DYNAMIC - Call The Comet Tour special edition

A JOHNNY MARR FANZINE Call The Comet Tour | Special Edition

Contents.../ 4

On The road >>> Q&A with Johnny & the band

10

hi hello, Marrmates >>> By ALISON MOORE

16

Marr-toon By Riley Langston

18

Dream, scheme fast & live now >>> An interview WITH joHNNY mARR

26

Review | pHOENIX cONCERT tHEATRE, Toronto >>> By Maria Meli

31

tHE vERTICAL sTREETs >>> a POEM By Craig Spence

32

jOHNNY, rEMEMBER ME? >>> Memories of the Call The Comet TOUR Meet & Greet events

40

AN AMERICAN IN MANCHESTER >>> By MJ ZANDER

46

rEVIEW | tHE o2 aPOLLO, Manchester >>> bY sEAN fLEMING

55

cALL THE COMET >>> a POEM By Craig Spence

56

a treatise on the nature of coolness >>> bY aLY sTEVENSON

68

rEVIEW | Fabrique, Milan >>> bY lINDA pOULNOTT

72

Stories of Faith & devotion >>> interviews with some of Johnny's most well-travelled fans

ON THE

ROAD

Johnny, Iwan, Jack & Doviak let us poke inside their suitcases. y

Band shots by Ilze Fre

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JOHNNY fuckin

1.

2.

Voice + Lead guit

Marr

ar

What’s been your favourite song from Call The Comet to play live? " Walk Into The Sea."

Which city or country (that you haven’t played before) would you most like to play a gig at? " Czech Republic."

3.

Besides sleeping, what do you do to kill time on the tour bus?

"Reading and listening to music. I used to watch a lot of documentaries but I’ve not been doing that recently. Podcasts are a good part of the new culture. I’ve got a lot of books to catch up on. I have a nice semi-acoustic guitar in the front lounge that I play when we’re driving. I love that. My crew are really good to hang out with. That’s an important part of touring, for me anyway..."

4.

What comforts of home do you miss most when you’re on the road?

"I’m so used to traveling now that I have most things I need and use. That said, living out of a suitcase gets more complicated these days with more and more stuff... chargers etc...electronics everywhere. I lose a lot of those things. Not having the studio to demo in is the thing I miss most, although we have some gear on the road. I miss my dogs Buzz and Riff. "

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>>

5.

6.

JOHNNY fuckin

Voice + Lead guit

Marr

ar

Describe your perfect day off while on tour.

"Wake up in a bed that isn’t moving (a hotel, in other words), get out for a run around a cool town, preferably with a river running through it (Lyon, Dublin, Portland, Paris).

Find a nice vegan cafe. Green tea. Wander around a bit. If I get to a gallery or check out some clothes shops that’s a bonus. A few phone calls, read."

What are the things you simply can’t do without in your luggage on tour? " Let me see... Bluetooth speaker. Vocalzone throat pastilles. Tea; Darjeeling, Jasmine, Pai Mu Tan. Kindle. Running shoes. Headphones."

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Bass gUItar

IWAn Gronow

prince

1.

2.

of sur

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What’s been your favourite song from Call The Comet to play live? " Walk into the Sea."

Which city or country (that you haven’t played before) would you most like to play a gig at?

6.

What are the things you simply can’t do without in your luggage on tour?

"My iPad which has my Kindle app and Netflix (documentaries), my running stuff and a good pair of headphones."

"I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland. I like the band Sigur Rós and have always wondered what it would be like to do a gig there..."

3.

4.

Besides sleeping, what do you do to kill time on the tour bus?

"Reading, watching documentaries on my iPad. Also watching and talking Man City with Johnny and Jack."

What comforts of home do you miss most when you’re on the road?

"I miss my wife and Alan the Cat mostly. I also miss a stationary bed." [*smile*]

5.

Describe your perfect day off while on tour.

"Having a good run in the morning, then a good look around the place we’re gigging or have gigged. Then getting together with everyone for food in the evening."

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The Drums

JACK mitchell Magic

1.

