Johnny Marr

English musician (born 1963)

Johnny Marr

Marr in 2024

Background information
Birth name| John Martin Maher
Born|  (1963-10-31) 31 October 1963 (age 61)
Manchester, England
Genres|

* Alternative rock
* indie pop
* indie rock
* jangle pop
* post-punk

Occupations|

* Musician
* songwriter
* singer

Instruments|

* Guitar
* vocals
* piano
* harmonica

Years active| 1982–present
Labels|

* Rough Trade
* Sire
* Warner Bros.
* New Voodoo

Formerly of|

* The Smiths
* Electronic
* Modest Mouse
* The Pretenders
* The Cribs
* The The

Website|

* johnny-marr.com

Musical artist

John Martin Marr (né Maher; born 31 October 1963) is a musician, songwriter and singer. He first achieved fame as the guitarist and co-songwriter of the Smiths, who were active from 1982 to 1987. He has since performed with numerous other bands and embarked on a solo career.

Born and raised in Manchester, England, Marr formed his first band at the age of 13. He was part of several bands with Andy Rourke before forming the Smiths with Morrissey in 1982. The Smiths attained commercial success and were critically acclaimed, with Marr's jangle pop guitar style becoming a distinctive part of the band's sound, but separated in 1987 due to personal differences between Marr and Morrissey. Since then, Marr has been a member of the Pretenders, The The, Electronic, Modest Mouse, and the Cribs, and he has become a prolific session musician, working with names such as Kirsty MacColl, Pet Shop Boys, Talking Heads, Bryan Ferry and Hans Zimmer.

Having released an album titled Boomslang in 2003 under the name Johnny Marr and the Healers, Marr released his first solo album, The Messenger, in 2013. His second solo album, Playland, was released in 2014, followed by a third, Call the Comet, in 2018. Marr's autobiography, Set the Boy Free, was published in 2016.[1]

Described by Alexis Petridis of The Guardian as "the 1980s' most inventive and distinctive guitarist",[2] Marr was voted the fourth-best guitarist of the last 30 years in a poll conducted by the BBC in 2010.[3] Phil Alexander, editor-in-chief of Mojo, described him as "arguably Britain's last great guitar stylist".[4] In 2013, NME honoured Marr with its "Godlike Genius" award.[5]

## Early life

[edit]

Marr was born on 31 October 1963 in Saint Mary's Hospital in Manchester,[6] son of John Joseph Maher and Frances Patricia Doyle, Irish emigrants to England from County Kildare.[7] The family lived in Ardwick Green[8] and moved to a housing estate on Altrincham Road in Wythenshawe in 1972.[1][9] Marr attended St Aloysius Primary School, in Ardwick, before moving to Sacred Heart Primary School.[10] From 1975, he attended St Augustine's Catholic Grammar School, in Sharston,[1] which in 1977 merged with other schools to form St John Plessington High School.[11][12] Marr had aspirations to be a professional football player. He was approached by Nottingham Forest and had trials with Manchester City's youth team.[13][14]

Marr's said his family's move to Wythenshawe was "like we'd moved to Beverly Hills", and that the move led to him meeting "a bunch of guitar players" which "changed his life".[15][16] Guitarist Billy Duffy, later a member of the Cult, was in a high school band that practised across the street from Marr's new house, and Marr would hang out listening to them rehearsing.[17] He learned to play the guitar with LP vinyl records and a guitar chords dictionary without a teacher.[18] Marr formed his first band, the Paris Valentinos, at the age of 13, with Andy Rourke (who had gone to the same high school as Duffy) and Kevin Williams (later an actor, known as Kevin Kennedy), performing for the first time at a Jubilee party in Benchill in June 1977, playing Rolling Stones and Thin Lizzy covers.[19]

In 1979, he played a single gig at Wythenshawe Forum with a band called Sister Ray and re-united with Rourke in a band called White Dice. White Dice entered a demo-tape competition organised by NME and won an audition for F-Beat Records, which they attended in April 1980 but were not signed.[20] Around the age of 14, he began spelling his name "Marr" to simplify the pronunciation for those who had difficulty with his birth name "Maher", and to avoid confusion with Buzzcocks drummer John Maher.[21]

In October 1980, Marr enrolled at Wythenshawe College, and was President of their Student Union.[22] White Dice dissolved in 1981. Marr and Rourke then formed a funk band, Freak Party, with Simon Wolstencroft on drums. Around this time, Marr first met Matt Johnson, with whom he later collaborated.[23]

## The Smiths

[edit]

Main article: The Smiths

By early 1982, Freak Party had fizzled out, being unable to find a singer. Marr approached Rob Allman, singer in White Dice, who suggested Steven Morrissey, a singer with the short-lived punk band the Nosebleeds. Marr approached a mutual friend, Stephen Pomfret, asking to be introduced and they visited Morrissey at his house in Kings Road, Stretford, in May.[24]

Marr's jangly Rickenbacker and Fender Telecaster guitar playing became synonymous with the Smiths' sound. Marr's friend Andy Rourke joined as bass player and Mike Joyce was recruited as drummer. Signing to indie label Rough Trade Records, they released their first single, "Hand in Glove", on 13 May 1983. By February 1984, the Smiths' fanbase was sufficiently large to launch the band's long-awaited debut album to number two in the UK chart. Early in 1985, the band released their second album, Meat Is Murder. It was more strident and political than its predecessor, and it was the band's only album (barring compilations) to reach number one in the UK charts. During 1985 the band completed lengthy tours of the UK and the US while recording the next studio record, The Queen Is Dead.

In 1989 Spin magazine rated The Queen is Dead as number one of "The Greatest Albums Ever Made". Spin was not alone in this designation—numerous periodicals rank the Smiths and their albums, especially The Queen is Dead, high on their best ever lists. NME, for example, has dubbed the Smiths the most important rock band of all time. A legal dispute with Rough Trade had delayed the album by almost seven months (it had been completed in November 1985), and Marr was beginning to feel the stress of the band's exhausting touring and recording schedule. He later told NME, "'Worse for wear' wasn't the half of it: I was extremely ill. By the time the tour actually finished it was all getting a little bit... dangerous. I was just drinking more than I could handle."[25] Meanwhile, Rourke was fired from the band in early 1986 due to his use of heroin, although he was reinstated in short order. Despite their continued success, personal differences within the band—including the increasingly strained relationship between Morrissey and Marr—saw them on the verge of splitting.

In July 1987, Marr left the group, and auditions to find a replacement for him proved fruitless. By the time Strangeways, Here We Come (named after Strangeways Prison, Manchester) was released in September, the band had split up.[26] The breakdown in the relationship has been primarily attributed to Morrissey's becoming annoyed by Marr's work with other artists and Marr's growing frustration with Morrissey's musical inflexibility. Referring to the songs recorded in the group's last session together (B-sides for the "Girlfriend in a Coma" single, which preceded the album's release), Marr said "I wrote 'I Keep Mine Hidden', but 'Work Is a Four-Letter Word' I hated. That was the last straw, really. I didn't form a group to perform Cilla Black songs".[27] In 1989, in an interview with young fan Tim Samuels, later a BBC journalist, Morrissey said the lack of a managerial figure and business problems were to blame for the band's eventual split.[28] In a 2016 interview, Marr agreed with this.[29]

In 1996, Smiths' drummer Mike Joyce took Morrissey and Marr to court, arguing that he had not received his fair share of recording and performance royalties. Morrissey and Marr had received most of the Smiths' recording and performance royalties, and allowed ten per cent each to Joyce and Rourke. Composition royalties were not an issue, as Rourke and Joyce had never been credited as composers for the band. Morrissey and Marr said the other two members of the band had always agreed to that split of the royalties, but the court found in favour of Joyce and ordered that he be paid over £1 million in back pay and receive 25% thenceforth.[30][31][32]

Marr and Morrissey have repeatedly stated they will not reunite the band.[33] In 2005, VH1 attempted to get the band back together on its Bands Reunited show but abandoned its attempt after the show's host, Aamer Haleem, failed to corner Morrissey before a show. In December 2005 it was announced that Johnny Marr and the Healers would play at Manchester v Cancer, a benefit show for cancer research being organised by Andy Rourke and his production company, Great Northern Productions.[34] Rumours suggested that a Smiths reunion would occur at this concert but were dispelled by Marr on his website.[35]

