WATCH JOHNNY MARR PERFORM "THE MESSENGER"
AND THE SMITHS' "HOW SOON IS NOW" ON
LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON
LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON
ON TOUR NOW IN SUPPORT OF CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED
SOLO DEBUT THE MESSENGER
Last night, Johnny Marr performed his hit new single "The Messenger" on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. Following the performance, Marr and his band launched into a thrilling rendition of The Smiths' classic "How Soon Is Now."
Watch the performances here: "The Messenger" and "How Soon Is Now."
Marr is nearing the end of a U.S. tour in support of his widely-acclaimed solo debut The Messenger (out now on Sire/ADA). The show reviews have been overwhelmingly positive with San Francisco Weekly proclaiming "it's a testament to his longtime consistency as an artist that [the new songs] sounded very comfortable alongside the tunes by the Smiths...the whole arrangement of the night felt rather seamless," and Denver Post stating "he creates sounds most shredders couldn't dream of." Likewise, Chicago Tribune declares "clearly relishing his belated role as a frontman, his moves not the sort practiced in front of a mirror but burn of passion for music that continues to drive him to match past heights" and CNN asserts that Marr's Coachella set earned him "a hero's welcome." For those attending his performances with a camera in tow, be sure to submit those images to Johnny's U.S. Tour Photo Contest via Complex/SupergluedHERE, for your chance to win a copy of the new LP.
The release of The Messenger marks a significant milestone in Marr's distinguished career. First known for his work as the creative force behind The Smiths, Marr has spent the last two decades collaborating with a diverse array of acclaimed bands, including Talking Heads, Pet Shop Boys, The The, Electronic, Modest Mouse, The Cribs and more. One of the most celebrated and influential artists in the history of contemporary music, Marr has earned recognition as one of the greatest guitar players of all time from such outlets as Rolling Stone and SPIN, and most recently earning NME's Godlike Genius award. With The Messenger, Marr continues to evolve as he steps into the spotlight for the first true solo album of his career.
Critical Praise for Johnny Marr's The Messenger:
"...filled with Brit-pop melodies and reverbed post-punk jangles. Marr also splatters sharp, aggressive riffing and neck-breakers throughout The Messenger, giving the album a varied pace and many different slices of Marr's songwriting."
"What took so long? ...full of intricate, interlocking guitar parts as well as riffs and solos...bringing those embellishments forward in the mix."
"...worth the wait. His melodies and guitar lines still sparkle. If he wants to show he could compete with Morrissey's solo career, then message received."
"The Messenger is precisely the big, bright, jangly guitar rock LP that Smiths fans would have killed for...a traditional Brit-rock sound with big, clean hooks that showcase the metallic guitar jangle that cemented his name in the ranks of important guitarists nearly 30 years ago."
"...excellent new album."