Johnny Marr

About Johnny Marr

John Martin Marr (né Maher; born 31 October 1963) is an English-born Irish musician, singer and songwriter. 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, to Irish parents, 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.

Discography

Johnny Marr — Rare Footage & Clips

The guitar work of Johnny Marr is instantly recognizable, a distinctive jangle pop style that has captivated audiences for decades. As the guitarist and co-songwriter of the Smiths, Marr's influence on music history cannot be overstated. Formed in 1982 with Morrissey, the Smiths were a product of Manchester's thriving post-punk scene, and their unique sound was a perfect blend of Marr's melodic guitar work and Morrissey's poetic lyrics.

Marr's early career is well-documented in the DeepCutsArchive, where clips from his time with the Smiths showcase the band's energetic live performances. The clip "The Smiths - This Charming Man (Live at the Free Trade Hall)" (1984) captures the band's raw energy and Marr's innovative guitar playing, which would become a hallmark of their sound. This performance, recorded at Manchester's Free Trade Hall in 1983, is often cited as one of the greatest live performances of all time.

The Smiths' impact on music history cannot be overstated. Their albums, such as "The Queen is Dead" (1986) and "Strangeways, Here We Come" (1987), are considered some of the best of the 1980s, and their influence can be heard in countless bands that followed. Marr's guitar work, in particular, has been emulated by many, but few have managed to capture the same magic as he did with the Smiths.

After the Smiths disbanded in 1987, Marr went on to collaborate with numerous other artists, including the Pretenders and Electronic. He also released his first solo album, "The Messenger," in 2013, which received critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics and soaring melodies. The clip "Johnny Marr - New Town Velocity (Live at the Hammersmith Apollo)" (2014) showcases Marr's ability to craft catchy, guitar-driven pop songs that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

Marr's work with other artists has been just as influential as his time with the Smiths. His collaborations with Hans Zimmer on soundtracks such as "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" (2014) demonstrate his versatility and ability to adapt to new styles and genres. The clip "Johnny Marr - New Town Velocity (Live at the Hammersmith Apollo)" also features a snippet of Marr's work on the soundtrack, highlighting his skill in crafting memorable themes.

In recent years, Marr has continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including "Call the Comet" (2018) and "Fever Dreams Pts. 1-4" (2022). The latter album is notable for its introspective lyrics and soaring melodies, which showcase Marr's ability to craft songs that are both personal and universal. The clip "Johnny Marr - Fever Dreams Pt. 3 (Live at the Royal Albert Hall)" (2022) captures the emotional intensity of Marr's live performances, where he is joined by a full band to recreate his solo work.

Marr's influence on music history extends beyond his own work as a musician. His innovative guitar playing and songwriting style have inspired countless other artists, from The Cranberries to Oasis. As a session musician, Marr has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Kirsty MacColl, Pet Shop Boys, Talking Heads, Bryan Ferry, and Hans Zimmer.

Marr's ability to adapt to new styles and genres is a testament to his skill as a musician and songwriter. From the jangle pop of the Smiths to the electronic beats of Electronic, Marr has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in popular music. His influence can be heard in everything from indie rock to electronic dance music, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

In addition to his work as a musician, Marr has also become known for his advocacy on behalf of artists' rights. In 2020, he spoke out against the music industry's treatment of songwriters, highlighting the need for greater transparency and fairness in royalty payments. This commitment to social justice is just one aspect of Marr's larger vision for music as a force for positive change.

As we look back on Marr's remarkable career, it is clear that his influence extends far beyond his own music. As a guitarist, songwriter, and collaborator, he has helped shape the sound of popular music over the past four decades. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and his commitment to social justice serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that artists can have on the world around them.

The DeepCutsArchive is proud to feature Johnny Marr's extensive discography, including rare live performances and studio sessions. For fans of the Smiths and Marr's solo work, this archive provides a unique opportunity to explore his music in depth, from the early days of the Smiths to his latest releases. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Marr's music for the first time, the DeepCutsArchive is an essential resource for anyone interested in exploring the career of one of rock music's most influential figures.

Curated from public records and music databases.