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Johnny Marr Not Planning a Smiths Reunion

8:55 a.m. · September 2, 2009 · by Nick Neyland

The annual ‘Smiths to reform’ rumors have been strangely quiet this year. Perhaps promoters have finally accepted that Morrissey and Johnny Marr will never overcome their differences? Or maybe the recession has significantly affected the large sums of cash needed to persuade bands to get back together?

Marr has been playing with indie rockers the Cribs recently, but has taken some time out to discuss the Smiths, offering a small hint that he may be willing to consider a reformation. "I can't speak for Morrissey, but I know that I'm too busy right now to get The Smiths on the road again," he said. "Is that likely to change? Who knows?"

"I can't bear the thought of a Spandau Ballet-style comeback,” he said. "Maybe someone should pay them £20 million not to reform. Supposedly we were offered $10 million to play a handful of Smiths gigs in 2007, and I wasn't remotely tempted." This story is likely to run and run until the band members inevitably acquiesce to such offers.

[NME]