In an October 2007 interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, Marr hinted at a potential reformation in the future, saying that "stranger things have happened so, you know, who knows?" Marr went on to say that "It's no biggy. Maybe we will in 18 or 32 years' time when we all need to for whatever reasons, but right now Morrissey is doing his thing and I'm doing mine, so that's the answer really." This was the first indication of a possible Smiths reunion from Marr, who previously had said that reforming the band would be a bad idea.[36] In 2008 Marr and Morrissey met and discussed the possibility of a reunion, but after initial enthusiasm from both parties, neither pursued the idea.[37]

Marr's guitar playing "was a huge building block" for more Manchester bands that followed the Smiths. The Stone Roses guitarist John Squire has stated that Marr was a major influence.[38] Oasis lead guitarist Noel Gallagher credited the Smiths as an influence, especially Marr, whom he described as a "fucking wizard", also stating that "he's unique, you can't play what he plays."[39]

In August 2024, Morrissey said in a post on his website that he and Marr had received a "lucrative offer" to tour as the Smiths in 2025.[40] The singer said he had accepted the invitation, but that Marr did not respond. Marr did not publicly comment, but had recently posted a picture of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to rebuke calls to reunite in the aftermath of Oasis's reunion. Marr previously said in 2016 that Morrissey's politics aligned with Farage's, joking that any potential Smiths reunion would feature the politician as their replacement guitarist.[41] Weeks later, on Marr's official Instagram, Marr's management issued an official statement in response to Morrissey's claims that Marr ignored the offer: "As for the offer to tour, I didn't ignore the offer - I said no."[42]

Marr's statement also clarified other claims made by Morrissey's team on Morrissey's website such as that Marr had filed for 100% ownership of the Smiths' intellectual property and trademark rights without having consulted with Morrissey despite the fact that "Morrissey alone created the musical unit name "The Smiths' in May 1982".[43] In Marr's statement, it was clarified that Marr discovered that the band did not own the trademark, and in an effort to protect the trademark from a third party attempt made in 2018 to use the band's name, Marr registered the trademark solely under his name after a failure to receive a response from Morrissey and his representatives. In January 2024, Marr signed an agreement to share ownership of the name with Morrissey, an agreement Morrissey has yet to follow up on. Marr further clarified that the efforts to take the trademark were not to tour under the Smiths' name with a singer of Marr's choice (contrary to the claims made by Morrissey's team), but rather simply to protect the band's name and use of the name.[42]

## Post-Smiths

[edit]

### The Pretenders, The The, Electronic (1987–1999)

[edit]

In August 1987, Marr was very briefly an official member of the Pretenders. In late 1987, he toured with the band and appeared on the single "Windows of the World" b/w "1969".[44][45] He then left the Pretenders, and recorded and toured with The The from 1988 to 1994, recording two albums with the group.[44][46] He simultaneously formed Electronic with New Order's Bernard Sumner.[44] Electronic were intermittently active throughout the 1990s, releasing their final album in 1999.[47]

### Session work (1987–2002)

[edit]

In 1992 Marr and Billy Duffy recorded a cover version of Ennio Morricone's The Good, the Bad and the Ugly for the NME compilation album Ruby Trax.[48][49]

Marr has worked as a session musician and writing collaborator for artists including Pet Shop Boys, Bryan Ferry, Billy Bragg, Kirsty MacColl, Black Grape, Jane Birkin, Talking Heads,[44] and Beck.[50] Marr played guitar on four songs on Talking Heads' final album Naked, including the single "(Nothing But) Flowers", and he prominently appears in that song's music video.[51]

Marr played guitar on several Pet Shop Boys songs; he continues to have guest appearances on their albums, with his most significant contribution on Release (2002). The only remix that Marr has ever done was for Pet Shop Boys—it was a mix of his favourite track from their 1987 album, Actually, called "I Want to Wake Up", and was released as the b-side to 1993's "Can You Forgive Her?". He later worked as a guest musician on the Oasis album Heathen Chemistry.[52]

### Johnny Marr and the Healers (2000–present)

[edit]

In 2000, Marr recruited drummer Zak Starkey (son of Ringo Starr), Cavewaves guitarist Lee Spencer and former Kula Shaker bassist Alonza Bevan for his new project, Johnny Marr and the Healers. The band had taken two years to form as Marr had wanted members to be chosen "by chemistry". Their debut album Boomslang was released in 2003, with all lyrics and lead vocals by Marr. Their most recent release was a free downloadable track called "Free Christmas" in December 2011, while the album was re-released in 2024.[53]

### 7 Worlds Collide (2001–2009)

[edit]

Marr onstage in 2007.

Marr performed two Smiths songs and music by others with a supergroup called 7 Worlds Collide consisting of members from Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Split Enz and others, assembled by Neil Finn of Split Enz and Crowded House in 2001.[54] A second set of concerts took place in December 2008/January 2009, and an album of new studio material titled The Sun Came Out was released in August 2009 to raise money for Oxfam.[55]

### Modest Mouse (2006–2009)

[edit]

In addition to his work as a recording artist, Marr has worked as a record producer. In 2006, he began work with Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock on songs that eventually were featured on the band's 2007 release, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. The band subsequently announced that Marr was a fully fledged member, and the reformed line-up toured extensively throughout 2006–07.[56][57]

The new album reached number one on the American Billboard charts in late March 2007. For Marr, this was the first time he had had a number one record in the US. The highest chart position before that was with Electronic, who made the Top 40 in the singles chart with "Getting Away With It".[58]

While touring in Los Angeles with Modest Mouse, Marr spent a day in John Frusciante's home studio and contributed to Frusciante's album The Empyrean. He recorded several guitar tracks on songs "Enough of Me" and "Central".[59]

### The Cribs (2008–2011)

[edit]

Marr performs as part of The Cribs at Washington, D.C.'s 9:30 Club in 2010.

Marr joined the Cribs in 2008, after meeting Gary Jarman when they were both in Portland, Oregon.[60] In 2009 they recorded the album Ignore the Ignorant, which was released on 7 September that year and peaked at No. 8 on the UK charts.[61][62] Marr has said the album is "as good as anything I've done".[60]

In April 2011 it was confirmed that Marr would no longer be part of the band.[63] Marr, who had been understood to officially leave the band in January, released a statement in which he affirmed that he would be working on solo material "over the next year or so".[64]

Marr returned to play with the Cribs during the second of two special Christmas shows at Leeds Academy on 19 December 2013.[65]

### Further session work and solo albums (2011–present)

[edit]

In the late 2007, Marr's daughter Sonny performed backing vocals on the track "Even a Child" on Crowded House's album Time on Earth, on which her father Marr played guitars. He played a large role in making the score for the 2010 science-fiction/drama film Inception, which was written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Using a 12-string-guitar, he produced repetitive, simple melancholic tones that became a character theme for the protagonist, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. "I kept coming up with this phrase 'churned-up,'" Marr said, "You've got this character who all the way through the film has this underlying turmoil." Longtime Nolan collaborator, composer Hans Zimmer, penned the soundtrack.[66] Marr has been working since 2007 with Fender to develop and design his own guitar. American Songwriter wrote that "Fender had to modify their manufacturing process due to some of Marr's changes, but it will still sell for around the same price as other American-made Fenders."[67]

Marr (front row, fourth from right) performing with Bryan Ferry in 2012.

