johnny marr

10 alternative artists who were inspired by David Bowie's legacy

Nothing’s been right since David Bowie died, Jan. 10, 2016. The rise of Trumpism? COVID-19? The Big Bang Theory going off the air? Would any of these things have happened if Bowie was still striding the Earth? Well, probably. But his new records would’ve acted as a buffer, even if these shitty elements remained intolerable. […]

10 Manchester bands who cranked up the punk in the late '70s

In the ’70s, England had two great punk cities. Most across the planet thought London was the world’s only punk capital, completely ignoring the music and culture’s beginnings in New York City, mostly due to the Sex Pistols’ outsized reputation and influence. But if London was English Punk City No. 1, Manchester definitely came in […]

You can own a piece of Smiths drummer Mike Joyce's history

Record collectors and true emo patrons, listen up. Mike Joyce, the drummer for legendary indie outfit the Smiths, has something to show you. Joyce is raffling off a rare platinum record award from Warner Music UK given to him for the Smiths’ acclaimed 1986 album, The Queen Is Dead. Proceeds from the raffle are earmarked […]

Church Girls have “Nothing” to prove in new song—listen

With a double helix DNA of jagged guitar lines and strident vocal melodies, Philadelphia-based indie-rockers Church Girls are hitting all the sweet spots. Today, AltPress is premiering “Nothing,” the first track on The Haunt, their second album, slated for release on Chatterbot Records Feb. 7 “‘Nothing’ is the opening track of the record but the […]

9 musicians who have been in multiple successful bands

While celebrating Corey Taylor’s birthday this week, we compiled a list of some musicians who are so talented, they’ve been a large part of multiple successful bands. Taylor, being the vocalist of both Stone Sour and Slipknot, shows this to be true. This list is in no particular order and transcends genres and boundaries. We […]

The Killers lead ultimate “Mr. Brightside” sing-along at Glastonbury

The Killers brought out Johnny Marr of the Smiths to play “Mr. Brightside” at Glastonbury Festival.  The band also brought out Pet Shop Boys to do a rendition of their song “Always On My Mind” and “Human.” With Marr, the band also played the Smiths classic “This Charming Man.”  Read more: Miley Cyrus recruits Ashley […]

The Smiths manager Joe Moss dies at 72

Joe Moss former manager to the Smiths and Johnny Marr passed away yesterday at age 72 after a battle with bone cancer. The news of Moss’ death was shared in statement on Marr’s website where he credits his late-manager to the Smith’s success. “Without him there wouldn’t have been any Smiths,” says Marr. “Everyone who […]

Johnny Marr announces North American tour in support of second solo album, 'Playland'

It took Johnny Marr 26 years to release his first proper solo album, The Messenger, following the disbandment of his former group, The Smiths, but, now, the guitarist seems bent on making up for lost time. Barely a year and a half after his debut, Marr is set to release a followup, Playland, Oct. 7 via Warner Music […]

15 New Songs You Need To Hear Before August 2014 Ends

Sometimes the rock world can get noisy, and we don’t just mean in decibels or fuzz. Often the signal-to-noise ratio is more noise than signal. But no worries; we read, listen to and watch everything so we can sort it for you. Here are some of our favorite new songs and videos of August 2014. […]

Johnny Marr (ex-The Smiths, Modest Mouse) announces U.S. tour, debuts b-side "The It-Switch"

Johnny Marr has announced that his next single, “New Town Velocity,” from The Messenger, released earlier this year on Sire Records, will see a limited U.K. 7-inch release, as well as a worldwide digital release, next week. Additionally, the single will contain an unreleased b-side, a poppy and upbeat track called “The It-Switch,” which is streaming […]

Johnny Marr plays The Smiths' "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" for the first time in 25 years

Check out this new video from NME of Johnny Marr explaining how he wrote the main riffs for The Smiths' “Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now” and “Girl Afraid.” The legendary guitarist notes that he hasn't played the song in 25 years then proceeds to nail it.

The Cribs - In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull

The Cribs In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull This review originally ran in AP 287. After getting a pretty substantial profile boost thanks to the addition of former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr (who recorded and toured with the group for three years), U.K. indie-punk band the Cribs are back to being a trio for […]

The Smiths aren't reforming, according to Johnny Marr

Rumors of the Smiths' return have been greatly exaggerated, according to guitarist Johnny Marr. Responding to this report of the band's imminent reunion, Marr had this to say: “The rumour of the Smiths reunion is untrue. It's not happening.” Marr commented earlier this year that the British government would have to step down before the […]

The Smiths will reform "when the British government steps down," says Johnny Marr

After accepting an NME award for the Smiths' massive boxset issued last year, guitarist Johnny Marr commented on what it would take to get the iconic band back together. Turns out it's a lot: “We won't be reforming this week. Maybe if the government stepped down. If this government stepped down, I'll reform the band. […]