Joyce and Rourke start legal proceedings

Morrissey and Marr each took 40% of the Smiths’ recording and performance royalties, allowing 10% each to Joyce and Rourke. Joyce’s barrister later argued in court that Joyce and Rourke were treated as session musicians , “as readily replaceable as the parts in a lawnmower”. In March 1989, Joyce and Rourke started legal proceedings against Morrissey and Marr. They argued that they were equal partners in the Smiths and were each entitled to a 25 per cent share of the band’s profits on all activities other than songwriting and publishing. Rourke, who was in debt, settled quickly for a lump sum of £83,000 (equivalent to £219,615 in 2025) and 10 per cent of royalties, renouncing all further claims.