Johnny Marr, born John Martin Maher on October 31, 1963, in Ardwick, Manchester, England, is a renowned guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known as the co-founder and guitarist of the influential British indie rock band The Smiths. Marr’s career spans several decades, during which he has worked with a wide range of artists and bands, contributing significantly to the landscape of alternative rock.
In 1982, he co-founded The Smiths with Morrissey, the band’s lead singer. Marr was the chief songwriter, alongside Morrissey, who wrote the lyrics. The Smiths quickly gained popularity with their eponymous debut album in 1984, followed by three more studio albums: “Meat Is Murder” (1985), “The Queen Is Dead” (1986), and “Strangeways, Here We Come” (1987). The band was notable for their jangly guitar sound, introspective lyrics, and their influence on the emerging indie rock scene. However, internal tensions led to their breakup in 1987.
Post-Smiths Career
After The Smiths disbanded, Marr did not slow down. He joined other bands and collaborated with various artists, showcasing his versatility and willingness to explore different musical styles. He was a member of The Pretenders for a short time and then The The, contributing significantly to their albums “Mind Bomb” (1989) and “Dusk” (1993).
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Marr was involved in numerous projects. He formed Electronic with New Order’s Bernard Sumner, releasing several albums that fused alternative rock with electronic music. Marr also worked with bands like Modest Mouse and The Cribs, bringing his distinctive guitar style to their music.
Marr launched his solo career in the 2010s, releasing his debut solo album, “The Messenger,” in 2013. The album was well-received and marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. He followed up with “Playland” in 2014 and “Call the Comet” in 2018, each showcasing his evolving sound and songwriting skills. In 2022, he released the ambitious double album “Fever Dreams Pts 1-4.”
JOHNNY MARR STUDIO ALBUMS
The Messenger
Released February 25, 2013
“The Messenger” is Johnny Marr’s first solo album, a significant departure from his work with The Smiths, Electronic, and Modest Mouse. It represents a synthesis of his career, blending jangly guitar-pop with more modern indie rock elements. The album is a showcase of Marr’s exceptional guitar skills and distinctive vocal style, earning praise for its energetic and melodic compositions.
Johnny Marr leads with vocals and guitars, supported by Jack Mitchell on drums, Iwan Gronow on bass, and James Doviak on additional guitars. Marr himself co-produced the album with Doviak. “The Messenger” was recorded at The Smiths Room in Manchester, Crazy Face Factory in Manchester, and Berlin. It reflects Marr’s diverse influences and stands as a testament to his enduring impact on the rock genre.
CD Track Listings:
“The Right Thing Right” – 3:39
“I Want the Heartbeat” – 3:27
“European Me” – 4:07
“Upstarts” – 3:33
“Lockdown” – 2:19
“The Messenger” – 3:26
“Generate! Generate!” – 3:23
“Say Demesne” – 4:55
“Sun & Moon” – 3:26
“The Crack Up” – 4:00
“New Town Velocity” – 5:12
“Word Starts Attack” – 3:50
Playland
Released October 6, 2014
“Playland” is the second solo album by Johnny Marr, following the critically acclaimed “The Messenger.” This album continues in a similar vein, with an emphasis on energetic, guitar-driven songs. The title is inspired by the concept of cities as modern playlands. Marr’s songwriting is both reflective and forward-looking, combining post-punk energy with his trademark melodic style.
Alongside Marr on vocals and guitars, the album features Jack Mitchell on drums and Iwan Gronow on bass. The production was again a collaboration between Marr and James Doviak. “Playland” was recorded at The Smiths Room, Manchester, and Church Studios, London. The album was well-received, further establishing Marr as a formidable solo artist.
CD Track Listings:
“Back in the Box” – 3:04
“Easy Money” – 4:05
“Dynamo” – 3:58
“Candidate” – 3:35
“25 Hours” – 3:35
“The Trap” – 3:08
“Playland” – 4:41
“Speak Out Reach Out” – 4:06
“Boys Get Straight” – 3:04
“This Tension” – 4:06
“Little King” – 3:19
Call the Comet
Released June 15, 2018
“Call the Comet” is Johnny Marr’s third solo album, an ambitious project that presents a more expansive and experimental sound. The album’s themes are futuristic and dystopian, a departure from the more personal and introspective nature of his previous work. Marr’s guitar work is as inventive as ever, layered with electronic elements and creating a lush, atmospheric soundscape.
