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United Kingdom Johnny Marr, a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, has been instrumental in shaping the sound of influential bands and contributing to numerous projects, becoming a recognized figure in alternative rock.
Interested in booking Johnny Marr?
Request A ShowStockholm-based music licensing platform Epidemic Sound has partnered with Johnny Marr to mentor three emerging artists as part of their program, 'The Bridge'. This collaboration focuses on artist development, with Marr providing guidance and support to the next generation of musicians.
Johnny Marr has collaborated with Fender to develop and design his own signature guitar, the Johnny Marr Signature Fender Jaguar. This model features custom pickups and modified manufacturing processes to meet his specifications, making it a distinct instrument available commercially.
In August 2021, Johnny Marr signed a new worldwide album deal with BMG. This partnership signifies a continued commitment to releasing his solo material and further developing his career as a recording artist.
John Martin Marr, born John Martin Maher on October 31, 1963, in Manchester, England, to Irish parents, developed an early interest in music, forming his first band at age 13. He later changed his surname to Marr to avoid confusion with another musician. His early musical experiences included playing with Andy Rourke in various bands, culminating in the formation of The Smiths with Morrissey in 1982. Marr’s distinct jangle pop guitar style became a signature element of The Smiths’ sound, contributing to their commercial success and critical acclaim. The band released several notable albums, including “The Smiths” (1984), “Meat Is Murder” (1985), and “The Queen Is Dead” (1986). Despite their success, internal differences led to the band’s dissolution in 1987.
Following his departure from The Smiths, Marr pursued a diverse career path, joining The Pretenders briefly in 1987 and contributing to albums and tours with The The from 1988 to 1994. Concurrently, he co-founded Electronic with Bernard Sumner, a project that spanned the 1990s. Marr also became a sought-after session musician, collaborating with artists such as Kirsty MacColl, Pet Shop Boys, Talking Heads, Bryan Ferry, and Hans Zimmer, showcasing his versatility across genres. His involvement with Hans Zimmer on the soundtrack for the film “Inception” (2010), where he contributed distinct guitar tones, highlights his significant contributions beyond traditional band structures.
In the 2000s, Marr was a member of Modest Mouse from 2006 to 2009, contributing to their number one album “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank” (2007). He then joined The Cribs from 2008 to 2011, recording the album “Ignore the Ignorant” (2009). Marr initiated his solo career with the album “The Messenger” in 2013, followed by successful releases like “Playland” (2014) and “Call the Comet” (2018). His autobiography, “Set the Boy Free,” was published in 2016, offering insights into his career. Throughout his career, Marr has received numerous accolades, including the NME “Godlike Genius” award in 2013 and a visiting professorship in music at the University of Salford.
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