In a candid and emotional revelation, Mike Joyce, the former drummer of iconic Manchester band The Smiths, has definitively closed the door on any possibility of the legendary group reuniting. Speaking exclusively about the decades-long rift with frontman Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, Joyce stated bluntly: "I know it's over."
The Legal Battle That Shattered Relationships
The roots of the permanent separation trace back to a bitter 1996 High Court case where Joyce successfully sued Morrissey and Marr over royalty payments. The court ruling determined Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke were entitled to 25% of the band's profits each, rather than the 10% they'd initially received.
"That court case created a chasm that could never be bridged," Joyce explained. "It wasn't just about money - it was about respect, recognition, and fundamentally changing how we saw each other."
Morrissey's "Bitter Dislike" and Marr's Distance
Joyce didn't mince words about his current relationship with the famously controversial Morrissey. "He has a bitter dislike for me that seems to have only grown over time," he revealed, acknowledging that any communication between them ceased years ago.
While his relationship with Johnny Marr isn't characterised by the same animosity, Joyce admitted they've grown apart. "We're not in touch. We move in different circles now," he said, though he expressed admiration for Marr's continued musical success.
Why Fans Should Abandon Reunion Dreams
For decades, Smiths enthusiasts have clung to hopes of seeing the original lineup perform together again. Joyce delivered his final verdict on these fantasies:
- The legal battle created permanent emotional scars
- Morrissey's public persona has diverged dramatically from the band's original ethos
- The members have pursued completely separate musical paths
- Personal relationships are beyond repair
"People need to let go of the idea," Joyce stated emphatically. "It's not happening. Ever. The chapter is closed, and honestly, some pages are better left unturned."
A Bittersweet Legacy
Despite the acrimony, Joyce expressed pride in The Smiths' enduring influence and the music they created during their brief but explosive career from 1982 to 1987. "What we achieved in those few years was extraordinary," he reflected. "The music still resonates, and that's what I choose to focus on now."
His final message to fans mourning the impossibility of reconciliation? "Cherish what we made, not what could have been. The music is the legacy, and that's enough."
