From http://www.cnn.com/2006/S...index.html

Smiths rejected $5 million reunion offer
Morrissey: 'It was a fantastic journey. And then it ended'

Friday, March 17, 2006; Posted: 8:01 a.m. EST (13:01 GMT)

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, whic broke up ine 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.

Copyright 2006 Reuters. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

I'm happy but sad about this. lol.

CarrieMpls said:

Yeah. It's just like his music...emotionally confusing.

$5 million for one show...they must really hate each other but consider that Abba was offered a billion (for a tour which I think was supposed to last a year) and didn't take it!

GangstaFam said:

totally.

Abba didn't tour because they are a studio band and didn't want to taint everyone's ears with their crappy live renditions of Abba classics.

The Smiths I'm sure could still play their old songs well, but they have simply closed that chapter of their lives. At least we can still enjoy the vocal gifts of Moz.

CinisterCee said:

I agree but damn, turning down $5 mill?!

blackguitaristz said:

Whenever I think of The Smiths, it always reminds me of this girl I dated when I was in Jr.High. She was a Smiths freak. She turned me on to them in a big way. One of my all time favorite songs by anyone is "Shoplifter's Of The World". I still blast that in my car today.

blackguitaristz said:

What was that thing about ABBA being offered $1 billion for a reunion?

GangstaFam said:

I had heard about that too. Some big company offered them a billion or two to go on a reunion tour. http://entertainment.mywa...004_1.html

GangstaFam said:

5 mill for 1 show?

I say do it and give the money to charity.

I too am conflicted about this...

WHile I'd LOVE for them to do a reunion, if they all aren't really feeling it I guess I'm happy they'd say no rather than give one heartless performance for a bucket of ca$h.

I'm bummed because I never saw them play and they were one of the best bands in the world.

dammit morrissey,do you want me to visit you again like last time..