Morrissey recently claimed that his former bandmate Johnny Marr has “ignored” a “lucrative offer” to reform The Smiths for a global tour in 2025. The band formed in Manchester in 1982 and produced four albums that went on to redefine British guitar music before a split in 1987.
A statement on Morrissey’s website, titled “war is old, art is young”, said the singer “said yes” to an offer by AEG Entertainment Group to tour as The Smiths throughout 2025, but “Marr ignored the offer.”
The guitarist has not responded, but he dismissed a suggestion The Smiths should reform in the wake of the Oasis reunion. Fans have been hopeful for decades that the pair would reunite, and rumors of a reconciliation over the years have been met with fervent speculation.
However, the pair have had a tumultuous relationship since the guitarist left a few weeks before the release of The Smiths’ final album in 1987, citing Morrissey’s lack of flexibility. The singer was understood to be equally frustrated and annoyed that Marr was playing with other groups.
If guitarist Johnny Marr were to accept a Smith reunion, the possibilities for iconic venues and massive crowds are endless.
Possible venues for The Smiths reunion:
Wembley Stadium
One of the first venues that comes to mind is Wembley Stadium. The iconic London arena has hosted some of the biggest names in music history, and it would be a fitting stage for The Smiths’ triumphant return. Blur recently played there, and Oasis is set to take the stage next year as part of their reunion tour. Following in their footsteps, The Smiths could easily pack Wembley, making it one of the highlights of their reunion tour.
Coachella
Coachella has long been a great spot for legendary band reunions, and The Smiths would be no exception. The festival has tried to book them multiple times in the past, and if the reunion were to happen, Coachella would likely jump at the chance to have them headline. The combination of The Smiths’ timeless appeal and Coachella’s global audience could make for an unforgettable performance. Morrissey has previously played Coachella on the same bill as Paul McCartney, The Killers, and The Cure.
Glastonbury
Another iconic festival that The Smiths could play at is Glastonbury. The festival is renowned for its diverse lineups and legendary performances, and The Smiths would be a perfect addition. Playing at Glastonbury would certainly attract huge crowd.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
A hometown gig in Manchester at Etihad Stadium would be an emotional and symbolic stop on the tour. The Smiths are deeply connected to Manchester’s music scene, and a concert at Etihad would be a tribute to their roots. It would likely be one of the most special shows of the tour, drawing fans from all over the world.
U.S. Football Stadium Tour with Oasis
While The Smiths and Oasis are both massively popular in the UK, selling out stadiums in the U.S. might be more challenging on their own. However, if the two bands were to team up for a U.S. football stadium tour, they could easily draw huge crowds like Motley Crue and Def Leppard did in 2022. A joint tour would be a once-in-a-lifetime event, bringing together two of the most influential British bands for a historic run across America.
If The Smiths were to reunite, the possibilities for their tour would be endless. From iconic venues like Wembley Stadium and Glastonbury to a potential collaboration with Oasis in the U.S., the band’s return would be monumental.