On 25 February 2013, Marr released his début solo album, The Messenger, in the UK through Warner Bros. and on 26 February in the US through Sire.[68] The album was preceded by the single "Upstarts", released in the UK on 18 February 2013. Marr recorded music for the film The Amazing Spider-Man 2 with Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams, Michael Einziger and David A. Stewart.[69]

Marr's second solo album, entitled Playland, was released on 6 October 2014.[70] He also announced a worldwide tour around the release of the "Playland" album that commenced in the UK on 13 October 2014.[71] The album's lead single was "Easy Money". In October 2014, Marr appeared as a guest musician for Hans Zimmer at his two concerts, Hans Zimmer: Revealed, at London's Hammersmith Apollo. In December 2014, Marr announced the cancellation of the remainder of his US tour, in support of Playland, due to a close family illness.[72] In January 2016, Marr announced new and rescheduled dates as part of his West Coast 'California Jam' tour, which took place in the US throughout February and March 2016.[73]

Marr features on "Ballad of the Mighty I", the second single from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' Chasing Yesterday, playing lead guitar, and joined the band for this song at a concert in Manchester. Marr contributed the track "My Monster" for the Blondie album Pollinator,[74] released on 5 May 2017. On 12 March 2018 Marr announced his third solo album, Call the Comet.[75]

Marr performed a set on The Other Stage at the 2019 Glastonbury Festival on 29 June,[76] and later joined the Killers during their headline set on the Pyramid Stage to play guitar on "This Charming Man" and "Mr. Brightside" as part of the band's encore.[77]

As Hans Zimmer composed for the James Bond film No Time to Die, Marr was brought in to perform in the score. He also played guitar in the theme song performed by Billie Eilish,[78] and was present during the track's live debut at the 2020 Brit Awards.[79] In August 2021, Marr signed a new worldwide album deal with BMG[80] and on 31 August he debuted a new single titled "Spirit Power & Soul" on his social media platforms, a song taken from his EP, ''Fever Dreams Pt 1'', that was released on 15 October 2021.[81] His fourth solo album, Fever Dreams Pts 1-4, which is also his first double LP, was released on 25 February 2022.[82][83][84] Marr would join the Killers for their 2022 tour to promote the 2020 album Imploding the Mirage, providing an opening act for the American tour dates and also joining the Killers for a Smiths cover and "Mr. Brightside" in the encore. The Los Angeles tour date saw the Killers and Marr also performing on stage with former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham.[85]

In November 2023, the album Spirit Power: The Best Of Johnny Marr was released that included highlights from his four solo albums plus two new studio recordings.[86] An accompanying UK tour was also announced, with gigs played in Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Cardiff, Bristol, London, Brighton and Nottingham during April 2024.[87]

## Style and influences

[edit]

Marr's three biggest influences on guitar were Nile Rodgers, Bert Jansch, and James Williamson from the Stooges.[88] His jangly guitar playing in the Smiths was influenced by Neil Young and Danny Whitten of Crazy Horse, and James Honeyman-Scott of the Pretenders.[89] He has also stated that the Beatles' George Harrison, in particular his playing in "Ticket to Ride", inspired him to play Rickenbacker 12-string guitars.[89]

During his time in the Smiths, Marr often tuned his guitar up a full step to F♯ to accommodate Morrissey's vocal range, and also used open tunings. He is known for creating arpeggio melodies and (sometimes) unusual chord progressions, and makes wide use of open strings while chording to create chiming. When performing with the Smiths, he wanted to play music which was pop. "100% of my focus was on providing interesting guitar hooks and putting some kind of space-age twist on the guitarist's role. The pop guitarist crossed with the mad professor. That's how I thought of myself."[90] In a 2007 interview for the BBC, Marr said that his goal with the Smiths was to "pare down" his style and avoid rock guitar clichés.[91]

Citing producer Phil Spector as an influence, Marr said, "I like the idea of records, even those with plenty of space, that sound 'symphonic'. I like the idea of all the players merging into one atmosphere".[92] Marr was also influenced by Rory Gallagher,[93] Pete Townshend of the Who,[94] Jimi Hendrix,[95] John McGeoch of Magazine and Siouxsie and the Banshees, and John McLaughlin, who he called "the greatest guitar player that's ever lived".[96][97] When forming the Smiths, the Velvet Underground was a key influence, along with Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones.[98] Marc Bolan of T. Rex also had a strong impact on him because of the groove and the sound that put the listener in a daze.[99] He explained, "I try to think about the guitar along the spectrum of James Williamson, who was in the Stooges during the Raw Power era, on the one hand to John McLaughlin and his solo record, My Goal's Beyond. I like all the spectrum in between, and that might be – and is – Richard Lloyd of Television, John McGeoch from Siouxsie and the Banshees, Nile Rodgers. To me these people are magicians and artists."[100]

When Marr started to sing as a solo artist in 2012, he said, "[The frontpersons] I related to were Peter Perrett, Colin Newman, Pete Shelley, Siouxsie Sioux. They were singing from the mind and had integrity."[101] He added, "I'm absolutely not interested in being the frontman in a band that bares my soul or feelings in song. Siouxsie Sioux, or Ray Davies, or Howard Devoto don't sing from some weird, shlocky, sentimental place. What's wrong with singing from the brain?".[102]

## Guitars

[edit]

Marr playing a Fender Jaguar at the 2019 AIM Awards

Marr has used a variety of guitars throughout his career, but these are his most notable instruments:

* Fender Jaguar – He has played a Jaguar since 2005, and in 2012 Fender issued the Johnny Marr Signature Fender Jaguar, which has several modifications, including specially voiced Johnny Marr custom pickups by Bare Knuckle Pickups and a four position blade switch.[103]
* Rickenbacker 330 – This guitar is most often associated with Marr due to its 'jangly' sound for which he is known. He played it with the Smiths and it can also be seen in the promotional video for "Vivid" by Electronic. He also owns a "360" 12-string model that belonged to Pete Townshend.[104] Marr acknowledged that many of the songs that were thought to have been recorded on this Rickenbacker were, in fact, recorded on a Fender Telecaster.[105]
* Fender Stratocaster \- Marr used a 1962 Fender Stratocaster to record "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" and for much of the Smiths' 1986 UK and US tours. He also used a 1963 Fender Stratocaster to record "The Boy with a Thorn in his Side" which was one of his main guitars on the 1986 tour. Marr also owned a sunburst 1965 Fender Stratocaster, serial number L68296, that eventually wound up in the possession of Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher.[106][105]
* Fender Telecaster \- while Marr was associated with the Rickenbacker 330, he admitted that many of the "jangly" songs that were recorded by the Smiths were in fact done with John Porter's 1954 Telecaster, including "This Charming Man".[105]
* Gibson Les Paul – Marr owns several, including a rare 1960 model. His cardinal red Les Paul was acquired in 1984 and was used extensively with the Smiths and with The The, appearing in the video for "Dogs of Lust". He has now added a Bigsby tremolo system to this guitar as well as Seymour Duncan pick-ups with coil taps. He gave his 1960 model (also previously owned by Pete Townshend) to Noel Gallagher during Oasis's formative years. Gallagher broke the guitar's neck hitting a fan who jumped on stage. Marr then gave Gallagher yet another vintage (black) Gibson Les Paul (used on much of The Queen is Dead) so Oasis could carry on touring.[107]
* Gibson ES-355 – His cherry red model was used heavily with the Smiths during 1984 and inspired Suede guitarist Bernard Butler and Noel Gallagher to buy one for themselves. It was bought for him by Seymour Stein in New York as an incentive for the Smiths to sign to his label, Sire Records.[108] He also owns a black model, which appears in the videos for "Forbidden City" and "For You" by Electronic, and a sunburst, 12-string model that was used heavily on the Smiths' final LP, Strangeways, Here We Come. This 12 string model was later given to Bernard Butler.[109]
* Gibson SG – Marr used a cherry red SG as his main guitar when playing with the Healers. He also owns a unique, blonde SG.[110]
* Fender Jazzmaster – Marr used several Jazzmasters while he was a member of Modest Mouse.

