The Smiths Reunion Finally Happening?

The Smiths were, without a doubt, one of the most influential bands to emerge from Britain in the past 30 years. They were at the forefront of the Manchester scene, the alternative scene, and the independent scene, all of which have continued without them since they split up in 1987.

Fast forward twenty years to the present day and the band have turned down several offers to reform for one-off gigs, which they would have been paid a fortune to play. But now, according to a report in The Sun, The Smiths reunion could finally be about to happen, with a source claiming “it’s closer than it ever has been.”

For those of you not aware of The Smiths, first of all shame on you, but secondly, go away and download or YouTube some of their music and then come back here. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.

The split came way back in 1987 when The Smiths founders Morrissey and Johnny Marr fell out spectacularly and Marr left the band. The breakup was very acrimonious, and relationships between the former band mates were further harmed when Mike Joyce sued Morrissey and Marr over unpaid royalties.

At the time, Morrissey reportedly insisted “I’d rather eat my own testicles than reform The Smiths — and that’s saying something coming from a vegetarian.”

But time can definitely be a healer, and sources close to the band feel that the long-awaited reunion could now take place, with a one-off headline slot at the Coachella Festival next April a possibility. The organisers are thought to be willing to outdo the £2.8 million they offered in 2006 to make it happen.

A source told the newspaper:

“It has looked impossible in the past but suddenly it all looks like it could happen.”

“The buzz around the people who used to work for the band is they could play Coachella for a ludicrous amount of money. It’s closer than it ever has been.”

“The split was a messy affair, but time’s a healer.”

I’d really love to see this happen and for the one-off to possibly lead to more festival appearances or even a full tour. But I just can’t see it happening. While Johnny Marr, now with The Cribs, revealed last year that a reunion could eventually happen, Morrissey isn’t likely to change his mind any time soon.

Last month saw The Sun claim that Robert Plant had finally succumbed to his band mates wishes and signed up for a Led Zeppelin tour. That story proved to be false and it’s made me very cautious about believing this one as well. I’d love it to happen, but I don’t think it will in my lifetime.

[Photo Source: Amazon.co.uk]