What’s been your favourite song from Call The Comet to play live?

2.

Which city or country (that you haven’t played before) would you most like to play a gig at?

"The Tracers."

"Greece."

3.

Besides sleeping, what do you do to kill time on the tour bus?

"Read my book and then watch ‘The Apprentice’ on iPlayer!"

4.

What comforts of home do you miss most when you’re on the road?

"My wife and my Dog.”

5.

Describe your perfect day off while on tour.

"Breakfast - Gym - Sleep !"

6.

What are the things you simply can’t do without in your luggage on tour?

"Plenty of Berocca, Earplugs and babywipes."

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WIZARD

Keyboard + guitar

DOviak

1.

2.

What’s been your favourite song from Call The Comet to play live?

"Walk Into The Sea."

Which city or country (that you haven’t played before) would you most like to play a gig at?

"St. Petersburg, Russia."

3.

Besides sleeping, what do you do to kill time on the tour bus?

"Read, mainly politics and economics."

4.

What comforts of home do you miss most when you’re on the road?

"Cooking and reading by an open fire."

5.

Describe your perfect day off while on tour.

"Hotel, run, good breakfast, art gallery, nap, walk, dinner, walk, bed."

6.

What are the things you simply can’t do without in your luggage on tour?

"Compass, map, cyanide capsule."

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ORE

BY ALISON MO

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“You’re going to see the same man doing the same songs 4 times in a week – you need to get a life!” - That was the response I got from my (very opinionated 86 year old) mother when she got wind of my plans for Marr-vember. For those who know her it won’t come as any real surprise and her frankness is legendary. Some of my more diplomatic friends and family weren’t as explicit, but I know they thought much the same – why on earth would I want to turn up again and again to see the same artist: surely once is enough.

But what they didn’t appreciate is that what Marr-vember promised went way beyond experiencing the magic, euphoria and pure joy of being in the same room as Johnny Marr when he performs (which is in itself intoxicating).

f

or me, attending multiple gigs presented an irresistible variety of opportunities to spend time with other members of the fandom who I’ve come to know over recent years: people who have touched my life on a variety of levels, in a range of ways and who (in many cases) I would never have known had it not been for this fandom.

My week started off as it all began for me – with my dearest friend Soo and I bowling up at the Roundhouse in London eagerly keen to clap eyes on Johnny and anxious for that spine tingling mesmerism to set in (needless to say he didn’t disappoint). What also got kick started were the reunions and new

introductions with “Marr-my mates” when we clocked Aly and Ory outside the venue and were greeted with warm, affectionate and authentic hugs. We picked up exactly where we’d left off in May as if we’d never been apart – and after the gig we grabbed a few words and a post gig selfie in the foyer before heading off into the London night.

Fast forward just a few days and I found myself stepping off the train in Glasgow with Kirsty Smith having made the epic (well, epic in terms of beautiful scenery) trip from Preston. This time the scene was set for a “Meet and Greet” with Johnny at the legendary Barrowlands venue – which was proving to be a ridiculously nerveracking prospect for me. However what preceded was a Marr-my Army meet up in Bar Solita – and with Gin and Tonic on DYNAMIC | Page 11

offer it would’ve been rude not to put in an appearance. That said, the fact there is more than one Bar Solita in Glasgow did almost scupper the gathering actually happening: yep, I found myself in an alternative Bar Solita with no sign of any “I Love Johnny Marr” badge wearers in attendance! Marr fans clearly have a look about us that brings out the best in people because the manager immediately insisted on checking with “the other” Bar Solita that there was a gathering going on. I took great comfort in the fact that I wasn’t the only person who’d arrived at the wrong establishment: and it was a joy to be joined by Mitsue, who had also arrived in the same place, looking for everyone!