Marr owns 132 guitars.[111] In September 2023, a book titled Marr's Guitars was published, showcasing 53 of his favourite electric and acoustic guitars.[112][113]

### Amplifiers and effects

[edit]

Marr has used Fender Amplifiers almost exclusively throughout his career. During his time with the Smiths, he used a Twin Reverb, a Deluxe Reverb and a Bassman amongst others. He also used a Fender Champ with The The and the Cribs. When playing with the Cribs, he used a Super Reverb. Marr's love of the Fender sound continues to this day with his Deluxe Reverb. He has used other amps, including the Roland JC-120, Vox AC30, Mesa Boogie and Marshall cabinets.[114] Marr typically uses Boss effects units, notably that company's CE-2 chorus effect, the TW-1 touch wah wah pedal, and the OD-2 overdrive pedal.[115]

## Recognition

[edit]

Marr at the University of Salford in 2012

In 2007 Marr was appointed as a visiting professor in music at the University of Salford, where he delivered an inaugural lecture (on 4 November 2008), and a series of workshops and masterclasses to students on the BA (Hons) Popular Music and Recording programme.[116]

On 19 July 2012, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Salford for "outstanding achievements" and "changing the face of British guitar music".[117][118][119] In 2013, Marr received NME's "Godlike Genius" award. The magazine stated, "Not content with rewriting the history of music with one of the world's greatest-ever bands, the Smiths, he's continued to push boundaries and evolve throughout his career, working with some of the best and most exciting artists on the planet."[5]

On 3 November 2018, Marr unveiled a plaque in his parents' hometown of Athy in County Kildare, Ireland. This was part of the Made of Athy project.[120]

Johnny Marr returns to Athy to accept Made of Athy Award

On 19 January 2021, Marr received the Boss Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the NAMM music industry trade show.[121]

## In popular culture

[edit]

Marr was the titular subject of the 2007 single "Johnny Marr" by the Canadian singer Carole Pope, formerly of the band Rough Trade. Pope described her inspiration and choice of Marr thus: "I was actually getting nostalgic, which I never really do, about living on a certain street in Toronto in the '80s. The Smiths were the soundtrack of that time. I love [...] Morrissey, but I know he's trouble."[122]

Marr is the subject of "Johnny Marr Is Dead" by the Brian Jonestown Massacre, but he is not mentioned in the lyrics. He is also the subject of Clear's 2003 single satirising the music industry, "Johnny Marr Was a Mistake".[123] He is mentioned in the 1988 single "John Kettley Is a Weatherman" by British band A Tribe of Toffs.

Marr is portrayed by Laurie Kynaston in the Morrissey biopic England Is Mine (2017).

## Personal life

[edit]

Marr and his wife Angie have been together since 1979,[124] before the Smiths formed.[125] They have two children, Sonny and Nile Marr. Nile is also a musician, and was frontman of the band Man Made before going solo. After residing in Portland, Oregon, for more than five years, the family returned to Britain for Marr to record his solo album in Manchester.

Marr gave up eating meat around 1985 in solidarity with Morrissey and Angie.[126] He stated: "It's not a good idea to have a number one album called Meat Is Murder and be seen eating a bacon sarnie."[126] After meeting American rap group Naughty by Nature, he was inspired by their philosophy of strength through health, and soon after quit drinking and smoking, and converted to veganism.[126][127] Marr is a keen runner, and completed the 2010 New York Marathon in a time of 3:54:18.[128] Marr has been a supporter of Manchester City F.C. since 1972,[129] and has been seen attending games.[130] Marr is a patron of the Manchester Modernist Society.[131]

Marr has said that he does not consider himself English or British, saying, "Anyone who looks back on the past 30 years of my career will know that I've always described myself as Mancunian Irish. I was the first of my family to be born in England. I've never described myself as British or English. I'm either Mancunian or Mancunian Irish – that is a culture and a nationality that is a thing unto itself."[132]

## Discography

[edit]

Johnny Marr discography

Studio albums| 4
EPs| 3
Soundtrack albums| 4
Live albums| 4
Compilation albums| 2
Singles| 21
Music videos| 19

### Studio albums

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Peak chart position

|
|

[133]
2013  | The Messenger | 10
2014  | Playland | 9
2018  | Call the Comet | 7
2022  | Fever Dreams Pts 1–4 | 4

### Live albums

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Peak chart positions

|
|

[133] | UK Vinyl
2015  | Adrenalin Baby | 96  | 2
2018  | Comet Tripper – Live at the Roundhouse | —  | —
Comet Tripper – Live in Manchester | —  | —
2025  | Look Out Live! | —  | 24

### Compilation albums

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Peak chart position

|
|

[133]
2019  | Single Life | —
2023  | Spirit Power: The Best of Johnny Marr | 7

### Albums (as band member)

[edit]

Johnny Marr as a member of  | Title  | Year  | Peak chart positions  | Certifications
(sales thresholds)

|
|
|
|

| US

The Smiths | The Smiths | 1984  | 2  | 150  |

* UK: Gold

Hatful of Hollow | 7  | —  |

* UK: Platinum

Meat Is Murder | 1985  | 1  | 110  |

* UK: Gold

The Queen Is Dead | 1986  | 2  | 70  |

* UK: 2x Platinum

* US: Gold

The World Won't Listen | 1987  | 2  | —  |

* UK: Gold

Louder Than Bombs | 38  | 62  |

* UK: Gold

* US: Gold

Strangeways, Here We Come | 2  | 55  |

* UK: Gold

* US: Gold

Rank | 1988  | 2  | 77  |

* UK: Gold

Stop Me | —  | —  |
The The | Mind Bomb | 1989  | 4  | 138  |
Electronic | Electronic | 1991  | 2  | 109  |

* UK: Gold

The Smiths | Best I | 1992  | 1  | 139  |

* UK: Gold

Best II | 29  | —  |

* UK: Gold

The The | Dusk | 1993  | 2  | 142  |
Solitude | —  | —  |
The Smiths | Singles | 1995  | 5  | —  |

* UK: Platinum

Electronic | Raise the Pressure | 1996  | 8  | 143  |

* UK: Silver

Twisted Tenderness | 1999  | 9  | —  |
7 Worlds Collide | 7 Worlds Collide | 2001  | —  | —  |
The Smiths | The Very Best of The Smiths | 30  | —  |

* UK: Platinum

The The | 45 RPM | 2002  | —  | —  |
London Town Box Set | —  | —  |
Johnny Marr + The Healers  | Boomslang | 2003  | —  | —  |
Electronic | Get the Message – The Best of Electronic | 2006  | —  | —  |
Modest Mouse | We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank | 2007  | 47  | 1  |

* US: Gold

The Smiths | The Sound of The Smiths | 2008  | 31  | —  |

* UK: 3x Platinum

The Smiths Singles Box | —  | —  |
Modest Mouse | No One's First, and You're Next | 2009  | —  | 15  |
The Cribs | Ignore the Ignorant | 8  | —  |

* UK: Silver

7 Worlds Collide | The Sun Came Out | —  | —  |
The Smiths | Complete | 2011  | 63  | —  |
The Cribs | Payola: 2002–2012 | 2013  | 69  | —  |

### Albums (as a guest musician)

[edit]

For a complete discography, see Johnny Marr guest musician recordings.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Marr played on three Billy Bragg recordings. In the late 1980s, he performed on albums by Bryan Ferry and Talking Heads. In the 1990s and 2000s, he performed on three Pet Shop Boys albums, and also plays guitar and harmonica on their Xenomania-produced album, Yes, released in 2009. In the 1990s, he also performed on albums by M People, Beck and Tom Jones. In the 2000s, he played on albums by bands such as Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Pearl Jam, Jane Birkin, Lisa Germano and Crowded House. He also plays guitar on Girls Aloud's fifth album, Out of Control, on a track entitled "Rolling Back the Rivers in Time", as well as harmonica on the track "Love Is the Key". He also appeared on two tracks ("Enough of Me"[134] and "Central") on John Frusciante's album The Empyrean which was released January 2009.

### Albums (as producer)

[edit]

Year  | Artist  | Album  | Peak chart position

|
|
|

[133]
1998  | Marion | The Program[135] | —
2002  | Haven | Between the Senses | 26
2004  | All for a Reason[136] | 91

As well as his solo albums he has also produced albums for The Smiths, Electronic and Johnny Marr + The Healers.

