Morrissey says Johnny Marr “ignored” a “lucrative” offer for The Smiths to reform in 2025.

The 65-year-old former frontman of the iconic Manchester group, who released their debut album in 1984, spoke out about the missed chance for a reunion in the wake of news Oasis are staging a comeback tour next year.

He said in a statement on the Morrissey Central website amid questions from fans on whether the band might reunite like Oasis he gave a “yes” to an offer made by the AEG Entertainment Group to tour worldwide as The Smiths in 2025.

Writing in the third person, the singer said guitarist Johnny, 60, “ignored the offer”, adding: “In June 2024 AEG Entertainment Group made a lucrative offer to both Morrissey and Marr to tour worldwide as ‘The Smiths’ throughout 2025.

“Morrissey said Yes to the offer; Marr ignored the offer. Morrissey undertakes a largely sold out tour of the USA in November. Marr continues to tour as a special guest to New Order.”

After putting out much-loved albums ‘The Smiths’ and ‘Meat is Murder’ – and landing three Top 10 hits – Morrissey and Co split in 1987 after only five years together.

Johnny staged an emotional homecoming gig in his native Manchester on Saturday (24.08.24) at Wythenshawe Park ahead of a set from New Order.

He told fans how much the show meant to him as it was in the park where he while away his youth minutes from his family home.

Noel and Liam Gallagher said on Thursday (29.08.24) they were adding three extra concert dates in the UK for their 2025 reunion tour due to “unprecedented demand” following registration for a ticket pre-sale.