Sadly for fans, it seems so.
Johnny Marr has revealed that he was stopped from releasing a boxset of The Smiths rarities and instrumental by “record label politics”.
Marr, who released his debut solo album ‘The Messenger’ earlier this year, spoke to NME about his thwarted plans, explaining that “politics” got in the way of a proposed box-set.
He said: “When I started putting The Smiths box-set together I discovered lots of different versions and instrumentals and different mixes that I wanted to put out. But I was stopped. I think that stuff should come out properly but there were politics that stopped me so I just gave up trying.”
“What I’m talking about is these bootlegs of instrumentals and alternative versions. I wanted them to come out properly. But someone, somewhere didn’t want it out. I think that’s a shame. I’m a fan and I like that stuff to be done properly. I really tried to protect the legacy.”
Miss Johnny at The Academy earlier this year? He’s back to play Electric Picnic before the Summer’s out!