### Albums (other appearances)

[edit]

Year  | Song  | Album

|
|

1992  | "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"
(with Billy Duffy) | Ruby Trax – The NME's Roaring Forty
2010  | "Tendency to Be Free"  | 1969 Key to Change

### Extended plays

[edit]

Year  | Title

|

2021  | "Fever Dreams Pt 1"
"Fever Dreams Pt 2"
2022  | "Fever Dreams Pt 3"

### Singles

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Peak chart position  | Album

|
|
|

UK Vinyl
2010  | "Life Is Sweet" (Todd Margaret Theme) | —  | Non-album single
2013  | "The Messenger" (promo) | —  | The Messenger
"Upstarts"  | —
"New Town Velocity"  | —
"European Me" (promo) | —
2014  | "Easy Money"  | —  | Playland
2015  | "Dynamo"  | 36
"I Feel You"  | 3  | Non-album single
"Candidate"  | 3  | Playland
2017  | "The Priest"
(with Maxine Peake) | —  | Non-album single
2018  | "Hi Hello"  | 1  | Call the Comet
"Spiral Cities"  | 3
"Summer in the City"
(with Matt Johnson) | —  | Non-album single
2019  | "Armatopia"  | —  | Single Life
"The Bright Parade"[137] | —
2021  | "Spirit Power and Soul"  | 1  | Fever Dreams Pts 1–4
"Lightning People"  | 1
"Tenement Time"  | —
2022  | "The Speed of Love"  | 2
"Night and Day" (edit) | —  |
2023  | "Somewhere"  | —  | Spirit Power: The Best of Johnny Marr

Marr's recording of "Life Is Sweet", the theme song he wrote for the Channel Four Sitcom The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, was released on Echo Records.

Marr's cover version of the Depeche Mode track "I Feel You" was in support of Record Store Day.[138] Its B-side was a version of "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" (live).

The non-album single "Armatopia" was selected for the soundtrack for eFootball Pro Evolution Soccer 2020.

### Singles (as a guest musician)

[edit]

Year  | Artist  | Title  | Album

|
|
|

1984  | Everything But The Girl | "Native Land"  |
Quando Quango | "Atom Rock"
b/w "Triangle" |
Sandie Shaw | "Hand In Glove" (also co-wrote)
b/w "I Don't Owe You Anything" (also co wrote) "Jeane" (also co-wrote) |
1986  | Billy Bragg | "Levi Stubbs' Tears"
appears on b-side "Walk Away Renée" | Talking with the Taxman About Poetry
"Greetings to the New Brunette"
1987  | Bryan Ferry | "The Right Stuff" (also co-wrote)  | Bête Noire
1988  | "Kiss and Tell"
"Limbo"
Talking Heads | "Nothing But Flowers"  | Naked
1989  | Kirsty MacColl | "Days"  | Kite
1990  | Stex  | "Still Feel The Rain"  |
1991  | Kirsty MacColl | "Walking Down Madison" (also co-wrote)  | Electric Landlady
Billy Bragg | "Sexuality" (also co-wrote)  | Don't Try This At Home
Banderas | "This Is Your Life"  | Ripe
1993  | Kirsty MacColl | "Can't Stop Killing You" (as co-writer only)  | Titanic Days
1994  | Denise Johnson  | "Rays Of The Rising Sun"  |
Pet Shop Boys | "Liberation"
appears on b-side "Decadence" | Very
1995  | Electrafixion | "Lowdown" (as co-writer only)  | Burned
1996  | Black Grape | "Fat Neck"  |
1997  | Billy Bragg | "The Boy Done Good" (also co-wrote)  | Bloke On Bloke
1998  | England United | "(How Does It Feel To Be) On Top Of The World" (as co-writer only)  |
Marion | "Miyako Hideaway" (also co-wrote)
b/w "Speechless" "We Love Everything"
"Minus You" "Promise Q" (also co-wrote) | The Program
2002  | Pet Shop Boys | "Home And Dry"  | Release
"I Get Along"
b/w "Searching for the Face of Jesus"
"Between Two Islands"
Beth Orton | "Concrete Sky" (as co-writer only)  | Daybreaker
2003  | Haven | "Tell Me"
appears on b-sides "Whatever Feels Right" and "I am Leaving" |
2004  | "Wouldn't Change a Thing"
b/w "More Than I Said" | All for a Reason
"Change Direction"
Pet Shop Boys | "Flamboyant"
appears on b-side "I Didn't Get Where I Am Today" | Pop Art
2006  | Transit Kings | "America Is Unavailable"  | Living In A Giant Candle Winking At God
2007  | Crowded House | "Don't Stop Now"  | Time On Earth
2009  | Pet Shop Boys | "Did You See Me Coming?"  | Yes
"Beautiful People"
2014  | Bryan Ferry | "Loop De Li"  | Avonmore
Tim Wheeler | "Sheltered Youth" e.p.
appears on track "Ariadna" |
2015  | Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds | "Ballad Of The Mighty I"  | Chasing Yesterday
2017  | The Charlatans | "Plastic Machinery"  | Different Days
Blondie | "Fun"
appears on b-side "My Monster" (also wrote) | Pollinator
2018  | Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds | "If Love Is The Law"  | Who Built The Moon?
2019  | A Certain Ratio | "Shack Up"  | ACR:Box
2020  | The Avalanches | "The Divine Chord"  | We Will Always Love You
Billie Eilish | "No Time to Die"  |
2022  | Blitz Vega | "Strong Forever"  |
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds | "Pretty Boy"  | Council Skies
2023  | "Council Skies"
"Open The Door, See What You Find"
2025  | Franz Ferdinand | "Build It Up"  | The Human Fear

### Singles and other songs (as producer)

[edit]

Year  | Artist  | Title  | Peak chart position  | Album

|
|
|
|

UK Singles
1985  | The Impossible Dreamers | "August Avenue"  | —  |
1989  | Kirsty MacColl | "Days"
produced b-side "Happy" | 12  | Kite
1990  | Andrew Berry  | "Kiss Me I'm Cold" (co-mixed only) and
produced b-side "That's My Business" | —  |
1991  | Billy Bragg | "Sexuality" (also co-wrote)  | 27  | Don't Try This At Home
"Cindy of a Thousand Lives"  | n/a
"North Sea Bubble"
1998  | Marion | "Miyako Hideaway" (also co-wrote)
b/w "Speechless" "We Love Everything"
"Minus You" "Promise Q" (also co-wrote) | 45  | The Program
1999  | Billy Bragg | "Shirley"  | n/a  | Reaching to the Converted
2001  | Haven | "Til the End" e.p.  | —  | Between The Senses
"Beautiful Thing"
b/w "Lying Tongue" "Through It All" | —
"Let it Live"
b/w "Comes a Change" "Last Dance" | 72
2002  | "Say Something"
b/w "Tear it Down" "No Sound" | 24
"Til The End"  | 28
"Let it Live"  | —
2004  | "Wouldn't Change a Thing"
b/w "More than I Said" | 57  | All For a Reason
"Change Direction"  | —

As well as his solo singles he has also produced singles for The Smiths, Electronic and Johnny Marr + The Healers.

### Singles (remixes)

[edit]

Year  | Artist  | Title  | Peak chart position  | Album

|
|
|
|

UK Singles
1993  | Pet Shop Boys | "Can You Forgive Her?"
remixed b-side "I Want To Wake Up" | 7  |

