. Their in good company (The Clash, The Jam and The Specials et al).

Whats more interesting to me is what The Smiths would have sounded like on the albums after Strangeways. The answer is the real tragedy rather the lost hope of a reunion.

it
will
never
happen

_m

oh come on people. have we not been through this a million times?

Personally, I believe they should not rejoin. You can't bring up the past, no matter how spectacular it was. Mozzer is doing great all by himself, and Johnny Marr has numerous opportunites to get involved with different projects. Admittingly, some have not cut the mustard, but the last time I had heard, ( this was almost two years ago ) he was a special guest musician for Neil Finn, and he was wonderful! He was also giving some pointers to Neil's son, Liam in Australia with his own band. Just let it go. There's more to be enjoyed in the future.

Which I may have posted last year at some point:

Marr, Boz, Alain, Jesse (?), all submit demos and Morrissey chooses what he feels are the best ones (or saves them for b-sides!). A strong producer would make it all work as an album. I really liked the production on YATQ, but I'd be just as happy to see someone else at the board.

I think the pressure and expectations on a full Morrissey/Marr collaboration would be much too great. I'm sure they would produce some great tracks, but the words "its good, but not as good as The Smiths" would loom large.

There's a bit of a YATQ backlash going on now that it's a year on. While there's no doubt Marr is a genius player and was a genius songwriter with Morrissey, I honestly don't know if he'd would produce songs as rocking as The First of the Gang to Die, as beautiful as The Never Played Symphonies, or as a fun as Don't Make Fun of Daddy's Voice. But I'd like to see him try!

This is the first pole where I could choose 3 options:

1. If they re-unite to write new material - then that is great and the ONLY reason to reunite

2. …..but I've always thought re-uniting bands are a bit cheesy and always lame when compared to the original.

3. …. plus the Smiths is dead and their reputation should be left untarnished - they are too special to spoil

Great poll idea by the way - you have to really think hard for this one, although……. I can't make up my mind so I have not voted.

First of all - I can't think of any reunion that has ever really worked. What Morrissey & Marr created together in The Smiths stands as one of the finest bodies of work in the history of pop music. My worry is that they would ruin everyones image of what they once achieved if they decided to work together again. I mean, what if it didn't turn out good? What if it all turned out to be like The Tears (that album is one of 2005's great disappointements so far) - a band everyone hoped would be great (but really wasn't), playing on small stages to half-arsed crowds at dusty festivals in Belgium...

On the other hand - it could work if they did it as Morrissey & Marr, not under any name referring to The Smiths.
I love Johnny Marr to pieces and I would love for him to rise to glory once again... but I can't really see that happening with The Healers (damn, that album was one big pile of donkey turd, wasn't it?).
Maybe Johnny needs Morrissey... but does Morrissey really need Johnny?

Whatever you think of them, Pink Floyd, who, let's be honest, were a much bigger band than the Smiths, said they would never, ever, play together again. The band's muses, Waters and Gilmore, for a variety of reasons hated each other with a consuming passion, which Morrissey and Marr have never done. And lo and behold they're playing together again on Saturday, and not for the money or the music. So whatever your opinion on this poll, don't assume that at some time in the future it might not happen, for good or for bad.

I think they should and it'd be great but...

1) Only if the backing band included Boz. He's been with Moz almost three times as long as Marr ever was.
2) And if they got Stephen Street to produce it.

I'm sure they could do it. Anything would be better than the Healers.

While we're at it, do you think they could get the Style Council to reform?

1- You're really interested
2- They find a decent rythm section that fit today's standards
3- They have new material different from the Smiths Era written with a whole new spirit (and try not to feed us stale glimpses of the past). Uh OK, not likely to ever happen, whatever...
4- They don't sound like The Tears
5- Johnny quits wearing tennis white socks with black shoes and the jeans too short

Are we speaking in musical terms such as 'Lennon/McCartney', 'Jagger/Richards', 'Ginoli/Freeman' {Pansy Division}? I am sure they still get together once or twice a year for Smiths buisness, royalties, etc. Its a no-brainer. Since 1983, the music world has not been blessed with any other writing team who even come close to Morrissey/Marr. They still have not received the credit that they truly deserved. [Hint-Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Board} Johhny is an incredible guitarist and there are only a handful of others that may 'try' to copy his brilliant style of playing. Morrissey has not had that since they parted company. Those who was fortunate enough to see The Smiths play live would have to agree? Help me out here Smiths fans.

but only if they call themselves MARRISSEY.

--NF

Fuck "selling out" fuck "tarnishing their legacy"
It is all bullshit.

The bottom line is that a Smiths reunion would draw a huge amount of interest and they would sound great playing songs that are old, but still wonderful and still relavent.

Many fans would love to hear Morrissey, Marr and if possible Rourke and Joyce playing these songs live (because most of us never saw the Smiths). That is what is truely important, the pleasure of the fans, not a "legacy" or how much money they would get from it.

"The Smiths was a beautiful thing that Johnny left and Mike destroyed"

The Smiths are Morrissey. And he's already here and he's doing just splendidly on his own.

Those days are gone. I have the 33s and 45s but those days are gone, and gone forever.

So all of you who have responded negatively to this wouldn't go if the opportunity came to see such an unlikely happening? Your attitude would be, "It's been done before, move on", "I'll just listen to my old records", "the current band is sufficient for me, I don't need to see Marr"? Whatever. At least Marr wouldn't need anything more than a bass guitar to accompany him, not a guitar tandem. "How Soon Is Now?" might actually sound pretty good live. So just add Gary and Dean, that doesn't sound too complicated.

iVIVAMOZ!
Morrissey-solo..... enuff said.

