The ongoing feud continues... Let's hope it comes to an end soon. Following the release of a statement by Johnny Marr’s management denying claims that he owed “100 per cent trademark rights” to The Smiths’ name, his former bandmate Morrissey has parted ways with his management team. The ex-Smiths singer made the announcement on his website with a straightforward message: “Morrissey has severed all connections with Red Light Management/Pete Galli Management.” No additional details were provided.

In recent weeks, Morrissey has leveled a series of accusations at his former bandmate, alleging that Marr disregarded an offer for a 2025 tour, blocked the release of a greatest hits album titled ‘Smiths Rule OK!’, and claimed ownership of the band’s name without consulting Morrissey or giving him the usual right to object. According to Morrissey, this would permit the group to tour with a different frontman. However, Marr and his management team have refuted these claims, stating that Marr did not “ignore” an offer to reunite The Smiths, but rather rejected it. It was also revealed that Marr had contacted Morrissey in 2018 through representatives after a third party attempted to use the Smiths name. “A lack of response” led Marr to register the trademark himself. Nonetheless, there was a subsequent agreement with Morrissey’s lawyers that the trademark was “held for the mutual benefit” of both parties. “Furthermore, rumors about Johnny Marr touring with a different singer as The Smiths are unfounded. There are no such plans,” the statement added.

The Smiths disbanded in 1987 after six years together and four albums: ‘The Smiths’ (1984), ‘Meat Is Murder’ (1985), ‘The Queen Is Dead’ (1986), and ‘Strangeways, Here We Come’ (1987). Since their split, both Marr and Morrissey have had numerous disagreements, particularly over their differing political views. Morrissey has alienated fans with comments supporting Brexiteer Nigel Farage, praising far-right anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson, referring to Hitler as ‘left wing’, and advocating for the far-right political party For Britain, founded by the anti-Islam activist Anne Marie Waters.