### References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c Woodward, Will (17 November 2016). "Set the Boy Free by Johnny Marr review – the story of the Smiths, and after". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
2. ^ Petridis, Alexis (31 January 2003). "Johnny Marr and the Healers: Boomslang". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
3. ^ "Chilis star wins Axe Factor". BBC. 30 April 2010. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
4. ^ Mojo magazine. February 2013. Issue 231
5. ^ a b "Johnny Marr to receive top NME honour". BBC News. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
6. ^ Carman, Richard (5 November 2015). Johnny Marr − The Smiths & the Art of Gunslinging. Music Press Books. p. 13\. ISBN 978-1-78418-930-3.
7. ^ Sturges, Fiona (10 January 2003). "Johnny Marr: Marr's attacks". The Independent. London, UK. Archived from the original on 31 March 2009. Retrieved 27 March 2010.
8. ^ Marr 2016, p. 3.
9. ^ Waite, Richard (14 April 2015). "Johnny Marr: 'Most of the new houses I've seen look shit'". The Architects’ Journal. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
10. ^ Marr 2016, pp. 11, 23.
11. ^ "The Smiths". St Augustine's Grammar School Old Boys. Archived from the original on 11 September 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
12. ^ "Brief History of St Augustine's Grammar School". Staugs.org/history.htm. Archived from the original on 15 April 2013. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
13. ^ Middles, Mick (2009). Factory: The Story of the Record Label. London: Virgin Books. p. 42\. ISBN 978-0-7535-1825-0.
14. ^ Marr 2016, p. 69.
15. ^ Marr 2016, p. 21.
16. ^ Johnny Marr w/Billy Duffy, telling the audience how far back their relationship goes (live@The Fillmore, SF - 13 April 2013, posted to YouTube on 4/15/2013)
17. ^ rolandmedia (16 November 2012). BOSS YourTone Artists — Billy Duffy Interview. Retrieved 14 August 2024 – via YouTube.
18. ^ Holé, Mélanie (2012). "Johnny Marr: L'élégance à l'anglaise" [Johnny Marr: English elegance]. Guitarist & Bass Magazine (in French). No. 255\. Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis: Duchâteau-Voisin. p. 39\. OCLC 644431866.
19. ^ Rogan 1994, pp. 22–23.
20. ^ Rogan 1994, pp. 29–31.
21. ^ "Former Smiths guitarist releases debut album 'The Messenger' in February 2013". NME. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
22. ^ Rogan 1994, p. 31.
23. ^ Rogan 1994, pp. 32–33.
24. ^ Rogan 1994, p. 37.
25. ^ Kelly, Danny (14 February 1987). "Exile on Mainstream". NME, cited at Foreverill.com. Archived from the original (http) on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 22 April 2007.
26. ^ "10 of the most dramatic resignations in rock and pop - BBC Music". 6 July 2016.
27. ^ Rogan, Johnny (November–December 1992). "The Smiths: Johnny Marr's View". Record Collector, cited at Foreverill.com. Archived from the original (http) on 27 April 2007. Retrieved 22 April 2007.
28. ^ David Tseng. ""Meat Is Murder" (from "Greenscene", 1989), page 4". Morrissey-solo.com. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
29. ^ Simon Hattenstone (29 October 2016). "Johnny Marr: 'The conversation about re-forming came out of the blue' | Music". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
30. ^ BBC News (11 December 1996). "Rock band drummer awarded £1m payout" (http). Cemetrygates.com. Retrieved 22 April 2007.
31. ^ "What actually went down during The Smiths' lawsuit? - Far Out Magazine". faroutmagazine.co.uk. 1 June 2021. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
32. ^ McGreevy, Ronan (3 October 2022). "The Smiths' Mike Joyce: 'I know people say never say never but 'never' is the most appropriate word'". The Irish Times. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
33. ^ Brown, Mark (30 August 2024). "Morrissey claims Johnny Marr ignored lucrative Smiths reunion offer". The Guardian. ""I would rather eat my own testicles than reform the Smiths, and that's saying something for a vegetarian.""
34. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (2005). "Smiths Members Regrouping For Cancer Benefit". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on 20 February 2006. Retrieved 15 August 2006.
35. ^ "Johnny and the Healers play Manchester Versus Cancer charity concert". Jmarr.com. 16 December 2005. Retrieved 22 April 2007.
36. ^ Parrack, Dave (23 October 2007). "Johnny Marr Doesn't Rule Out Smiths Reunion With Morrissey". BritMusicScene.com. Archived from the original on 20 August 2008. Retrieved 8 January 2008.
37. ^ Hattenstone, Simon (29 October 2016). "The conversation about re-forming the Smiths came out of the blue'". The Guardian.
38. ^ "The Smiths: The influential alliance". BBC News. 13 May 2003. Retrieved 27 March 2010.
39. ^ "Noel Gallagher on the Smiths". YouTube. 10 April 2006. Archived from the original on 22 March 2007. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
40. ^ Morrissey. "WAR IS OLD, ART IS YOUNG". Morrissey Central. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
41. ^ Long, Chris. "Morrissey claims Johnny Marr 'ignored' 2025 Smiths reunion offer". BBC News. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
42. ^ a b "Johnny Marr Responds to Morrissey's Claims About Smiths Reunion Tour, Name Ownership: 'It Was Left to Me to Protect the Legacy'". Variety. 17 September 2024.
43. ^ "MESSAGES FROM MORRISSEY". MORRISSEY CENTRAL. 16 September 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
44. ^ a b c d Barker, Emily (30 May 2014). "Johnny Marr's 10 Greatest Riffs". NME.
45. ^ Williams, Zoe (24 June 2023). "The Pretenders at Glastonbury review – Chrissie Hynde in the pocket with Johnny Marr and Dave Grohl". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
46. ^ Moayeri, Lily (30 November 2021). "A Typically Hectic Day in the Life of The The's Matt Johnson". FLOOD. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
47. ^ Phelan, Laurence (18 July 1999). "How we met: Johnny Marr & Bernard Sumner". The Independent.
48. ^ Various - Ruby Trax (The NME's Roaring Forty), October 1992, retrieved 23 March 2022
49. ^ Luerssen, John D. (1 August 2015). The Smiths FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Most Important British Band of the 1980s. Backbeat Books. p. 336\. ISBN 978-1-4950-4596-7.
50. ^ Hendrickson, Matt (14 October 1999). "Beck is in the Studio, Recording 'Midnite Vultures'". Rolling Stone.
51. ^ Kane, Tyler (26 February 2013). "10 Great Johnny Marr Guitar Moments". Pastemagazine.com. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
52. ^ Trendell, Andrew (10 June 2023). "Noel Gallagher on working with Johnny Marr: "He's the G.O.A.T."". NME. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
53. ^ Biggane, Dan (17 July 2024). "Johnny Marr + the Healers' Boomslang special edition". Classic Pop Magazine. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
54. ^ Dowling, Stephen (15 April 2001). "One Nil to Neil". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
55. ^ Deusner, Stephen M. "7 Worlds Collide: The Sun Came Out". Pitchfork. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
56. ^ "Isaac Brock Collaborating With Johnny Marr". Billboard.com. 3 February 2006. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
57. ^ Robin, Murray (29 June 2010). "Modest Mouse For Open House". Clash Magazine. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
58. ^ Van Isacker, Bernard (30 March 2007). "Former Smiths' guitarplayer reaches Number 1 in this week's American Billboard Chart". Side-line.com. Archived from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
59. ^ Brakes, Rod (8 April 2022). ""I Was Playing Entirely With My Ears and Not With My Mind": Johnny Marr on Recording with John Frusciante". Guitar Player. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
60. ^ a b Scott Kara (20 February 2010). "Marr's Modest Might". The New Zealand Herald.
61. ^ "Cribs announce new album title and tracklisting – video". NME. 16 June 2009.
62. ^ "ignore the ignorant | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
63. ^ "The Cribs back to a 3 piece". Thecribs.com. 11 April 2011. Archived from the original on 16 April 2011. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
64. ^ Wilkinson, Matt (11 April 2011). "Johnny Marr leaves The Cribs to pursue solo work". NME. UK: IPC Media. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
65. ^ "Johnny Marr joins the Cribs for Leeds Cribsmas Reunion". NME. UK: IPC Media. 20 December 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
66. ^ Martens, Todd (20 July 2010). "Hans Zimmer and Johnny Marr talk about the sad romance of Inception". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
67. ^ Inman, Davis (12 July 2012). "Johnny Marr: This Charming Guitar". American Songwriter. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
68. ^ Pelly, Jenn (5 November 2012). "Johnny Marr Announces Solo Debut Full-Length". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 5 November 2012.
69. ^ Ford, Rebecca (31 October 2013). "Marc Webb, Hans Zimmer Form Supergroup for 'Amazing Spider-Man 2'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
70. ^ "Johnny Marr talks Debbie Harry and Spiderman with Absolute Radio at the NME Awards 2014". Capital Radio. 26 February 2014. Archived from the original on 2 November 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2014.
71. ^ Payne, Chris (8 September 2014). "Exclusive: Johnny Marr Drops North American Tour Dates, Talks New Solo Album 'Playland'". Billboard. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
72. ^ Grow, Kory (8 December 2014). "Johnny Marr Cancels U.S. Tour Due to Family Illness". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
73. ^ "Johnny Marr announces California Jam Tour with LA Dates at El Rey Theatre and The Glass House - Grimy Goods". Grimygoods.com. 12 January 2016. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
