Ticket 2 Ride

Gene Simmons wants to know? Who is this Johnny Marr chap that is being so mean to Morrissey? Simmons came to Morrissey’s defense when Marr stopped a new greatest hits collection of The Smiths’ recordings, and shutdown talk of a Smiths reunion.

Marr, the former guitarist and songwriter for The Smiths vetoed a new collection, saying there are enough greatest hits collections already on the market. Imagine, a rocker not wanting to foist a cash-grab on fans. He also dismissed a Smiths reunion and the thought of big money. Oasis is reuniting for a tour and possibly new music. Maybe Morrissey had visions of dollar signs dancing in his head.

According to a Wikipedia post, The Smiths have had 10 compilation sets released worldwide. Their last set of original material was released in 1987. Their material has been packaged and repackaged over the years, although the last “hits” collection appeared in 2008. Time for another repackaging? I don’t think so, and I’m a Smiths fan. A tour? Yes, please, but I respect Matt’s wishes not to do that.

So, back to Gene Simmons’ question – who is this Johnny Marr fella? The question was stated as meaning Morrissey is well-known and Marr is just some nameless, journeyman guitar strummer.

Simmons’ comment is ironic, because he was recognized and stopped on the street by a reporter who asked him a question about Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

On the four Smiths albums, Marr is credited with writing the music, Morrissey the lyrics. Marr and Morrissey co-produced most of The Smiths’ studio albums. Marr played all of the guitar parts, most of the keyboards, contributed much of the string and horn arrangements, and filled in various percussion and sound effects.

When Marr noticed The Smiths trademarks hadn’t been made, he stepped in and secured them, and informed Morrissey’s representation that he had so to protect their asset, and for Morrissey to participate.

After The Smiths disbanded, Morrissey and Marr each began solo careers. In addition to Marr’a solo career, he was a member of these bands: the Pretenders, The The, Electronic, Modest Mouse, and the Cribs. He formed Electronic with New Order’s Bernard Sumner, whose debut album was a huge seller in the UK. Marr toured with the Pretenders for a short period of time, recording “Windows of the World” with them. Marr joined Modest Mouse for their No. 1 album We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank, and the song “Dashboard.” Marr joined Pet Shop Boys for their 2002 album Release.

As a session player and sideman, Marr brought the jangly pop guitar along with dance riffs, which made him in-demand for bands wanting to beef-up their sound. As a solo artist, he’s released four studio albums and a couple of live recordings. His 2015 live album Adrenalin Baby which includes solo work, along Electronic material and four Smith songs. This is a really good collection and a grand showing of his catalogue. I don’t miss Morrissey on the Smith songs. Marr has a fine voice for a frontman.

Marr is also an author, releasing his 2016 autobiography, Set the Boy Free. I found that book to be witty and thoughtful, much more than I expected. When people think of post-punk musicians, Marr doesn’t seem mentioned. He not flamboyant or controversial, and not wrapped up in tragedy or fame. Perhaps that’s why Gene Simmons doesn’t think much of Marr. No tabloid history.