Morrissey to sell stake in The Smiths rights amid burnout

Morrissey announced this week that he is offering for sale his entire business interests in The Smiths, saying he is "burnt out" by ties to his former bandmates and seeking to disassociate from the group he fronted in the 1980s. In a post on his official website and social accounts titled "A Soul for Sale," the 66 year old singer said he would sell his share of the band name, artwork, merchandising, songs, recordings, synchronization rights and publishing to any interested investor.

Morrissey listed the assets for sale in a public statement and instructed "serious investors" to contact a provided email address. He wrote that he had "had enough of malicious associations" with Johnny Marr, the late Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce, adding that "the songs are me, they are no one else but 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." His announcement noted upcoming live dates in North America, including a Los Angeles gig on October 25.

Industry observers say major catalogs can command substantial sums, and legacy acts have recently drawn high valuations in the...