Gene Simmons Speaks Out on Potential Morrissey-Less Smiths Tour: “Who’s Johnny Marr?”

KISS’s lead vocalist Gene Simmons has some thoughts on the potential Smiths reunion, which could potentially not involve Morrissey.

According to a recent blog update from Morrissey himself, Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr has purchased the trademark to The Smiths’ band name. This could allow Marr and whichever band members he wants to include to kick off a reunion tour or release material under The Smiths’ name. Morrissey noted that Marr could do so without including the former lead singer in upcoming indeavors involving The Smiths.

Marr has not confirmed that a Smiths reunion is in the works. On the contrary, Marr has turned down the prospect of a Smiths reunion in the past after AEG Entertainment offered to reunite the band. He also allegedly turned down the opportunity to release a greatest hits album.

With all of this in mind, it’s odd that Marr opted to purchase the trademark rights to The Smiths at this point in time. Could a Smiths reunion sans Morrissey actually be in the works? We don’t know for sure, but Gene Simmons has some strong feelings about The Smiths (partially) getting back together.

What Did Gene Simmons Say About The Smiths?

In a recent interview with Forbes, Gene Simmons shared his thoughts on the potential Smiths reunion. And he had some critical words for guitarist Johnny Marr.

“Get rid of the guitar player and get somebody else,” said Simmons. “Nobody cares. They just want to hear the songs. I keep saying this over and over again. If you go down the street, and with all due respect to Johnny Marr, you go down the street and ask the general person, ‘Who’s Johnny Marr?’ they won’t know who you’re talking about.”

Simmons went on to say that turning down $100 million to tour is “lunacy” and that very few other professions would pay that kind of money just for someone to perform on a stage.

Simmons also went on to say that he has “exchanged pleasantries” with Morrissey and that he is a great artist. He also went on to agree with some of Morrissey’s controversial views, which happen to be what drove a wedge between Morrissey and Marr to begin with.

“We’re all alive, and every artist and every human being has a right to express their opinion,” said Simmons. “[…] I happen to agree with it. By the way. ‘Wokeism’ intentionally means well, but there’s a lot of garbage and bullsh*t involved with it and basically browbeating anybody who doesn’t agree with you.”

Johnny Marr is yet to confirm a reunion of The Smiths without Morrissey involved.

Photo by Ben Kriemann/imageBROKER/Shutterstock

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