Gene Simmons, the lead singer for KISS, has some opinions about a possible Smiths reunion that might not include Morrissey.
Morrissey himself recently posted on his blog that Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr had acquired the trademark for the Smiths’ name. This might make it possible for Marr and the other band members he chooses to work with to start a reunion tour or put out music under the Smiths moniker. Morrissey pointed out that Marr might accomplish this without enlisting the former lead singer in future Smiths endeavors.
Marr has not stated that a reunion of the Smiths is imminent. To the contrary, Marr has already rejected the idea of a Smiths reunion when AEG Entertainment made the pitch. Additionally, it is said that he declined the chance to release a greatest hits album.
Given all of this, it seems strange that Marr chose to buy The Smiths’ trademark rights at this particular moment. Is a Smiths reunion without Morrissey really possible? Gene Simmons has strong sentiments about The Smiths (partially) coming back together, but we don’t know for sure.
Regarding The Smiths, what did Gene Simmons say?
Gene Simmons recently discussed his opinions on the possibility in an interview with Forbes
Simmons advised, “Get someone else and get rid of the guitar player.” “No one is interested. All they want to do is listen to the music. This is something I say repeatedly. With all due respect to Johnny Marr, if you walk down the street and ask a stranger, “Who’s Johnny Marr?” they won’t know who you’re referring to Johnny Marr?’ they won’t know who you’re talking about.”
Simmons continued by saying that it is “lunacy” to turn down a $100 million tour offer and that very few other occupations would pay that much simply for a performer to take the stage.
Simmons continued by saying that Morrissey is a terrific artist and that they have “exchanged pleasantries.” He continued by agreeing with some of Morrissey’s contentious opinions, which are also the ones that first caused friction between Morrissey and Marr.
Simmons asserted, “Every artist and human being has the right to express their opinion, and we are all alive.” “[…] As it happens, I concur. By the way. Although “wokeism” is purposefully done with good intentions, it involves a lot of bullsh*t and trash, and it essentially consists of browbeating anyone who disagrees with you.
Johnny Marr has not yet confirmed that The Smiths will reunite without Morrissey.