Johnny Marr, O2 Academy Brixton - music review: 'When Noel Gallagher joined in for a romp through Iggy Pop’s Lust For Life, the night was won'

Joined by Noel Gallagher, Johnny Marr cherry-picked the best moments from the latest record — from the riff-heavy Easy Money to the snarling Back in the Box, and threw in some Smiths classics
Solo man: Johnny Marr (Picture: Stephanie Paschal/Rex)
Stephanie Paschal/REX
Rick Pearson24 October 2014

Johnny Marr was joined onstage last night by Noel Gallagher, another man flying solo after years spent in an era-defining band.

As guitarist and founding member of The Smiths, Marr formed a formidable songwriting partnership with Morrissey.

However, while Mozza went on to release a string of successful solo albums, Marr seemed like a king without a country, contenting himself as a guitarist for the likes of The Cribs and Modest Mouse.

But last night’s show at Brixton Academy felt like a turning point. Having followed 2013’s solo debut The Messenger with this month’s Playland — both of which went into the Top 10 — the 50-year-old now has a wealth of strong solo material.

Backed by a watertight three-piece band, he cherry-picked the best moments from the latest record — from the riff-heavy Easy Money to the snarling Back in the Box.

To the delight of a crowd not composed of teetotallers, Marr also sprinkled the set with some Smiths classics. The pleasure and privilege was ours during an anthemic There Is a Light that Never Goes Out, while Bigmouth Strikes Again was driven by Marr’s frenetic strumming.

As a frontman, Marr lacks the charisma of his former bandmate, while his limited voice remains a work in progress.

Yet there were signs last night that this eternal right-hand man is warming to his new role front and centre. New track Dynamo is his best solo effort to date and when Noel Gallagher joined him for a romp through Iggy Pop’s Lust For Life, the night was won. Here comes Johnny, indeed.

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