BDx13 - 3-20-2006 at 12:32 PM
The Smiths turned down $5 million reunion offer
By Barry A. JeckellThu Mar 16, 8:45 PM ET
Pioneering U.K. modern rock band the Smiths turned down a $5 million offer to reunite at the upcoming Coachella Valley Arts & Music Festival in
southern California, former frontman Morrissey said Thursday.
His revelation, during a public interview at the South By Southwest Music & Media Conference in Austin, triggered gasps from the audience. When
journalist David Fricke asked if he had considered it, Morrissey replied, "No, because money doesn't come into it," a response that drew applause from
the crowd.
Of the critically adored act, which broke up in the late 1980s, Morrissey said, "It was a fantastic journey. And then it ended. I didn't feel we
should have ended. I wanted to continue. (Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr) wanted to end it. And that was that."
Discussing his forthcoming album, "Ringleader of the Tormentors," due April 4 via Attack/Sanctuary, the notoriously gloomy singer/songwriter admitted
that he's writing songs from a good place these days.
"I'm just seeing lots of joyful things in life, which I didn't in the past," he said, adding slyly, "Which maybe you noticed.
"Politically the world is ridiculous," he said. "But there's still a lot of beautiful things ... Nature saves us, nature calms us down."
Morrissey will first support the album with a European tour that includes a six-week run of sold-out shows in the United Kingdom. A North American leg
is also expected.
Coachella, which takes place April 29-30 about 120 miles east of Los Angeles, will feature such acts as Depeche Mode, Tool and Madonna.
XHonusWagnerX - 3-20-2006 at 01:19 PM
I know I'm in the minority in most groups, but I'm not a fan of the Smithts or Morissey at all. I try, but just cant get into it.
clevohardcore - 3-20-2006 at 01:44 PM
One of my favorites. great band and great songs.
Voodoobillyman - 3-20-2006 at 01:48 PM
Tiger Army is opening for the UK dates, I would love to catch that show. My wife is a HUGE Smiths/Morrisey fan, I dont know much about them, but she
said they would never get back together, and I guess this proves it.
clevohardcore - 3-20-2006 at 02:34 PM
If they were to get back together they would have done it by now. Seriously Smiths catalogs were reissued and reissued and no reunion. It will
probably never happen. I wish it would but I doubt it.
DeathByForce - 3-20-2006 at 03:39 PM
I wish there isn't a reunion. They're all doing their own thing now and it's good what they're doing.
clevohardcore - 3-20-2006 at 03:55 PM
I remember Marr was doing elctronica and has the Healers band but whatever. Morrissey is great. The drummer has been a backup drummer fro some time
even for Sinead Oconnor. The bassist was the heroine addict right? Well you got to admit it would be a good show if they ever did. Of course if you
are a fan of them it would be,.
DeathByForce - 3-20-2006 at 04:40 PM
The Healers are pretty sweet if you're into that kinda stuff and of course Morrissey's solo stuff is insane. As is the man himself.
clevohardcore - 3-20-2006 at 09:20 PM
I've been known to jam out some 4a.d. bands sometimes.