Johnny Marr facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 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
Occupation(s)	Musician songwriter singer
Years active	1982–present
Labels	Rough Trade Sire Warner Bros. New Voodoo

John Martin Marr (born October 31, 1963) is a talented musician, songwriter, and singer. He first became famous as the guitarist and co-writer for the band The Smiths, which was active from 1982 to 1987. Since then, he has played with many other bands and started his own solo music career.

Johnny Marr was born and grew up in Manchester, England. He started his first band when he was 13. He played in several groups with Andy Rourke before forming The Smiths with Morrissey in 1982. The Smiths became very popular and were praised by critics. Marr's unique guitar style, known as jangle pop, was a key part of their sound. The band broke up in 1987 because of disagreements between Marr and Morrissey.

After The Smiths, Marr joined bands like The Pretenders, The The, Electronic, Modest Mouse, and The Cribs. He also became a busy session musician, playing with famous artists such as Kirsty MacColl, Pet Shop Boys, Talking Heads, Bryan Ferry, and Hans Zimmer.

Marr released an album called Boomslang in 2003 with his band, Johnny Marr and the Healers. His first solo album, The Messenger, came out in 2013. He followed this with Playland in 2014 and Call the Comet in 2018. Marr's autobiography, Set the Boy Free, was published in 2016.

Music critics have highly praised Marr. Alexis Petridis from The Guardian called him "the 1980s' most inventive and distinctive guitarist." In 2010, a BBC poll voted him the fourth-best guitarist of the last 30 years. Phil Alexander, editor of Mojo, said he was "arguably Britain's last great guitar stylist." In 2013, NME magazine gave Marr its "Godlike Genius" award.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Johnny Marr was born on October 31, 1963, in Manchester. His parents, John Joseph Maher and Frances Patricia Doyle, were Irish immigrants. The family moved to Wythenshawe in 1972. Marr went to St Aloysius Primary School and then Sacred Heart Primary School. From 1975, he attended St Augustine's Catholic Grammar School. This school later merged to form St John Plessington High School.

Marr dreamed of becoming a professional football player. He was even approached by Nottingham Forest and had tryouts with Manchester City's youth team.

Marr said moving to Wythenshawe felt like moving to a fancy neighborhood. This move led him to meet "a bunch of guitar players," which he said "changed his life." Billy Duffy, who later joined The Cult, was in a high school band that practiced near Marr's new home. Marr would listen to them rehearse. He taught himself guitar using vinyl records and a chord dictionary.

At 13, Marr formed his first band, the Paris Valentinos. He played with Andy Rourke and Kevin Williams (who became actor Kevin Kennedy). Their first performance was at a Jubilee party in Benchill in June 1977. They played cover songs by bands like Rolling Stones and Thin Lizzy.

In 1979, he played one show with a band called Sister Ray. He then reunited with Rourke in a band called White Dice. White Dice entered a demo competition by NME and won an audition for F-Beat Records in April 1980, but they were not signed. Around age 14, he started spelling his name "Marr." This made it easier to pronounce and avoided confusion with Buzzcocks drummer John Maher.

In October 1980, Marr attended Wythenshawe College. He was the President of their Student Union. White Dice broke up in 1981. Marr and Rourke then formed a funk band called Freak Party. Simon Wolstencroft played drums. Around this time, Marr first met Matt Johnson, with whom he later worked.

The Smiths: A Defining Era

By early 1982, Freak Party needed a singer. Marr approached Rob Allman, who suggested Steven Morrissey. Morrissey was a singer from a short-lived punk band called The Nosebleeds. Marr asked a friend, Stephen Pomfret, to introduce them. They visited Morrissey at his home in Stretford in May.

Marr's unique jangly guitar style, using his Rickenbacker and Fender Telecaster guitars, became the signature sound of The Smiths. Marr's friend Andy Rourke joined as the bass player. Mike Joyce became the drummer. They signed with the indie label Rough Trade Records. Their first single, "Hand in Glove", was released on May 13, 1983.

By February 1984, The Smiths had a large fanbase. Their first album, The Smiths, reached number two on the UK charts. In early 1985, they released their second album, Meat Is Murder. This album was more direct and political. It was their only album (besides compilations) to reach number one in the UK. In 1985, the band toured extensively in the UK and US. They also recorded their next studio album, The Queen Is ....

