Regarding the official Smiths Facebook page

[The Seeker of Good Songs]

Who operates/controls/posts?
The "about" link there, takes one to http://www.officialsmiths.co.uk/tqid/ which has a
"© Warner Music UK " mark.
Does that mean it is simply corporate run, and really nothing personal from any of the members?

 

[Cornflakes]

Did you imagine Morrissey and Mike meeting up to update it in Starbucks so they could take advantage of the free wi-fi?

 

[Quando quando quando]

Did you imagine Morrissey and Mike meeting up to update it in Starbucks so they could take advantage of the free wi-fi?

Well, I didn't, until now.

 

[Famous when dead]

The Smiths FB page (and Twitter) has always been 'corporate'.
The Moz FB is up for some debate due to recent comments appearing there - I doubt record company people would post any of his 'rants'.
That said, it looks like it's strictly business now with early promotion of the reissue album - compare that to the 7&12 release.
The only real interesting thing to note is Rhino being used for this release - a Warners subsidiary as opposed to WBR used for the 7&12 (an indication that work has already gone in to this release prior!?). Which possibly has a simple explanation - if such a thing currently exists in the Moz world.
Regards,
FWD.

 

[JoeSellMozza]

On Morrissey's Facebook there are the same posts about TQID...!
So what does this mean?

 

[Anonymous]

I think whilst it's run by the record label, there is obviously some behind the scenes co-operation between this page and 'team Moz' (probably via Lil' Sammy, who most people presume runs the Official Morrissey facebook page).

They are clearly singing from the same hymn-sheet when it comes to promoting the recent Smiths re-issues (something which Johnny Marr has yet to promote on any of his pages).

 

[The Seeker of Good Songs]

Who owns "The Smiths"? Have Morrissey/Marr sold their rights? Who speaks for "The Smiths"?

 

[Cornflakes]

Who owns "The Smiths"? Have Morrissey/Marr sold their rights? Who speaks for "The Smiths"?

Unless there's some agreement been reached that we don't know about, the rights to The Smiths as a thing probably belong to Morrissey, Johnny and Mike. I expect Mike is content to take a back seat so long as he gets paid.

The ownership and distribution rights for all the music recorded by The Smiths while they were with Rough Trade belong to Warner Music UK/Time Warner. That will include the right to publicise and market The Smiths' music.

 

[Famous when dead]

Interestingly, when the John Lewis advert was released - it was cited as approved by Morrissey which would indicate they were smart enough not to be in the Queen situation. So they have a say thankfully.
Brian May describes deep regret at making record company deals that gave up aspects of control over their music (hence why Queen songs help flog furniture).
The balance between JM/Moz/band and Warners and what legally underpins it would be a wonderful bit of information to have. Especially to assess whether things can only happen if all are in agreement as that certainly taints Moz asserting a total lack of control resulting in him 'begging' for a 30th anniversary record.
Regards,
FWD.

 

[URBANUS]

All his online activity is run by his special batty boy named Phil. He has a neck tattoo and a funny Liam Gallagher style swagger.