Our arrival at the right location was met with smiles, laughter and a huge wallop of warmth. Seeing Linda Poulnott and Catherine Smith again (having only met them for the first time in person over the summer) was a joyous reunion with firm and treasured friends that have captured such a special place in my soul. Meeting Riley Langston and Lee Dela Cruz for the very first time was so very special too – a mixture of newness mingled with a comfortable familiarity that underlies our connection. As always in the midst of things (but not in a controlling or overburdening way) were the dynamic duo: Aly and Ory – facilitating and supporting the gathering. There was no awkwardness, no pauses in conversations and no exclusions – the sense of a joint and collective enthusiasm about being together was tangible and unique from any “meet up” I’ve ever been at. Where else would you get a group of people who’d travelled from, literally, across the world in order to be together ahead of a gig on a rainy Glasgow night in November?

My sense of anxiety ahead of the “meet and greet” with Johnny didn’t subside and as I stood on the stairs watching him from a mere few metres away, my instinct was to turnaround and head down the stairs and out of the building. But thanks to the friends I’d sipped my Gin and Tonic with, I had a level of support and encouragement that stopped me from fleeing and enabled me to step into the presence of the man for whom I have so much respect and who occupies a very special place in my life and to say all the things I wanted to say to him.

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There

was no awkwardness, no pauses in

conversations and no exclusions

– the sense

of a joint and collective enthusiasm about being

together

from any

“meet

was up”

tangible

I’ve

and

unique

ever been at.

else would you get a group of

Where people who’d

travelled from, literally, across the world in order to be together ahead of a gig on a rainy

Glasgow night in November?

(The enormity of how important that was to me is well known to that small core who know who they are). Glasgow, on so many levels, was one of the most amazing musical experiences I have ever had. I could write and write and write about my encounter with Johnny, the gig, the vibe, the “midriff” moments and the rendition of “Please, Please, Please, Let me Get What I Want” that left me close to tears – but I’ll save all that for another day, and/or my memoirs!

Back in the North West of England 48 hours later provided the moment for my husband and daughter to join me in Liverpool – the first time Grace has been old enough to get into a venue to see Johnny perform. Grace plainly has my genes and was utterly bowled over and loved her vantage point on the barrier at the front:- more could I ask for? As we eagerly awaited the gig to start , a whirlwind of enthusiasm blew into the venue (in the form of Erica, Fernanda and Chris Beattie) and headed our way: being in the physical vicinity of these guys for the first

time felt like a stupidly long overdue meeting of kindred spirits. Our shared exuberance throughout the gig was ridiculously uplifting and at times probably quite embarrassing to Grace – but couldn’t have gone unnoticed, and hopefully appreciated, by the man on the stage that we’d all come to see. I left Liverpool having introduced Grace to Aly and Ory (two women that provide such positive role models) and with a smiling husband who had been genuinely delighted to catch up with the dynamic duo again.

And then Sunday evening in Manchester arrived, marking the final fling of my four gig binge. I stepped into Fusion Bar having decided to take a leap of faith and turn up without a gig-buddy or my spouse: a decision based on the compelling prospect of being at the “home coming gig” and the irresistible prospect of the largest pre-gig meet up of the tour. The pregig meet up was characterised by a tantalising sense of expectation for the evening that lay

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ahead of us and a palpable sense that the various roads we’d travelled (metaphorically and literally) had brought us all together and that we were amongst family. MJ and Vince, Chris Beattie, Kelly and Kurt Smith, Adi Harrold, Maria Stewart, Paul Plimmer, Erica and Fernanda, Riley and Lee, Aly and Ory, Kirsty and Paul and Tove all in one place – all people who would under no other circumstances be in the same place at the same time, were all gathered around and genuinely relishing being together. I felt safe, welcomed and valued by everyone: it was so moving.

Did I grow tired of hearing the same songs performed by the same man in the space of a few days?

NOPE. Did the experience become repetivite and boring? NOPE. Why not? – well, because the experiences were so very different each night: and those differences were down to the unique and indescribably special times that stemmed from meeting, and even more firmly cementing the friendships with, other members of the fandom.

Johnny Marr is a beacon of positivity and unity – and thanks to the oversight of Aly and Ory, this has been translated into a respectful, inclusive and credibile fandom which came together across the UK during November and made my Call the Comet Tour experience memorable for all the very best reasons.