Given Marr's recent output, it doesn't seem that he has much to offer anymore.
And Morrissey, well, don't you think he's dwelling on the past enough? I'm not going to say I didn't love hearing "There Is A Light..." live, but Smiths songs should not have been carrying those shows like they did. He needs to work with fresh talent.

If Pink Floyd can reunite for live 8( and we suspect the lucrative world tour to follow)...If Bret Anderson & Bernard Buttler can reform and make the excellent band that it the tears then there is no reason for Morrissey & Marr to do the same......I do not think they should reform the Smiths but go out just as Mozz & Marr...again in the case of Anderson & Butler and also Page & Plant...you get something of the original but also something new and different....I love Mozz's solo work but there is something about his Lyrics & Marr's music that can never be matched...I do think it should happen & i beleave that one day it will.........

"All I can see are the never laid
Of the never played symphonies"

"You were one
You knew you were one
And you slid
Right through my fingers
No, not literally
But metaphorically"

Yes, I wanna hear the never played symphonies...

Ok, a few weeks ago I went to a Vinny Peculiar gig and got talking to Mike Joyce before he went on. We spoke about many things and I asked if he has had any contact with Marr. He said they haven't seen or spoken to each other since the birthday party of Mani(Stone Roses)a few years back. But he did say he's been informed that Morrissey and Marr have been talking a LOT more frequently than they have in 15 years or so. So who knows what they speak about??.....

it would greatly benefit both of their careers to work together again. not many people remember much of anything johnny did after the smiths, and mostly everyone agrees that the musicians Morrissey chose to work with post-Smiths were not of the same caliber as johnny marr.

It doesnt have to be called "the Smiths." I'd prefer it if it wasnt. "Morrissey/Marr" sounds good to me.

I voted "The Smiths are dead."

However, obviously there's nothing "wrong" with them working together again. It's just not something I care enough about to think about because I've enjoyed Morrissey's solo career so much. Obviously if Morrissey and Marr got together and made a masterpiece of an album, everyone would want that. Duh! I'm not in a positin to know if they would be able to make a new masterpiece together. For all know, Johnny Marr has lost most of his creative talents. If he hasn't, he's sure been hiding them. He's still a good musician and I actually kinda liuked the Healers album. But it was just another album, nothing too special about it, and none of the songs hit greatness.

The cloest Marr came to hitting greatness after the Smiths was a couple of the songs he did with The The (such as "Jealous of Youth"). But thosearen't great songs because the singer was annoying! That was right after the Smiths, so it's obvious Johnny would've made another excellent Smiths album back then. Can't be said in 2005. He's either been holding back or he's lost it.

They should only release new music together if it can stand side by side with the Smiths. If not, forget about it, it would be a step backwards for Morrissey.

Well, with all the objectivity I can muster (ha ha ha! hm.), they don't appear to be on their way to anything musically great separately.
So they could try working together again. But there are tons a big "buts". (And one big butt as well, but that's off topic)

-but maybe they don't like each other anymore
-and but maybe they never did (well)
-but maybe they don't inspire each other anymore
-but maybe if they haven't done it yet in spite of all the opportunities (hello Meltdown!) it's because they don't want to?

And yet...Well...I think Johnny's an open minded musician and could gently guide shy Morrissey towards new musical territories... Or else it could end in tears (not the band) and broken plates again.

How mature and interested are they really? Have they evolved in any way that'd make it possible?

Realistically, it won't happen.
But I think we can all safely bet on another Sinatra/ Morrissey collaboration instead. lol.

And other disastrous ones.

And all that because they're both stubborn, and artistically a bit lost, but don't really realize it, in spite of all the indicators. (no, "But look me I sells loads of bloody CDs!" is not an indicator)

Well. Manchester Mules will be Manchester mules.
I'm not bothered really...It's their lives eh!

Also you might teach children in Manchester.
Your futures are quite bright.
I'm glad to be the fan of "the Smiths".
Moz X

And Morrissey is doing fine.

Morriseey and Marr should do a record and if they choose to .......tour!!!!

They are heady and brilliant spirits living in this material world and they BOTH know that one more go 'round the Mulberry bushes will settle their triumphant spirits in knowing that they have made peace with each other AS WELL AS making millions (YES!) of lives grateful that two combative yet, cohesive spirits could make
peace with each other and fulfill their destinies...
Please dudes just get it on, make 2006 the year the world listens and jack ALL OF YOUR apostles OFF! and make a fuckin beautiful baby and xmas card to put a smile on our borrowd irish faces...

THAT COMPROMISE IS POSSIBLE!!!!!

This whole story could end on a better note than did Lennon and McCartney.....Morr and Marr WILL NOT BE LOOKED down as pussies BUT as champions of what REAL LIFE is about and settling scores ...Dudes - own up be honest......take the ego/money/rank out and do your duty....Steven. Johney give us life if only only once more..there are many of us that really do not have much to live for.

I KNOW YOUR GIFTS of MUSIC HAVE already been acheived but you would really soar into higher octaves IF a reunion would really come true..........

St Kevin of the Irish Carpenters that are fuckin the hell out of Tom Cruise right now!!!!

"Morrissey where art thou?
I've decided I love Johnny.
I've decided you love Johnny.
This could work.
Email me. (joke.)"

(Ha ha. I just know you're bored, Morrissey. Come on!)

Morrissey and Marr, please reunite before it's too late. Don't let the "never played symphonies" live only in your hearts, share your talent with the world and the musical history. I can't stand no more all those boring songs that the sycophantic slags force us to listen nowadays. Need a fresh stuff, like it was in 85. Just do it for us, you won't be disappointed. We love you and i know you love us.

The Smiths ran out of ideas well before Strangeways. Morrissey churns out tuneful but forgettable tosh.

Get over it. Nostaglia isn't what it used to be.