Guitarist Johnny Marr reveals The Smiths nearly reformed

A Smiths reunion would be music to the ears of many fans.

And guitarist Johnny Marr revealed that it did almost happened after a meeting with singer Morrissey in a Manchester pub.

In an extract from his upcoming memoir Set The Boy Free in the Guardian, the guitarist and co-songwriter said he had met Morrissey to discuss a possible Smiths reunion back in 2008.

But he said "the distrust remained" between the two of them and their relationship had "run its course".

He said: "I didn't go there with that in mind. But there had been quite a few rumours about it, so naturally we discussed it. 'It could happen...' 'How d'you feel about it? ' 'What if?' And off we went.

"I think we were both as keen as each other."

Marr revealed he had spoken to Morrissey a few times since, but they were no longer in touch.

Morrissey and Marr's writing partnership produced what many regard as some of the greatest songs of the 1980s, including This Charming Man and How Soon Is Now.

The band split acrimoniously after four studio albums in 1987.

Two years later there was a bitter legal battle when drummer Mike Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke took Morrissey and Marr to court over royalties.

Morrissey and Marr have continued to deny the many rumours of a Smiths reunion over the years.

Marr said: "I don't feel unfriendly in any way towards Morrissey - there's just no need for it.

"One of the things we had in common was that we lived for work, and we're too busy doing what we're doing now."