Morrissey and Johnny Marr Perform Iconic Smiths Hits Just Days Apart

It’s been more than 38 years since Morrissey and Johnny Marr last shared the stage. Despite the astronomical amounts of money that a Smiths reunion could bring, it seems unlikely to ever happen. However, both artists remain deeply connected to the music they crafted together in the 1980s. Currently, they are touring the U.S., delivering vibrant sets full of Smiths classics. I had the pleasure of attending both of their shows in New York this month.

Morrissey’s Memorable Performance

First, I caught Morrissey’s concert at Radio City Music Hall on September 16. Historically, he has only incorporated a few Smiths songs into his solo sets. This time around, six out of the 18 songs performed were from the Smiths catalog, including classics like “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” and “How Soon Is Now?” At recent performances, he even added another Smiths song, making it a total of seven—a remarkable feat for his setlists.

The Nostalgic Opener

Opening with “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” was a masterstroke that evoked a wave of nostalgia among the audience. As Morrissey walked onstage with flowers reminiscent of a classic Smiths concert, it was a majestic moment. Despite some fans distancing themselves due to his controversial views, those who attended are certainly missing out; he is in phenomenal form.

Johnny Marr at CBGB Festival

Eleven days later, I attended the CBGB Festival at Under the K Bridge Park in Brooklyn, where Johnny Marr performed before iconic acts like Iggy Pop and Jack White. Marr’s set was a tight 45 minutes, featuring five Smiths songs, including “Panic” and “This Charming Man.” This means over half of his set was filled with Smiths material, making it an exciting experience for fans.

A Different Interpretation

Marr chose to close his show with “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” generating a frenzy of sing-alongs from the crowd. However, seeing Marr deliver Morrissey’s poignant lyrics felt somewhat off, as his personal experiences differ greatly from those conveyed in the song. Marr’s cheerful demeanor contrasts with the melancholic essence typically associated with Morrissey’s writing.

The Possibility of Reunion

From a business standpoint, it would make sense for Morrissey and Marr to reunite and perform together at larger venues. They experienced palpable pressure to consider this possibility in the past, including a notable discussion back in 2008. Although things momentarily seemed hopeful, it ultimately fizzled out, leaving many fans yearning for a reunion.

Recent discussions have revealed that a lucrative offer emerged for the duo to reunite. While Morrissey indicated a willingness to accept, Marr’s response was a firm “no.” This has led to further speculation and frustration among fans, especially following the loss of bassist Andy Rourke, who played a significant role in their early music.

The Current State of Relations

In a surprising twist, Morrissey mentioned the idea of selling his portion of the band’s rights, expressing his desire to distance himself from the painful associations tied to the Smiths. This has led to a baffling contradiction where both Morrissey and Marr seem to disavow their past while continuing to perform numerous Smiths songs during their tours.

While Oasis fans recently experienced a joyful reunion, it appears that the Smiths will not share a similar fate. Yet, the music they created continues to thrive through the separate tours of both artists. The light they generated in the 1980s remains bright, ensuring that it never truly goes out.