Mancunian Morrissey releases his new studio album next month

The frontman said the acclaimed band, who split acrimoniously in 1987, rejected the bid to get back together for this year's Coachella US festival.

Morrissey said the four-piece turned down the offer on principle as "money doesn't come into it", according to the US Billboard magazine.

The band formed in 1982 and released hits such as Panic and How Soon is Now.

The singer wrote the band's songs with guitarist Johnny Marr, with backing from bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce.

Speaking at the South By Southwest music conference in Texas, Morrissey said the group's career was "a fantastic journey".

Devoted fans

He said: "And then it ended. I didn't feel we should have ended.

"I wanted to continue. Johnny wanted to end it. And that was that."

Morrissey, who is due to tour the UK this year, said his new material was based on a more positive outlook.

"I'm just seeing lots of joyful things in life, which I didn't in the past," he said.

Marr (left) and Rourke played two Smiths songs together in January

The singer, who also performed live at the conference, has included Smiths songs in his live set.

The band released a series of acclaimed albums including The Queen is Dead, which regularly features in critics' all-time best lists.

Their music and social commentary on issues such as vegetarianism won them a devoted following.