In 1989, Spin magazine rated The Queen Is ... as one of "The Greatest Albums Ever Made." Many other publications also rank The Smiths and their albums, especially The Queen Is ..., very highly. NME, for example, has called The Smiths the most important rock band of all time. A legal issue with Rough Trade delayed the album's release by almost seven months. Marr started to feel the pressure from the band's busy touring and recording schedule.

In July 1987, Marr left the group. Attempts to find a replacement were unsuccessful. By the time Strangeways, Here We Come was released in September, the band had already broken up. The main reason for the split was the growing tension between Morrissey and Marr. Morrissey was annoyed by Marr working with other artists. Marr was frustrated with Morrissey's unwillingness to try new musical ideas. Marr mentioned that he disliked one of the last songs they recorded, saying he "didn't form a group to perform Cilla Black songs." In 2016, Marr agreed that a lack of management and business problems also contributed to the split.

Marr and Morrissey have often said they will not reunite the band. In 2005, VH1 tried to get them back together for their Bands Reunited show, but it didn't happen. In December 2005, there were rumors of a Smiths reunion at a charity show, but Marr denied them.

In October 2007, Marr hinted at a possible future reunion. He said, "stranger things have happened so, you know, who knows?" He added that it wasn't a big deal and maybe they would reunite in many years if needed. This was the first time Marr suggested a reunion, as he had previously thought it was a bad idea. In 2008, Marr and Morrissey met to discuss a reunion, but neither pursued it further.

Marr's guitar playing greatly influenced later Manchester bands. The Stone Roses guitarist John Squire said Marr was a major influence. Oasis lead guitarist Noel Gallagher also credited The Smiths as an influence, especially Marr. He called Marr a "f***ing wizard" and said he was unique.

In August 2024, Morrissey posted on his website that he and Marr received a "lucrative offer" to tour as The Smiths in 2025. Morrissey said he accepted, but Marr did not respond. Marr did not comment publicly at first. However, his management later issued a statement on his official Instagram. It clarified that Marr did not ignore the offer but "said no."

Marr's statement also addressed other claims from Morrissey's team. Morrissey's team claimed Marr tried to get 100% ownership of The Smiths' intellectual property without consulting Morrissey. Marr clarified that he found the band did not own the trademark. To protect it from a third party in 2018, he registered it under his name after not hearing back from Morrissey. In January 2024, Marr signed an agreement to share ownership with Morrissey, but Morrissey has not yet followed through. Marr stated his actions were to protect the band's name, not to tour with a different singer.

Music After The Smiths

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

In August 1987, Marr briefly became an official member of The Pretenders. He toured with them and appeared on the single "Windows of the World." He then left The Pretenders. From 1988 to 1994, he recorded and toured with The The, making two albums with them. At the same time, he formed Electronic with New Order's Bernard Sumner. Electronic was active on and off throughout the 1990s. Their last album came out in 1999.

Session Work (1987–2002)

In 1992, Marr and Billy Duffy recorded a cover of Ennio Morricone's The Good, the Bad and the Ugly for an NME album.

Marr has worked as a session musician and songwriter for many artists. These include Pet Shop Boys, Bryan Ferry, Billy Bragg, Kirsty MacColl, Black Grape, Jane Birkin, Talking Heads, and Beck. Marr played guitar on four songs on Talking Heads' final album, ..., including the single "(Nothing But) Flowers". He is also clearly seen in that song's music video.

Marr played guitar on several Pet Shop Boys songs. He still makes guest appearances on their albums. His biggest contribution was on Release (2002). The only remix Marr has ever done was for Pet Shop Boys. It was a mix of his favorite track from their 1987 album, Actually, called "I Want to Wake Up." It was released as a b-side in 1993. He later played as a guest musician on the Oasis album Heathen Chemistry.

Johnny Marr and the Healers (2000–Present)

In 2000, Marr started a new project called Johnny Marr and the Healers. He brought in drummer Zak Starkey (son of Ringo Starr), guitarist Lee Spencer, and bassist Alonza Bevan. It took two years to form the band because Marr wanted members chosen "by chemistry." Their first album, Boomslang, was released in 2003. Marr wrote all the lyrics and sang lead vocals. Their most recent release was a free song called "Free Christmas" in December 2011. The album was re-released in 2024.

