Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Smiths to release first new music in decades

It would be their first new single since 'Sweet and Tender Hooligan' in 1995

Roisin O'Connor
Friday 02 December 2016 05:39 EST
Comments
(Rex Features)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Smiths are set to release their first new single since 'Sweet and Tender Hooligan' in 1995, according to reports.

True to You, the reliable Morrissey website which often sources information from the man himself, reports that a vinyl single featuring a demo of 'The Boy With the Thorn in His Side' is set for release on Warner UK. The B-side would be a previously unissued version of 'Rubber Ring'.

The sleeve features a vintage shot of actor Albert Finney, and was designed by Morrissey. A release date is yet to be confirmed.

Johnny Marr revealed in October that The Smiths came very close to a reunion in 2008, despite the band having been apart for 29 years.

In an except taken from Marr's critically acclaimed memoir Set the Boy Free, published by The Guardian, Marr said that during a rare period of communication with Morrissey the pair had met in 2008 in a pub in south Manchester.

Reflecting on the band's history, the pair spoke about the "possibility of the band re-forming, and in that moment it seemed that with the right intention it could actually be done and might even be great," Marr said.

"For four days it was a very real prospect. We would have to get someone new on drums, but if the Smiths wanted to re-form it would make a hell of a lot of people very happy, and with all our experience we might even be better than before."

Since the band's split Marr has enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist, and has worked with other high profile artists including The Pretenders, The The, Paul McCartney and The Cribs.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in