Morrissey Talks Rider, New Record, Smiths Reunion

Morrissey recently gave an interview covering topics ranging from his tour rider to his favorite Australian animal. The quote that’s earned the most attention concerns an offer Coachella organizers reportedly made Moz to make up for the 2009 “burning flesh” BBQ fiasco.

During Morrissey’s 2009 set at the Indio, Calif., festival, the scent wafting over from the concession stands was just too much for the longtime vegetarian to deal with.

“I can smell burning flesh, and I hope to God it’s human,” he told the crowd, according to Entertainment Weekly. “The smell of burning animals is making me sick. I can’t bear it!”

Photo: AP Photo
World Trade Center, Pasay City, Philippines

When asked about the incident, Morrissey told Australia’s Herald Sun that Coachella organizers said they would ban meat at the 2010 event – in exchange for The Smiths reuniting.

“Interestingly the agents for Coachella offered a 100-percent vegetarian event for the following year if I would agree to headline with Johnny Marr as the Smiths,” he said in an interview posted online Sept. 27. “Fascinatingly they made it clear that they would ‘not require’ the Smiths’ bass player or drummer … which I thought certainly said something.”

Now we know that in addition to reportedly turning down millions of dollars to reunite with Marr, Moz won’t be bribed with vegetables either.

While Smiths fans continue to wait for a reunion, Morrissey said he’s still waiting to find the right deal for his next album.

“We were ready to record the album 18 months ago, but there were no takers,” he told the Herald Sun. “I was recently approached by Sony, but the offer was so poor that I’d end up paying for everything with my own personal finances yet splitting the profit with the label. It doesn’t make sense.”

As for his rider, Moz warns that his answer isn’t interesting.

“Water, bread, orange juice, black tea, Duvel, grapes. This is what I am. Are you disappointed?”

And his favorite Australian animal?

“Eric Bana.”

Click here to read the full interview with the Herald Sun.