The Smiths are said to be on the verge of reforming after Morrissey and Johnny Marr settled their past differences.
The band, who split in 1987, would likely embark on a series of live shows in 2009.
A music industry source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "The very fact that they are talking again is the most hopeful thing in years.
"A lot of people think of them as the best thing since The Beatles. They'd fill stadiums many times over."
In October, similar claims suggest the group were in talks to headline next April's Coachella Festival in California.
A reformation of the band's original line up would mark the first time Morrissey, Marr, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce have performed together since 1987.
CLICK HERE to read a world exclusive first listen of Morrissey's new album 'Years of Refusal'.
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- they share a civil word and you have them down to tour the world? with Joyce?!
is that a pig pulling santa's sliegh?

- It will never happen.

- when will the media & promoters get it through their heads ITS NEVER GONNA HAPPEN! moz & johnny maybe talking again but it's certainly not the same relationship they had when they were in the band together and it never will be. morrissey felt betrayed & abandoned by marr when he left and if you know anything about morrissey you know he has traveled through the years with that emotional baggage. sure he's thawed to having a civil relationship but that took 20 years.

- It seems like every year we hear this great hope. I just think it would be too good to be true. Moz is planning a tour to start in March for his new album. Just one more reason why I doubt it. Can't wait to see him.

- They've been talking civilly for years. The whole "they hate each other" thing is a media myth. Doesn't mean they want to embarrass themselves with a reunion though.

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