<\/p>\n
Morrissey is seeking to cut all ties to his previous band, the Smiths.<\/p>\n
Although the English singer-songwriter is known as a solo success, he went public with his plans to sell his financial stake in the influential rock band, saying he\u2019s \u201cburnt out by any and all connections\u201d to his former bandmates.<\/p>\n
Morrissey announced his decision on his website, revealing he has \u201cno choice\u201d but to sell his interests in the Smiths<\/a> \u2014 including all rights to the music, lyrics and recordings of the hitmakers \u2014 to anyone who would buy them. He even wants to put the Smiths\u2019 name, associated artwork and merchandise on the market.<\/p>\n \u201cI have had enough of malicious associations,\u201d he wrote in a post titled \u201cA Soul for Sale\u201d on Wednesday. \u201cWith 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe songs are me \u2014 they are no one else,\u201d he added. \u201cBut 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The Smiths, whose co-founders include guitarist Johnny Marr, drummer Mike Joyce and the late bassist Andy Rourke, became a breakout from the 1980s British indie music scene with the U.K. chart-toppers \u201cHeaven Knows I\u2019m Miserable Now,<\/a>\u201d \u201cThis Charming Man\u201d and \u201cHow Soon Is Now?\u201d<\/p>\n After achieving gold and platinum sales, the rock band went through a bitter breakup in 1987.<\/p>\n Morrissey reportedly shares 50% of the rights to the Smiths with Marr, though the group has all gone their separate ways and have seemingly reached the point of no return.<\/p>\n Morrissey in January asserted that Marr had obtained the trademark rights to the Smiths\u2019 name without any consultation with him. Months later, Marr said he turned down an \u201ceye-watering amount of money\u201d <\/a>for a Smiths reunion, citing the vibe wasn\u2019t right.<\/p>\n