Photo: Press
The Smiths now have an official Twitter account - sparking speculation as to whether or not a reunion could be on the cards, or if it's just to be used as a marketing tool.
The 'Ask' and 'This Charming Man' indie heroes split in 1987, on less than pleasant terms. Reunion rumours has often accumulated, despite constant denials and seeming increasingly unlikely in the wake of the successful solo careers of Morrissey and Johnny Marr.
Now however, their social media presence has increased - with a verified account for The Smiths appearing on Twitter. It does state that it is being handled by their record label, Warner Music UK - suggesting it will just be a promotional tool for albums, reissues old songs and t-shirts - just as is the case with their Facebook page.
Since then, their first Tweet has revealed that the account is just a measure to celebrate the band:
Please note this account is purely to celebrate the history and the music of The Smiths.
— The Smiths (@Smiths_Official) April 6, 2016
If a reunion is on the cards, the price had better be right. Back in 2009, Marr told XFM: "I think we were offered $50million for three ... possibly five shows."
Back in 2014, George Michael claimed that The Smiths would be getting back together too.
Michael has told The Guardian that The Smiths are reforming. The singer, who was formerly a member of Wham! in the 1980s, during which The Smiths were also in operation, took part in a Q&A with The Guardian this weekend. The final question of the Q&A was, "Tell us a secret", to which Michael responded: "The Smiths are reforming." On that bombshell, and with no further elaboration, the interview was over.
The Smiths themselves, who split up back in 1987, have consistently played down rumours of a reunion. In fact, when we asked Johnny Marr about it at the Ivor Novellos a few months back, his response was short but to the point.
Meanwhile, when he's not winning the 'Bad Sex Award', Morrissey has been 'seriously considering running for London Mayor.
Marr on the other hand, is set to hit the road with Hans Zimmer. Hans Zimmer's upcoming tour dates are as follows, with the ones featuring Johnny Marr marked with an asterix*. Buy tickets and get more information here.
Wed April 06 2016 - LONDON SSE Arena Wembley*
Thurs April 07 2016 - LONDON SSE Arena Wembley*
Tue April 12 2016 - BIRMINGHAM Barclaycard Arena
Wed April 20 2016 - BERLIN, Mercedes Benz Arena*
Thu May 26 2016 - DUBLIN 3Arena*
Sat May 28 2016 - BOURNEMOUTH BIC
Sun May 29 2016 - MANCHESTER Arena*
Sun Jun 5 2016 - ORGANGE, Theatre Antique D'Orange*
