The Smiths legend Johnny Marr announces run of VERY intimate shows 👀
He's back!
Legendary guitarist Johnny Marr has announced some very intimate shows across the UK this September.
The former Smiths guitarist will play tiny capacity shows in Leeds, Blackburn and London before heading to his support slot at the Courteeners' huge homecoming show at Manchester’s Old Trafford Cricket Ground on 25th September.
The 57-year-old musician posted the news on his social media channels. He wrote: 'Finally back on the road and the next chapter begins.'
The shows mark the ‘Easy Money’ singer’s first time back on stage since he performed at the 2019 BRIT Awards alongside Billie Eilish and Hans Zimmer for the James Bond theme ‘No Time To Die’.
Johnny has also just been announced as the support act for the US leg of The Killers tour. He previously performed The Smiths hit 'This Charming Man' with the band during their headline slot on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury in 2019.
Johnny Marr tour dates:
Leeds Stylus – Mon 20th
Blackburn King George’s Hall – Tues 21st
London Electric Ballroom – Thurs 23rd
Manchester Old Trafford Cricket Ground – Sat 25th
Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 30th July.
Check out these solo artists who were once in bands, including Johnny Marr:
Paul Simon
Paul Simon's career has spanned over six decades. After releasing five albums as one half of duo Simon & Garfunkel, he went on to record some huge solo hits including 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard'!
Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks was a powerful force in legendary band Fleetwood Mac but has also achieved enormous success on her own, including being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her hits 'Edge of Seventeen' and 'Gold Dust Woman' continue to inspire songwriters everywhere.
Noel Gallagher
Songwriting powerhouse and mastermind behind Oasis' biggest hits, Noel Gallagher released his first solo project in 2011 as Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. They have since gone on to release numerous singles and two more albums, 'Chasing Yesterday' and 'Who Built The Moon?'
Liam Gallagher
Noel's little brother Liam is at home on stage, so it's no surprise the frontman returned to music as a solo artist in 2017 with his first single 'Wall of Glass'. He continues to play with Oasis co-founder Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs and has released two albums, 'As You Were' and 'Why Me? Why Not.'
Johnny Marr
Fellow Mancunian and legendary guitarist Johnny Marr first gained success with massively influential band The Smiths. After their split in 1987, he embarked on a solo career and has released solo music as well as collaborations like Electronic and Modest Mouse.
George Michael
George Michael was one half of duo Wham! and enjoyed huge hits like 'Club Tropicana'. However, he rose to international stardom on his own and played sold-out tours after the release of solo efforts including 'I Knew You Were Waiting For Me' alongside Aretha Franklin and 'Faith'.
Eric Clapton
Guitar hero Eric Clapton has won a total of 17 Grammy Awards spanning his career, including during his time in bands the Yardbirds and Cream. He has supplied rock fans with classics 'Lay Down Sally' and 'Wonderful Tonight'.
Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox rose to fame in 80s outfit Eurythmics but went on to enjoy a successful solo career and release six albums! She is a multi-Grammy Award-winner and has even won an Oscar for her song 'Into The West' which featured in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
Peter Gabriel
Original lead singer of rock band Genesis, Peter Gabriel has enjoyed solo success, launched by his solo debut single 'Solsbury Hill'. His song 'Sledghammer' was famed for its incredible music video which won Peter a Brit Award, nine MTV Video Music Awards and three Grammy nominations.
Sting
Sting, aka Gordon Sumner, left hugely successful band The Police and triumphed over the charts with singles like 1985's 'The Dream of the Blue Turtles' and 1991's 'The Soul Cages'.
Paul Weller
It is incredible to think Paul Weller had EVEN MORE success after his time in mod band The Jam. He went on to have further hits with The Style Council and established himself as a solo artist in 1992 with his self-titled debut.
Diana Ross
She is one of the most legendary performers ever. Diana Ross left Motown sensations The Supremes in 1970 and embarked on an amazing solo career. Her version of 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' in 1970 scored her a number one and a Grammy nomination.
Phil Collins
Fellow Genesis bandmember Phil Collins went from behind the Genesis drumkit to behind the microphone as lead singer after the departure of Peter Gabriel. He also enjoyed huge solo success with hits including 'Face Value' and 'In The Air Tonight'.
Sir Paul McCartney
Like former bandmate John Lennon, Sir Paul McCartney had huge success after the breakup of The Beatles. He enjoyed success with band Wings and on his own, with hits including 'Maybe I'm Amazed' and 'Band On The Run'.