April 26, 2012 12:23

The Smiths reunion rumours denied by band sources

Rumours circulated earlier today that Morrissey and Johnny Marr were set to reunite

Photo: PA

Reports that The Smiths are set to reunite have been denied by sources close to members of the legendary Manchester band.

A story on Music-news.co.uk this morning (April 26) suggested frontman Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr had been in talks with a "well-known" promoter about reuniting.

However, a number of sources close to the band denied the rumours when contacted by NME. In the hours since, Marr and drummer Mike Joyce have also denied the rumours in separate statements, with Marr writing on his official Facebook page, Facebook.com/officialjohnnymarr: "The rumour of The Smiths reunion is untrue. It's not happening."

Joyce denied the reports during his show on internet station Beatwolf Radio earlier today. According to the Daily Mirror, he said: "When I first heard about it I was… to say surprised and rather shocked was a bit of an understatement. Obviously I had to keep my emotions in check because there’s a lot of people in the office.
He continued: "It's not happening folks, as far as I know – which could be a good thing."

Back in February, Marr told NME that he would reform The Smiths if the current coalition government steps down, commenting:

We won't be reforming this week. Maybe if the government stepped down. If this government stepped down, I'll reform the band. How's that? That's a fair trade, isn't it? I think the country would be better off, don't you? I'll do it if the coalition steps down.

When asked if he had ever made him tempted to speak to Morrissey about the prospect of a reunion, he told NME: "I don't not speak to him, because that implies a certain standoff or whatever." He continued: "He's doing his thing and I'm doing mine, and we go through periods of time when we're in communication and at times when we're not. I'm not sure he wants to communicate, so I'll just carry on doing what I'm doing, and live my life and be a musician."

To watch the full interview, scroll down and click below.

The iconic indie group formed in 1982, splitting five years later after releasing classic albums such as 'The Queen Is Dead' and 'Meat Is Murder' and indie anthems including 'This Charming Man' and 'How Soon Is Now?'.

The Smiths - How Soon Is Now? (Digital) on MUZU.TV.

Video: Johnny Marr - 'We'll Reform The Smiths When The Government Steps Down'

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