74. ^ Geslani, Michelle (1 February 2017). "Blondie announce new star-studded album, Pollinator, share ridiculously catchy single "Fun" — listen". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
75. ^ "Johnny Marr announces "Call the Comet"-His Upcoming Third Solo LP". Post-Punk.com. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
76. ^ "Johnny Marr - Acts - Glastonbury 2019 - BBC". Bbc.co.uk. 29 June 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
77. ^ "Johnny Marr joins The Killers for This Charming Man & Mr. Brightside at Glastonbury 2019". Radiox.co.uk. 30 June 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
78. ^ "Johnny Marr on penning the 'No Time To Die' soundtrack: "I'm making a lot of nasty, nasty noises"". Nme.com. 1 October 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
79. ^ Costa, Cassie da (14 February 2020). "Billie Eilish's Bond Theme Is Sleek, Sorta Sexy, and a Bit of a Bore". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
80. ^ "Johnny Marr signs new worldwide album deal with BMG". Music Week. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
81. ^ "Johnny Marr Instagram". instagram.com. 31 August 2021. Archived from the original on 26 December 2021. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
82. ^ "Johnny Marr announces details of his new double album 'Fever Dreams Pts 1-4'". NME. 13 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
83. ^ "Johnny Marr – 'Fever Dreams Pts 1-4' review: The hardest-working man in indie strikes again". NME. 24 February 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
84. ^ Hansen, Susan (28 February 2022). "Waking From A Fever Dream: Johnny Marr Interviewed". Clash Magazine. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
85. ^ Kohn, Daniel (28 August 2022). "Lindsey Buckingham, Johnny Marr Join The Killers In Los Angeles". SPIN. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
86. ^ Geraghty, Hollie (20 September 2023). "Johnny Marr announces compilation album 'Spirit Power: The Best Of Johnny Marr' and shares new single 'Somewhere'". NME. NME Networks. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
87. ^ Geraghty, Hollie (23 October 2023). "Johnny Marr announces 2024 'Spirit Power' greatest hits UK tour". NME. NME Networks. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
88. ^ Laing, Rob (6 September 2023). "Johnny Marr explains his three biggest guitar influences: "Hand In Glove started out as a Chic riff"". MusicRadar. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
89. ^ a b Gore, Joe (17 October 2023). ""People like Yngwie Malmsteen should be forgotten as soon as possible. It's got very little to do with music..." A classic and very frank interview with Johnny Marr". Guitar Player. Archived from the original on 28 December 2024. Retrieved 25 January 2024. "Actually, a lot of it [Marr's jangly guitarwork] comes from Neil Young and Danny Whitten of  Crazy Horse, but as if they were in a pop group. And it was George Harrison who influenced me to get a Rickenbacker. " Ticket To Ride" – what a brilliant song! But most of all, the jingle-jangle came from James Honeyman-Scott of the Pretenders. He was the last important influence on my playing before I went out on my own. The first time I played " Kid" with the Pretenders, I couldn't believe it. I've used that solo to warm up with every day for years."
90. ^ "Johnny Marr: 'I'm often asked to tell my story". Independent.ie. 17 October 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
91. ^ BBC Four, Johnny Marr - The Joy Of The Guitar Riff, accessed 2018-04-07
92. ^ Joe Gore, "Guitar Anti-hero", Guitar Player, January 1990.
93. ^ Clark, Alice (20 May 2014). "Under The Influence: Johnny Marr on Rory Gallagher". Louder. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
94. ^ ""Pete Townshend is the Best of the '60s Guitarists" Johnny Marr". Mojo4music.com.
95. ^ Brennan, Patrick (29 September 2023). "The Ultimate Johnny Marr Guitar Lesson". Guitar Player. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
96. ^ "Johnny Marr's Top Ten Guitarists", Uncut, November 2004. Marr's selections are summarised at morrissey-solo.com, 12 October 2008. Retrieved 8 January 2012.
97. ^ Laing, Rob (30 November 2022). "Johnny Marr's choice for the greatest guitarist of all time is surprising - and his new pedalboard is too". MusicRadar. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
98. ^ Fletcher, Tony, "The Boy Looked at Johnny", Mojo, no. October 2012, p. 72
99. ^ Besse, Marc (24 April 1999), "Johnny Marr", Lesinrocks.com, archived from the original on 20 July 2016, retrieved 4 January 2015
100. ^ "An interview with Johnny Marr". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. 17 December 2014. Archived from the original on 18 September 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
101. ^ Wilson, Lois, "Johnny Marr Now!", Mojo, no. October 2012, p. 71
102. ^ Parker, Michael (25 January 2013). "In The Works Johnny Marr". Clashmusic.com. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
103. ^ Molenda, Michael (September 2012). "Fender Johnny Marr Jaguar". Guitar Player. pp. 122–23.
104. ^ "Johnny Marr interviewed for The Guitar Magazine January". Geocities.ws. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
105. ^ a b c "Johnny Marr's Gear". Retrieved 8 May 2021.
106. ^ "'Artist-owned' serial numbers". 29 March 2020.
107. ^ "1960 Gibson Les Paul Electric Guitar | Equipboard®". Equipboard.com. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
108. ^ Guitars, Rod Brakes2018-08-21T09:10:05Z (21 August 2018). "In pictures: Johnny Marr's gear collection". MusicRadar. Retrieved 9 August 2019.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
109. ^ "Guitar Legends: Johnny Marr – a unique guitar hero with a chameleonic talent". 19 November 2020.
110. ^ "The Smiths' Johnny Marr Showcases His 'Guitarchestra'". Gibson.com. 19 December 2008. Archived from the original on 31 July 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
111. ^ Seabrook, John (20 November 2023). "Johnny Marr loves his axes". The New Yorker. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
112. ^ Welch, Andy (16 October 2023). "'Mind-boggling': Johnny Marr on his 53 favourite guitars – and the one Noel Gallagher smashed". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
113. ^ Seabrook, John (20 November 2023). "Johnny Marr Loves his Axes". The New Yorker. Conde Nast. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
114. ^ "Johnny Marr's Gear". Smiths on Guitar. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
115. ^ Dowsett, Peter. Audio Production Tips: Getting the Sound Right at the Source. CRC Press, 2015. p. 387
116. ^ "Johnny Marr appointed visiting professor". University of Salford. 18 October 2007. Archived from the original on 20 October 2007. Retrieved 3 December 2007.
117. ^ Qureshi, Yakub (20 July 2012). "Ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr honoured by Salford University for services to pop music". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 28 July 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
118. ^ "This Charming Grad – Johnny Marr honoured by University". University of Salford. 19 July 2012. Archived from the original on 16 July 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
119. ^ "Johnny Marr to get University of Salford doctorate". BBC News. BBC. 6 July 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
120. ^ "Johnny Marr unveils plaque honouring his Athy roots". Rte.ie. 5 November 2018. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
121. ^ Bienstock, Richard (20 January 2021). "Johnny Marr receives Boss Lifetime Achievement Award at NAMM Believe in Music Week". Guitar World. Archived from the original on 1 April 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
122. ^ "Edmonton Journal, "Carole Pope hasn't lost capacity to shock," Sandra Sperounes, 13 September 2007 (reprinted on canada.com)". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015.
123. ^ "Clear "Johnny Marr was a mistake"". YouTube. January 2007. Archived from the original on 2 November 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
124. ^ "My body & soul". The Guardian. 18 July 2009.
125. ^ Doran, John (19 February 2013). Johnny Marr – The British Masters – Chapter 4. Noisey, hosted by YouTube.
126. ^ a b c Edward Lane (18 June 2014). "Johnny Marr: Press rewind on your liver". Menshealth.co.uk. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
127. ^ Simon Hattenstone. "Johnny Marr: 'The conversation about re-forming came out of the blue'". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
128. ^ "From Diddy to Alanis Morissette, These Musicians Have Turned Marathon Runners". Billboard.com. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
129. ^ Raphael, Amy (28 September 2019). "Pep Guardiola meets Johnny Marr: 'When we lose, it's as if we've killed someone'". The Guardian.
130. ^ "My Body & Soul – Johnny Marr, musician". The Observer. 19 July 2009. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
131. ^ Youde, Kate (25 January 2017). "Feature: Have post-war university buildings passed their sell-by date?". Architects Journal.
132. ^ Power, Ed (17 October 2015). "Johnny Marr: 'I'm often asked to tell my story - eventually I couldn't turn it down'". Irish Independent. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
133. ^ a b c d "Johnny Marr | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
134. ^ Sean Westergaard (20 January 2009). "The Empyrean - John Frusciante | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
135. ^ "The Program - Marion | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic.
136. ^ "All for a Reason - Haven | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic.
137. ^ "The Bright Parade – Single by Johnny Marr". Apple Music. 8 August 2019. Archived from the original on 9 August 2019. Retrieved 9 August 2019.
138. ^ "NME report on Marr's Depeche Mode cover version". Nme. 17 March 2015. Retrieved 15 May 2017.