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PHOTO BY ALISON MOORE

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dream, dream, scheme fast scheme fast scheme scheme fast fast

& live now & live now An interview with Johnny Marr

By Aly Stevenson with Ory Englander

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It was about time Johnny Marr got out on the road again. That was the general consensus amongst fans, eager for the excitement of another tour, and to hear Call The Comet live - and there’s little doubt Johnny himself would agree.

‘The tours are all different, aren’t they?’, he muses, as we chat over cups of white tea and bottles of Purdey’s. It’s nearing the end of the UK leg of the tour, and Johnny’s been out on the road for more than eight weeks now, on a massive multi-continent adventure also covering the United States, Canada and Mexico. Prior to these last few weeks in the UK and Ireland, it had been three whole years since his last traditional UK tour.

‘There are some great cities in the UK,’ Johnny enthuses. ‘This UK tour right now has just been straight down the line UK venues. Classic British venues, when you think about The Barrowlands, and the Manchester Apollo, and the venue in Newcastle - that used to be called The Majestic, that place. And Sheffield, which used to be called The Roxy. It’s been really pleasing to me that I’ve played some of these cool little theatres, these little clubs that have, like I always say, “music in the walls”.’

It’s undeniable that certain iconic venues evoke a special sense of excitement for the audience as well. For Scottish fans, treated to their first Glasgow gig since the Playland tour in 2014, the prospect of seeing Johnny perform at the Barrowlands Ballroom, with its iconic decor and infamous springy floors, added an extra element of anticipation to the occasion, while a hometown gig at Johnny’s beloved Manchester Apollo is viewed as an event so celebratory it borders on a spiritual experience. These places become, as writer Rebecca Solnit aptly puts it, ‘tangible landscapes of memory’; impressive physical spaces made all the more meaningful by the emotional connections they create.

But however much a venue might amplify the excitement or emotional significance of a gig, the main attraction remains what it always has been: the music.

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//

‘What defined this tour for me - and this is so obvious - but it’s the songs,’ Johnny says. ‘Walk Into The Sea is always a really good moment, I think. And Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me is a really good moment. Easy Money, and Getting Away With It - a gig wouldn’t be a gig without those songs.’

‘I’m just reflecting now that we’re getting near the end of it,’ he continues thoughtfully. ‘There’s been some pretty good musical highlights.’ Somewhat amusingly, he ends up rattling off more than half the average set list, in an attempt to single out which have been his favourite songs this tour, including a number of Smiths and Electronic songs. ‘I think I’ve found the right balance during a very intensive, new kind of time,’ Johnny explains. ‘I think I play about ten new songs, or something like that.

And then there’s the celebratory aspect of the old songs.’ One, in particular, springs to mind: ‘It’s been great for me playing Get The Message, I really love that song.’ So do the vast majority of his fans, if the ecstatic reaction to its addition to the set list is anything to go by!

Even songs that aren’t penned by Johnny’s own talented hand, when they make a surprise appearance at a gig, are generally met with rapturous excitement.

At the Roundhouse in London, a one-off rendition of Lovin’ Spoonful’s Summer In The City, with none other than one of Johnny’s dearest friends, Matt Johnson of The The on vocals, so thrilled fans that their live cover has since been released as a single; meanwhile at several shows on the latter half of the UK tour, Johnny teased the crowd with an impromptu cover of Kylie Minogue’s Can’t Get You Out Of My Head, which by Johnny’s own modest admission, he managed to make “not sound too terrible”. Asked about it the day after its first airing, Johnny confides that the decision to start playing it was indeed a spur of the moment choice - one that, fortunately, his talented bandmates were able to go along with on

“What defined this tour for me is the songs.”

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zero notice. It’s something of a brave choice for an indie guitarist, considering the risk that fans might not warm to such a mainstream pop number, but Johnny is unapologetic. ‘Kylie is a total badass,’ he asserts with a grin, and not even the slightest hint of sarcasm.

Could a Marr/Minogue collaboration perhaps be on the cards sometime in the future? Stranger things have happened.