7 Worlds Collide (2001–2009)

Marr onstage in 2007.

Marr performed two Smiths songs and other music with a supergroup called 7 Worlds Collide. This group included members from Pearl Jam, Radiohead, and Split Enz. Neil Finn of Split Enz and Crowded House put the group together in 2001. A second series of concerts happened in late 2008 and early 2009. An album of new studio songs, The Sun Came Out, was released in August 2009 to raise money for Oxfam.

Modest Mouse (2006–2009)

Besides being a recording artist, Marr has also produced records. In 2006, he started working with Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock. Their songs appeared on the band's 2007 album, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. The band then announced that Marr was a full member. The new lineup toured a lot in 2006–07.

The new album reached number one on the American Billboard charts in March 2007. This was Marr's first number one record in the US. While touring with Modest Mouse in Los Angeles, Marr spent a day in John Frusciante's home studio. He played on Frusciante's album The Empyrean, recording guitar tracks on "Enough of Me" and "Central."

The Cribs (2008–2011)

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

Marr joined The Cribs in 2008. He met Gary Jarman when they were both in Portland, Oregon. In 2009, they recorded the album Ignore the Ignorant. It was released on September 7 that year and reached No. 8 on the UK charts. Marr said the album was "as good as anything I've done."

In April 2011, it was confirmed that Marr would no longer be part of the band. Marr stated he would be working on solo music "over the next year or so."

Marr returned to play with The Cribs at two special Christmas shows. This happened at Leeds Academy on December 19, 2013.

Solo Albums and Collaborations (2011–Present)

In late 2007, Marr's daughter Sonny sang backing vocals on "Even a Child." This song was on Crowded House's album Time on Earth, where her father also played guitar. Marr played a big part in creating the music for the 2010 science-fiction/drama movie Inception. This film was directed by Christopher Nolan. Marr used a 12-string guitar to make simple, sad sounds. These sounds became a theme for the main character, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Marr said, "I kept coming up with this phrase 'churned-up.'" He explained that the character had a lot of inner trouble. Hans Zimmer, who often works with Nolan, wrote the soundtrack.

Since 2007, Marr has been working with Fender to design his own guitar. American Songwriter reported that Fender had to change their manufacturing process for some of Marr's ideas.

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

On February 25, 2013, Marr released his first solo album, The Messenger, in the UK. It was released in the US on February 26. The single "Upstarts" came out before the album on February 18, 2013. Marr also recorded music for the movie The Amazing Spider-Man 2. He worked with Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams, Michael Einziger, and David A. Stewart.

Marr's second solo album, Playland, was released on October 6, 2014. He also announced a world tour for the album, starting in the UK on October 13, 2014. The album's first single was "Easy Money". In October 2014, Marr was a guest musician for Hans Zimmer at two concerts in London. In December 2014, Marr canceled the rest of his US tour for Playland due to a family illness. In January 2016, Marr announced new tour dates for his 'California Jam' tour in February and March 2016.

Marr is featured on "Ballad of the Mighty I". This is the second single from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' album Chasing Yesterday. Marr played lead guitar and joined the band for this song at a concert in Manchester. Marr wrote the song "My Monster" for the Blondie album Pollinator (album), released on May 5, 2017. On March 12, 2018, Marr announced his third solo album, Call the Comet.

Marr performed at the 2019 Glastonbury Festival on June 29. He later joined The Killers during their main performance. He played guitar on "This Charming Man" and "Mr. Brightside" as part of their encore.

When Hans Zimmer composed for the James Bond film No Time to ..., Marr was asked to play in the music. He also played guitar in the theme song sung by Billie Eilish. He was there for the song's first live performance at the 2020 Brit Awards. In August 2021, Marr signed a new album deal with BMG. On August 31, he released a new single called "Spirit Power & Soul." This song is from his EP, Fever Dreams Pt 1, released on October 15, 2021. His fourth solo album, Fever Dreams Pts 1-4, which is also his first double LP, came out on February 25, 2022. Marr joined The Killers for their 2022 tour. He was the opening act for the American tour dates. He also joined The Killers for a Smiths cover and "Mr. Brightside" in the encore. At the Los Angeles show, The Killers and Marr also performed with former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham.