### Sources

[edit]

* Rogan, Johnny (1994). The Smiths: The Visual Documentary. London: Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-711-93337-8.
* Marr, Johnny (2016). Set The Boy Free: The Autobiography. London: Century. ISBN 978-1-780-89432-4.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Johnny Marr.

Wikiquote has quotations related to Johnny Marr.

* Official website
* Official The Smiths Website
* Johnny Marr at IMDb
* Discogs (Johnny Marr Discography)

* v
* t
* e

Johnny Marr

Studio albums|

* Boomslang
* The Messenger
* Playland
* Call the Comet
* Fever Dreams Pts 1–4

Live albums|

* Adrenalin Baby

Singles|

* "Easy Money"

Related articles|

* Guest musician recordings
* The Smiths
* The The
* Electronic
* Modest Mouse
* The Cribs
* The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (soundtrack)

* v
* t
* e

The Pretenders

* Chrissie Hynde
* Martin Chambers
* Nick Wilkinson
* James Walbourne
* Eric Heywood
* Carwyn Ellis

* James Honeyman-Scott
* Pete Farndon
* Robbie McIntosh
* Malcolm Foster
* Blair Cunningham
* T. M. Stevens
* Johnny Marr
* Adam Seymour
* Andy Rourke

Studio albums|

* Pretenders
* Pretenders II
* Learning to Crawl
* Get Close
* Packed!
* Last of the Independents
* ¡Viva El Amor!
* Loose Screw
* Break Up the Concrete
* Alone
* Hate for Sale
* Relentless

Live albums|

* The Isle of View

Extended plays|

* Extended Play

Compilation albums|

* The Singles
* Greatest Hits
* Pirate Radio
* The Best of Pretenders

Songs|

* "Stop Your Sobbing"
* "Kid"
* "Brass in Pocket"
* "Precious"
* "Private Life"
* "Talk of the Town"
* "Message of Love"
* "I Go to Sleep"
* "Back on the Chain Gang"
* "My City Was Gone"
* "2000 Miles"
* "Middle of the Road"
* "Show Me"
* "Thin Line Between Love and Hate"
* "Don't Get Me Wrong"
* "Hymn to Her"
* "My Baby"
* "Where Has Everybody Gone?"
* "I'll Stand by You"
* "Human"

Chrissie Hynde solo|

* Stockholm
* Valve Bone Woe

Related articles|

* Discography
* Members
* John McKenzie

* v
* t
* e

The Smiths

* Morrissey
* Johnny Marr
* Andy Rourke
* Mike Joyce
* Craig Gannon

Studio albums|

* The Smiths
* Meat Is Murder
* The Queen Is Dead
* Strangeways, Here We Come

Live albums|

* Rank

Compilation albums|

* Hatful of Hollow
* The World Won't Listen
* Louder Than Bombs
* Stop Me
* Best I
* Best II
* Singles
* The Very Best of The Smiths
* The Sound of The Smiths
* The Smiths Singles Box
* Complete

Extended plays|

* The Peel Sessions

Singles|

* "Hand in Glove"
* "This Charming Man"
* "What Difference Does It Make?"
* "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now"
* "William, It Was Really Nothing"
* "How Soon Is Now?"
* "Shakespeare's Sister"
* "Barbarism Begins at Home"
* "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore"
* "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side"
* "Bigmouth Strikes Again"
* "Panic"
* "Ask"
* "Shoplifters of the World Unite"
* "Sheila Take a Bow"
* "Girlfriend in a Coma"
* "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish"
* "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me"
* "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before"
* "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out"
* "Sweet and Tender Hooligan"

Other songs|

* "Still Ill"
* "Suffer Little Children"
* "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want"
* "The Headmaster Ritual"
* "Asleep"
* "The Queen Is Dead"
* "Cemetry Gates"
* "I Know It's Over"
* "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others"
* "A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours"

Related articles|

* Discography
* Songs
* Live performances
* The Smiths Is Dead
* Shoplifters of the World

* v
* t
* e

Electronic

* Bernard Sumner
* Johnny Marr

Albums|

* Electronic
* Raise the Pressure
* Twisted Tenderness
* Get the Message - The Best of Electronic

Singles|

* "Getting Away with It"
* "Get the Message"
* "Tighten Up"
* "Feel Every Beat"
* "Disappointed"
* "Forbidden City"
* "For You"
* "Second Nature"
* "Until the End of Time"
* "Vivid"
* "Make It Happen"
* "Late at Night"

* v
* t
* e

Modest Mouse

* Isaac Brock
* Tom Peloso
* Ben Massarella
* Russell Higbee
* Simon O'Connor

* Jeremiah Green
* Eric Judy
* Dann Gallucci
* Joe Plummer
* Johnny Marr
* Benjamin Weikel
* Lisa Molinaro
* Jim Fairchild
* Davey Brozowski
* John Wickhart

Studio albums|

* This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About
* The Lonesome Crowded West
* The Moon & Antarctica
* Sad Sappy Sucker
* Good News for People Who Love Bad News
* We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
* Strangers to Ourselves
* The Golden Casket

EPs|

* Blue Cadet-3, Do You Connect?
* Interstate 8
* The Fruit That Ate Itself
* Night on the Sun
* Everywhere and His Nasty Parlour Tricks
* No One's First, and You're Next

Compilations|

* Building Nothing Out of Something

Live albums|

* Baron von Bullshit Rides Again

Singles|

* "Float On"
* "Ocean Breathes Salty"
* "The World at Large"
* "Dashboard"
* "King Rat"
* "Missed the Boat"
* "We've Got Everything"
* "Satellite Skin"
* "Lampshades on Fire"
* "The Ground Walks, with Time in a Box"

Related|

* Discography
* Ugly Casanova
* Brand New/Modest Mouse Tour

* v
* t
* e

The Cribs

* Gary Jarman
* Ross Jarman
* Ryan Jarman

* Johnny Marr

Studio albums|

* The Cribs
* The New Fellas
* Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever
* Ignore the Ignorant
* In the Belly of the Brazen Bull
* For All My Sisters
* 24-7 Rock Star Shit
* Night Network

Compilations|

* Payola

Singles|

* "Hey Scenesters!"
* "You're Gonna Lose Us"
* "Men's Needs"
* "Moving Pictures"
* "Don't You Wanna Be Relevant? / Our Bovine Public"
* "I'm a Realist"
* "Cheat on Me"
* "We Share the Same Skies"
* "So Hot Now / Separate"
* "Housewife"
* "Chi-Town"
* "Come on, be a No-One"
* "Glitters Like Gold"
* "Anna"

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* FAST
* WorldCat

National|

* Germany
* United States
* France
* BnF data
* Japan
* Australia
* Czech Republic
* Spain
* Netherlands
* Norway
* Croatia
* Poland
* Israel
* Catalonia

Artists|

* MusicBrainz

People|

* Trove

Other|

* IdRef

*[EPs]: Extended plays
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template