I don’t know if it’s because it’s the end of the year and there’s a lack of “real” music news around, but I have to say I am bored spitless with opening up my beloved Netvibes and seeing it riddled with headlines of the “Smiths to reform?” variety.
I’m always slightly surprised at how receptive fans of iconic bands are when the prospect of them reforming comes up. Surely seeing their heroes as plump, greying versions of their former selves kind of pisses all over what memory they have of the band?
I think if I was to go and see The Smiths or The Stone Roses (another band rumoured to be reforming in ‘09) in the 21st century I’d approach the gig with apprehensive curiosity rather than genuine excitement.

The images of the band used to accompany the rash of rumours being reported these days show the quartet as youthful, vibrant icons of popular culture. That’s how I prefer my pop stars to remain, thank you very much. Sure, as solo artists or elements of subsequent acts they’re allowed to “mature” and explore their craft as artistzzz or whatever.
But that first explosion of hungry youthful creativity - can we not taint that, please?
As far as I can tell the latest batch of Smiths rumours have come about because a) Morrissey and Johnny Marr may/may not be speaking to each other for the first time since one of them nicked a pen off the other, or something; b) Johnny Marr is mastering a forthcoming Smiths compilation; c) Er, they turned down a multi-million pound offer to reform earlier this year.
I think point c) might be the most important one, and also the one fans willfully overlook. If they’re willing to turn down 50 million-odd quid, can you imagine how little they want to do this thing? Whether it’s because they hate each other or they’re clinging onto quaint notions of artistic integrity, it’s pretty clear that the constituent parts of The Smiths are pretty OK with never playing together again.
Let’s just leave them alone, eh?

Possibly related:

1. Some kids went to Kew Gardens with The Smiths, and heaven knows they’re miserable now

2. I Don’t Like Them As Much As I’m Supposed To: The Smiths

3. The Specials to reform?

4. Dispatches From Beardsville - Pentangle reform!

5. Velvet Revolver willing to replace Scott Weiland with normal person

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Posted by Stuart Waterman on Monday December 15th, 2008 at 12:25 pm