Morrissey puts his business interests in the Smiths up for sale to any interested party'

Morrissey announced plans to sell his entire Smiths business interests to any interested investor, listing the band's name, artwork, and multiple rights. The package includes his share of merchandising rights, lyrical and musical compositions, synchronization, recordings and publishing contractual rights. Morrissey said he is burnt out by connections to former bandmates and wants to live disassociated to protect his health. He directed serious investors to email [e-mail]. Morrissey shares 50% of the Smiths rights with Johnny Marr, and the brand's value without Morrissey's active participation is uncertain. Representatives for Marr and Mike Joyce were contacted for comment. Joyce has announced a memoir; Marr previously declined a large offer to reform.

Morrissey has announced that he has no choice but to put up for sale the entirety of his business interests in the Smiths to any interested party/investor. The deal, made in apparent seriousness on his website, Morrissey Solo, in a post titled A Soul for Sale, would include the band's name and artwork, which he created, as well as his share of merchandising rights, lyrical and musical compositions, synchronisation, recordings and publishing contractual rights.

I have had enough of malicious associations, he continued. With my entire life I have paid my rightful dues to these songs and these images. I would now like to live disassociated from those who wish me nothing but ill will and destruction, and this is the only resolution. The Smiths' drummer Mike Joyce announces memoir The Drums The songs are me they are no one else but they bring with them business communications that go to excessive lengths to create as much dread and spite year after year. I must now protect myself, especially my health.

Johnny Marr has previously said that he declined an eye-watering offer for the Smiths to reform. It was a little bit about principles, but I'm not an idiot, I just think the vibe's not right, he said, referencing the evident political and personal differences between him and Morrissey.

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