In November 2023, the album Spirit Power: The Best Of Johnny Marr was released. It included songs from his four solo albums and two new studio recordings. A UK tour was also announced. Gigs were played in various cities during April 2024.

Musical Style and Influences

Marr's three biggest guitar influences were Nile Rodgers, Bert Jansch, and James Williamson from The Stooges. His jangly guitar playing in The Smiths was inspired by Neil Young and Danny Whitten of Crazy Horse. He also admired James Honeyman-Scott of The Pretenders. He has said that The Beatles' George Harrison, especially his playing in "Ticket to Ride", made him want to play Rickenbacker 12-string guitars.

When he was in The Smiths, Marr often tuned his guitar up a full step. This was to match Morrissey's singing range. He also used open tunings. He is known for creating arpeggio melodies and sometimes unusual chord progressions. He often uses open strings while playing chords to make a chiming sound. When performing with The Smiths, he wanted to play pop music. He said his focus was on creating interesting guitar hooks and adding a unique twist to the guitarist's role. He thought of himself as a "pop guitarist crossed with the mad professor." In a 2007 BBC interview, Marr said his goal with The Smiths was to simplify his style and avoid common rock guitar sounds.

Marr was influenced by producer Phil Spector. He liked the idea of records sounding "symphonic," even with a lot of space. He enjoyed the idea of all the musicians blending into one atmosphere. Marr was also influenced by Rory Gallagher, Pete Townshend of The Who, Jimi Hendrix, John McGeoch of Magazine and Siouxsie and the Banshees, and John McLaughlin. He called McLaughlin "the greatest guitar player that's ever lived." When forming The Smiths, The Velvet Underground was a key influence, along with Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. Marc Bolan of T. Rex also had a strong impact on him.

When Marr started singing as a solo artist in 2012, he mentioned the singers he admired. These included Peter Perrett, Colin Newman, Pete Shelley, and Siouxsie Sioux. He said they sang from the mind and had integrity. He added that he was not interested in being a frontman who shared his deepest feelings in songs. He preferred singing from the brain, like Siouxsie Sioux or Ray Davies.

Guitars and Equipment

Marr playing a Fender Jaguar at the 2019 AIM Awards

Marr has used many different guitars throughout his career. Here are some of his most notable instruments:

• Fender Jaguar – He has played a Jaguar since 2005. In 2012, Fender released the Johnny Marr Signature Fender Jaguar. This guitar has special modifications, including custom pickups and a unique switch.
• Rickenbacker 330 – This guitar is often linked to Marr because of its 'jangly' sound. He played it with The Smiths. It also appears in a music video for Electronic. He owns a 12-string model that belonged to Pete Townshend. Marr has said that many songs thought to be recorded on this Rickenbacker were actually recorded on a Fender Telecaster.
• Fender Stratocaster – Marr used a 1962 Fender Stratocaster for "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out". He also used it for much of The Smiths' 1986 tours. He used a 1963 Fender Stratocaster for "The Boy with a Thorn in his Side." This was one of his main guitars on the 1986 tour. Marr also owned a 1965 Fender Stratocaster that later went to Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher.
• Fender Telecaster – While Marr was known for the Rickenbacker 330, he admitted that many of The Smiths' "jangly" songs were recorded with John Porter's 1954 Telecaster. This includes "This Charming Man".
• Gibson Les Paul – Marr owns several, including a rare 1960 model. He got his red Les Paul in 1984. He used it a lot with The Smiths and The The. It appears in the video for "...". He has added a Bigsby tremolo system and new pickups to this guitar. He gave his 1960 model (also owned by Pete Townshend) to Noel Gallagher when Oasis was starting. Gallagher later broke the guitar's neck. Marr then gave Gallagher another vintage Gibson Les Paul (used on much of The Queen Is ...) so Oasis could continue touring.
• Gibson ES-355 – His red model was used heavily with The Smiths in 1984. It inspired Suede guitarist Bernard Butler and Noel Gallagher to buy one. Seymour Stein bought it for him as an incentive for The Smiths to sign with Sire Records. He also owns a black model, seen in Electronic's videos for "Forbidden City" and "For You". He has a sunburst, 12-string model used a lot on The Smiths' final album, Strangeways, Here We Come. This 12-string model was later given to Bernard Butler.
• Gibson SG – Marr used a red SG as his main guitar when playing with the Healers. He also owns a unique, blonde SG.
• Fender Jazzmaster – Marr used several Jazzmasters when he was a member of Modest Mouse.

