Johnny Marr uses Nigel Farage image to dismiss The Smiths reunion

The rift between the guitarist and the singer has become a chasm in recent years.

Marr has previously used the Clacton MP’s name as shorthand for his opinion of Morrissey, telling Sky News in 2016, external that his belief that the singer aligned with Mr Farage’s views over Brexit was one of the reasons why The Smiths would not reform.

Posting in 2019, he said the singer’s political views would mean a reunion would feature “Nigel Farage on guitar”.

In 2021, Morrissey accused The Simpsons of “hatred” and “complete ignorance” after a character its writers admitted was partially based on him was portrayed as a meat-eating, overweight xenophobe.

A year later, he published an open letter to Marr, calling on him to stop using the singer’s name as “clickbait”.

He said while they “both helped each other become whatever it is we are today”, they had not known each other for 35 years and Marr should stop blaming him for everything from a tsunami to “the dribble on your grandma’s chin”.

Marr, who reunited with his childhood friend and The Cult guitarist Billy Duffy during a support slot at New Order’s show at Wythenshawe Park on Saturday, has not made any further comments.