London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Sunday, Jun 22, 2025

Johnny Marr on Music, Memories, and the Influence of Manchester

Johnny Marr, highly regarded as a masterful guitarist for bands such as The Smiths and Electronic, has evolved into a frontman with his solo work over the past decade.
In anticipation of his hometown performances with the Johnny Marr Orchestra in Manchester at Factory International, Marr shares that his solo venture was driven by artistic ambition rather than a desire for solo stardom. He aspired to bring an idealistic vision to his music, initially considering performances in art galleries.

Marr admits his continuous inspiration comes from the musical spirit of Manchester. Despite the option to establish an international band, his affinity for Manchester urged him to form his group locally, valuing the spontaneity and closeness this allowed for rehearsals and performances.

Reflecting on his influences, Marr acknowledges the impact of Manchester on his music, which he views as an evolved form of his teenage endeavors. Returning to Manchester after living in Portland from 2005 to 2010, he was drawn back not due to his roots but because of the city's vibrant band scene.

Influenced by local punk legends and his first concert experience with Slaughter & The Dogs, Marr's formative years were steeped in Manchester's musical environment. His move to Wythenshawe exposed him to a community where music flourished among youths, where he met Billy Duffy pre-fame.

Now in his fifties, Marr reflects on his shared history with Duffy and treasures these memories, especially as life's fleeting nature becomes more apparent.

Having collaborated with icons across various genres, Marr has become a fixture at the forefront of his band since 2011.

Though never aspiring to the limelight out of jealousy, Marr sought guidance in fusing guitar mastery with frontman charisma from an interview with blues legend John Lee Hooker, seeking a symbiotic energy with his audience.

Marr's take on this approach is simple: be your own version of John Lee Hooker, from Manchester.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
We have new information and breaking details to share about what is shaping up to be a historic air campaign tonight
Six Massive Bombs Dropped on Fordow; Trump: 'A Historic Moment for the U.S., Israel, and the World'
Fordow: Deeply Buried Iranian Enrichment Site in U.S.–Israel Crosshairs
United States Conducts Precision Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
US strikes Iran nuclear sites, Trump says
Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize.
BBC Demands Perplexity AI Immediately Stop Using Its Content
Telegram Founder: I Will Leave My Fortune to Over 100 of My Children
Political Turmoil Resurfaces in Belgium Amid Economic Concerns
Fed policymakers divided on timing of interest rate cuts
Trump signals imminent agreement with Harvard University
Inheritance tax referendum alarms Swiss billionaire community
Japan cancels bilateral security meeting amid US defence demands
AI skeptic Emily Bender warns that ‘the emperor has no clothes’
Israel Confirms Assassination of Quds Force Commander in Tehran
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
FBI and Senate Investigate Allegations of Chinese Plot to Influence the 2020 Election in Biden’s Favor Using Fake U.S. Driver’s Licenses
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
Plans to Sell Dutch Embassy in Bangkok Face Local Opposition
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump's $5 Million 'Trump Card' Visa Program Draws Nearly 70,000 Applicants
DGCA Finds No Major Safety Concerns in Air India's Boeing 787 Fleet
Airlines Reroute Flights Amid Expanding Middle East Conflict Zones
Elon Musk's xAI Seeks $9.3 Billion in Funding Amid AI Expansion
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Taiwan Imposes Export Ban on Chips to Huawei and SMIC
Israel has just announced plans to strike Tehran again, and in response, Trump has urged people to evacuate
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Juncker Criticizes EU Inaction on Trump Tariffs
EU Proposes Ban on New Russian Gas Contracts
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
UK Home Secretary Apologizes Over Child Grooming Failures
Trump Organization Launches 5G Mobile Network and Golden Handset
Towcester Hosts 2025 English Greyhound Derby Amid Industry Scrutiny
Gary Oldman and David Beckham Knighted in King's Birthday Honours
Over 30,000 Lightning Strikes Recorded Across UK During Overnight Storms
Princess of Wales Returns to Public Duties at Trooping the Colour
Red Arrows Use Sustainable Fuel in Historic Trooping the Colour Flypast
Former Welsh First Minister Addresses Unionist Concerns Over Irish Language
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
France Bars Israeli Arms Companies from Paris Defense Expo
King Charles Leads Tribute to Air India Crash Victims at Trooping the Colour
Jack Pitchford Embarks on 200-Mile Walk to Support Stem Cell Charity
Surrey Hikers Take on Challenge of Climbing 11 Peaks in a Single Day
×