Morrissey puts The Smiths 'up for sale' saying he has had enough of bandmates

Morrissey has announced that he “has no choice” but to put up for sale the entirety of his business interests in The Smiths “to any interested party/investor”.

The singer, 66, appeared to be serious in his offer which he posted on social media as well as on his website, Morrissey Solo, in a post titled “A Soul for Sale”, would include the band’s name and artwork, which he created, as well as his share of merchandising rights, lyrical and musical compositions, synchronisation, recordings and publishing contractual rights.

He also used the statement to says he has “had enough” of all connections to his former bandmates.

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In his post, Morrissey said: “I am burnt out by any and all connections to Marr, Rourke, Joyce. I have had enough of malicious associations.

“With my entire life I have paid my rightful dues to these songs and these images. I would now like to live disassociated from those who wish me nothing but ill-will and destruction, and this is the only resolution.”

He continued: “The songs are me – they are no one else – but they bring with them business communications that go to excessive lengths to create as much dread and spite year after year. I must now protect myself, especially my health.”

The Smiths, who rose to prominence in the 1980s, featured Morrissey as frontman alongside guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce.

But in recent years Marr and Morrissey have been at loggerheads in terms of their outlook on life and politics. Any hope fans had of a reunion ended many years ago, although Marr has previously said he turned down what he described as an “eye-watering” offer for the group to reunite, citing political and personal divisions.

The pair clashed last year over ownership of the band’s trademark, with Johnny dismissing Morrissey’s claim he had secured rights without consultation.

A spokesperson at the time said lawyers for both agreed the trademark should be jointly held.

Morrissey shares 50% of the rights to the Smiths with Marr. Whether the brand retains its value to investors without Morrissey as an active participant to help market it remains to be seen.

According to industry magazine Deadline, Kiss recently sold their back catalogue rights for $300m and Bruce Springsteen received $500m meaning Morrissey and the other band members of The Smiths would be likely to net tens of millions, if not more were to sell their back catalogue or stake in the band.

Morrissey’s career has faced difficulties in recent years.

Record label BMG cut ties with him in November 2020 – a decision the singer said was linked to the company’s “new plans for diversity”.

He completed his 14th solo album, Bonfire of Teenagers, in 2021, with its title track referencing the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.

Although initially due for release under Capitol Records in February 2023, Morrissey said at the end of 2022 he had “voluntarily” parted ways with both the label and his management, and claimed the record was being withheld.

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