The album features Marr on vocals and guitars, with Iwan Gronow on bass, Jack Mitchell on drums, and Doviak on additional guitars and keyboards. Marr and Doviak co-produced the album. “Call the Comet” was recorded at Crazy Face Studios in Manchester. The album received acclaim for its creative vision and is considered a highlight in Marr’s solo career.
CD Track Listings:
“Rise” – 4:19
“The Tracers” – 4:06
“Hey Angel” – 4:09
“Hi Hello” – 4:25
“New Dominions” – 5:48
“Day In Day Out” – 3:43
“Walk Into the Sea” – 5:12
“Bug” – 4:38
“Actor Attractor” – 4:32
“Spiral Cities” – 4:10
“My Eternal” – 5:05
“A Different Gun” – 5:16
Fever Dreams Pts 1–4
Released February 25, 2022
“Fever Dreams Pts 1–4” is the fourth studio album by Johnny Marr, a comprehensive and ambitious double album that encapsulates the breadth of his musical exploration. This album distinguishes itself from his previous works with its expansive and eclectic approach, blending elements of rock, electronic, and ambient sounds. It’s a bold and atmospheric record, reflective of Marr’s continuous evolution as an artist.
The album sees Johnny Marr taking on vocals, guitars, and keyboards, supported by Iwan Gronow on bass and Jack Mitchell on drums. Doviak also contributes, continuing his role as a key collaborator in production and additional instrumentation. “Fever Dreams Pts 1–4” was recorded at Marr’s own Crazy Face Factory in Manchester. The album stands out for its adventurous and diverse soundscapes, further showcasing Marr’s prowess as a songwriter and musician.
CD Track Listings:
“Spirit, Power and Soul” – 4:13
“Receiver” – 3:57
“All These Days” – 3:59
“Ariel” – 4:43
“Lightning People” – 4:03
“Hideaway Girl” – 4:05
“Sensory Street” – 3:56
“Tenement Time” – 4:17
“The Speed of Love” – 4:19
“Night and Day” – 4:18
“Counter-Clock World” – 4:08
“Rubicon” – 3:46
“God’s Gift” – 4:03
“Ghoster” – 3:37
“The Whirl” – 4:18
“Human” – 3:57
JOHNNY MARR LIVE ALBUMS
Adrenalin Baby
Released 2015
“Adrenalin Baby” is a live album by Johnny Marr, capturing the energy and spirit of his live performances during his 2014-2015 tour. The album title reflects the high-energy, dynamic nature of Marr’s shows. It features tracks from his solo albums “The Messenger” and “Playland,” as well as some classic songs from his tenure with The Smiths.
CD Track Listings:
“Playland” – 4:41
“The Right Thing Right” – 3:39
“Easy Money” – 4:05
“25 Hours” – 3:35
“New Town Velocity” – 5:12
“The Headmaster Ritual” – 4:52
“The Messenger” – 3:26
“Back in the Box” – 3:04
“Generate! Generate!” – 3:23
“Bigmouth Strikes Again” – 3:53
“Boys Get Straight” – 3:04
“Candidate” – 3:35
“Getting Away with It” – 5:24
“There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” – 4:50
“Dynamo” – 3:58
“I Fought the Law” – 2:34
“How Soon Is Now?” – 6:45
“Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” – 2:51
Comet Tripper – Live at the Roundhouse
Released 2018
“Comet Tripper – Live at the Roundhouse” is another live album by Johnny Marr, featuring performances from his 2018 tour. This album focuses on his live renditions of songs from his third studio album, “Call the Comet,” alongside some of his classics. The album title, a nod to the studio album it supports, captures the cosmic and explorative nature of the music.
Recorded at the iconic Roundhouse venue in London, the album features Johnny Marr and his band in a vibrant live setting. The performances are noted for their energy and the seamless blend of Marr’s newer material with his classic tracks. Though the album did not chart, it was well-received by fans and critics for capturing the essence of Marr’s live shows.
CD Track Listings:
“The Tracers” – 4:06
“Bigmouth Strikes Again” – 3:53
“Jeopardy” – 3:29
“Day In Day Out” – 3:43
“New Dominions” – 5:48
“Hi Hello” – 4:25
“The Headmaster Ritual” – 4:52
“Walk Into the Sea” – 5:12
“Getting Away with It” – 5:24
“Hey Angel” – 4:09
“Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” – 5:01
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Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.