AUSTIN, Texas (Billboard) - 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.

Reuters/Billboard

While the cash they offered is probably worth more than what a Smiths reunion would realistically be worth to a promoter, I don't think Coachella is the place to do it.
At some point in time I can see it happening, but it will be a big tour where they play a festival like Glastonbury first. Morrissey is still too big to need a reunion tour and Marr is currently working with Isaac Brock on something.

id like someone to ask Andy Rourke or Mike Joyce what they think about 5 million.

Given recent history, I would say it wouldn't be a full Smiths reunion (if anything), but a Morrissey/Marr reunion. I don't think Moz would voluntarily do anything to make Rourke more money right now.

Well Morrisseys main grip is with Mike Joyce (Rourke settled out of court) but I don't even think Morrissey/Marr would get together. Morrissey and Marr mended some bridges in the mid 90's but it all went bad again after the court case. Morrissey blamed Marr for losing the judgement.

Basically most of the band hates one an other and it's never going to happen. Which I happen to think is a good thing.

I agree.

Ah Yes, his recent diatribes have been against Mike.

But he's also said he's met with Johnny.

Regardless, I don't think either is much interested in a reunion, and good for them.

I call bullsh*t.

who are the smiths?