Morrissey has publicly criticised an upcoming BBC documentary about The Smiths, claiming the programme portrays him unfairly while presenting former bandmate Johnny Marr in a positive light.
The singer-songwriter shared his views in a post published on his Morrissey Central website, which was later removed. According to Morrissey, the documentary is due to air on 13 July and examines the history of the influential Manchester band.
Morrissey claims BBC documentary is critical of him
In the post, Morrissey alleged that the programme had adopted a negative editorial stance towards him and said he was not invited to participate.
“A BBC radio program supposedly tracking the story of the Smiths will be aired on July 13. The BBC has warned that it is critical in nature towards Morrissey.”
The former Smiths frontman also suggested the documentary follows a familiar narrative that focuses heavily on Johnny Marr’s perspective.
“Morrissey was not invited to take part in this timeworn story – which has seen at least five identical documentaries wherein Marr grabs center stage as the unchanging face of discord … and Bigmarr Strikes Again. The souring of the Smiths dream unravels once again through Marr’s mechanical paces, which are by now totally predictable plot development. The outcome is never in doubt – Marr angel; Morrissey executioner.”
Long-running tensions with Johnny Marr resurface
The comments are the latest chapter in the long-standing feud between Morrissey and Marr, who co-founded The Smiths in 1982 and helped create one of the most influential catalogues in British music.
Addressing disputes surrounding the band’s breakup and legacy, Morrissey challenged one of the stories that has followed the group for decades.
“Forty years on, Marr cannot do anything with his life but look back. The truth is always ignored. The tired lie that I left a note on Andy Rourke’s car saying ‘you are fired’ lives on with sly determination. Yes, I imagine there was a note, and yes, I imagine my name was scribbled across it mischievously – by someone unknown to the BBC. But I hadn’t hired Andy Rourke and I would have no place nor right to fire him.”
Morrissey reflects on his role in The Smiths
The singer also used the statement to emphasise his creative contributions to the band, which released four studio albums before splitting in 1987.
“The Smiths was my voice, my lyrics, my song-titles, my album titles, my single and album artwork, my vision, my vocal melodies, my emotions – nobody else’s.”
Morrissey argued that criticism directed at him often overlooks the extent of his involvement in shaping the band’s identity and artistic direction.
Criticism extends to media coverage and trademark dispute
The former frontman also criticised sections of the media for separating appreciation of The Smiths from opinions about him personally.
“When The Guardian say that they love the Smiths but hate Morrissey, it is like saying ‘we hate David Bowie but we love the Spiders From Mars’. It’s all so staged, isn’t it?”
He then renewed criticism of Marr over disputes relating to The Smiths’ legacy and branding.
“Marr has intentionally divided the Smiths audience into Marr or Morrissey factions; he has legally claimed the Smiths trade mark name as his – knowing full well that the name was devised by Morrissey. He has devoted his entire life to killing Morrissey in whatever way available.”
Morrissey says documentary damages The Smiths’ legacy
The singer also expressed disappointment with comments reportedly made by producer Grant Showbiz in the documentary.
“They are slanderous, and even worse – they come from someone whom I always held solidly in the highest regard – until now. Even Soviet Statues crumble.”
Concluding his statement, Morrissey claimed the ongoing narrative surrounding The Smiths is damaging the band’s reputation.
“Marr, I firmly believe, is destroying the legacy of the Smiths. He plants seeds of doubt everywhere. He’s done it so loudly and so often that he has trapped himself.”
“Let the pie-fights continue. I shall always be reborn. The only artistic beauty in this world is whatever we bring to it. On the other hand, you have those who obliterate for pay.”
BBC documentary expected to air in July
Morrissey did not disclose the title of the documentary, but claimed it is scheduled to be broadcast on 13 July 2026.
Neither the BBC nor Johnny Marr had publicly responded to Morrissey’s comments at the time of writing.