Marr owns 132 guitars. In September 2023, a book called Marr's Guitars was published. It shows 53 of his favorite electric and acoustic guitars.

Amplifiers and Effects

Marr has mostly used Fender Amplifiers throughout his career. With The Smiths, he used a Twin Reverb, a Deluxe Reverb, and a Bassman. He also used a Fender Champ with The The and The Cribs. When playing with The Cribs, he used a Super Reverb. Marr still loves the Fender sound, especially his Deluxe Reverb. He has used other amps, including the Roland JC-120, Vox AC30, Mesa Boogie, and Marshall cabinets. Marr typically uses Boss effects units. He often uses their CE-2 chorus effect, the TW-1 touch wah wah pedal, and the OD-2 overdrive pedal.

Awards and Recognition

Marr at the University of Salford in 2012

In 2007, Marr became a visiting professor of music at the University of Salford. He gave a first lecture on November 4, 2008. He also led workshops and masterclasses for students.

On July 19, 2012, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Salford. This was for his "outstanding achievements" and for "changing the face of British guitar music." In 2013, Marr received NME's "Godlike Genius" award. The magazine said he not only "rewrote the history of music" with The Smiths but also continued to grow. He worked with some of the best artists in the world.

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

Johnny Marr returns to Athy to accept Made of Athy Award

On January 19, 2021, Marr received the Boss Lifetime Achievement Award. This was part of the NAMM music industry trade show.

Personal Life

Marr and his wife Angie have been together since 1979, even before The Smiths formed. They have two children, Sonny and Nile Marr. Nile is also a musician. He was the frontman of the band Man Made before starting his solo career. After living in Portland, Oregon, for over five years, the family moved back to Britain. Marr returned to Manchester to record his solo album.

Marr stopped eating meat around 1985. He did this to support Morrissey and Angie. He said it was not a good idea to have a number one album called Meat Is Murder and be seen eating a bacon sandwich. After meeting the American rap group Naughty by Nature, he was inspired by their idea of strength through health. Soon after, he stopped drinking and smoking. He also became a vegan. Marr enjoys running. He finished the 2010 New York Marathon in 3 hours, 54 minutes, and 18 seconds. Marr has supported Manchester City F.C. since 1972 and often attends their games. Marr is a patron of the Manchester Modernist Society.

Marr has stated that he does not consider himself English or British. He said, "Anyone who looks back on the past 30 years of my career will know that I've always described myself as Mancunian Irish." He added that he was the first in his family born in England. He sees "Mancunian or Mancunian Irish" as a culture and nationality of its own.

Discography

Studio Albums

Live Albums

Compilation Albums

Albums (as Band Member)

Albums (as a Guest Musician)

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 played on three Pet Shop Boys albums. He also played guitar and harmonica on their 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 like Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Pearl Jam, Jane Birkin, Lisa Germano, and Crowded House. He also played guitar on Girls Aloud's fifth album, Out of Control, on a song called "Rolling Back the Rivers in Time." He played harmonica on "Love Is the Key." He also appeared on two songs ("Enough of Me" and "Central") on John Frusciante's album The Empyrean, released in January 2009.

Albums (as Producer)

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

Albums (Other Appearances)

Extended Plays

Singles

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" supported Record Store Day. Its B-side was a live version of "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want."

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

Singles (as a Guest Musician)

Singles and Other Songs (as Producer)

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

Singles (Remixes)

Images for kids

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  Marr in 2024

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  Marr onstage in 2007.

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

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

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  Marr playing a Fender Jaguar at the 2019 AIM Awards

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  Marr at the University of Salford in 2012

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  Johnny Marr returns to Athy to accept Made of Athy Award

See also

In Spanish: Johnny Marr para niños