‘It’s good that a big part of these memories on tours are about the songs,’ Johnny continues, reflecting in particular on Hi Hello and Electronic classic Get The Message. ‘I think it really is about the songs, and the band going to a whole other level. Me and the band are close, as you know.

We’ve been together longer than The Smiths were together,’ he points out, before adding with a cheeky grin: ‘Most bands have been together longer than The Smiths were together! So we’re close as people, but we’ve also got a real unspoken mission to just be really, really tight and tight and tight and tight…’

Mission accomplished, undoubtedly.

‘It’s funny what things you remember,’ Johnny comments, over reminisces of past tours. He’s been recalling, with some amusement, how yours truly got drenched by the rain four years ago in Wolverhampton, but he’s quick to offer reassurance that he’s personally arranged for it to stay dry this time. (Is there no end to this man’s talents?) ‘But seriously, for fans, touring in the UK - which often seems to happen towards the end of the year - it’s a little bit tough sometimes, because it’s flipping wet out there! It’s cold, wet, damp, and

//

all of those things.’ There’s genuine empathy in Johnny’s tone and expression as he says this, and he seems truly touched that fans continue to make the effort to see him despite less than ideal weather conditions.

‘I think it’s pretty established that I have a really good relationship with my fans. I think they know it, and they know I know it. It’s something that’s been mentioned in interviews, and it started getting mentioned more and more over the last however many years. Obviously it’s a source of pride for me.

I’m proud of that, and I’m proud of them…

I’m proud of them because all the ones that I know are really good people. They’re very, very good people.’

Johnny’s connection with his audience is undeniably a two-way street, in part made possible by organised online communities, and of course social media.

‘There’s a way of communicating on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter that isn’t just all about my songs and my shows,’ Johnny says.

‘It’s just all about being a fan, I think.’

He goes on to describe one of the most touching and affirming observations he’s made about his audience, as witnessed through social media: ‘A lot of fans have sometimes been strangers to me, and I’ve seen these stranger really click together, not just to support me, but to support each other at times as well. There’s been a few occasions when I’ve seen some great acts of real kindness and solidarity.’

“There’s been a few occasions when I’ve seen some great acts of real kindness and solidarity.”

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When I suggest that Johnny himself is a driving force behind many friendships and even romantic relationships forged through his fan community, he responds with his typical combination of gratitude and humility.

‘It is genuinely humbling,’ he tells me, ‘and I guess I always give those people the credit, thinking that they’re great people anyway, and they deserve to find each other. I just don’t see myself in the picture, but now that you’re asking me about it - it’s lovely to be reminded of that.’

‘It’s kind of hard to get your head around that a little bit, to be honest with you,’ he confesses.

‘It’s very sweet and a privilege, to be in that position. I guess it makes me very proud of the music that I’ve made.’

Johnny had good reason to be proud. Even beyond the enormity of the influence he’s had on the British music scene, the magnitude of emotional impact his songs have had on his fans’ individual lives cannot be underestimated.

It’s not uncommon to hear people speak of how Johnny’s songs - traditionally Smiths songs, but increasingly over the past few years, songs from his solo oeuvre as well - have encouraged them to pursue a passion, become the soundtrack to momentous events in their lives, or helped them through difficult situations such as break-ups, serious illnesses, or the death of a loved one.

Often, these fans are more than happy to take the time to put these sentiments of gratitude into words, through messages on social media, or through fan-made publications such as Touch Out, Mad Believers, and of course DYNAMIC. ‘What they say is just really touching to me, and I take it seriously. I read everything. The fact that they’ve taken the time, it’s really very touching to me, and it’s something that I’m very proud of,’ Johnny says, though he’s grounded and modest enough to not view such things as necessary ego-boosters. ‘I don’t really need for people to be praising me all the time, I just like the sincere expression of joy - that’s what it is, really.’

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“I don’t really need for people to be praising me all the time, I just like the sincere expression of joy - that’s what it is, really.”

In a social climate where more and more often we’re being asked if it’s possible to separate an artist from their art, Johnny Marr makes that distinction for and by himself.

‘I almost think of the music as a separate entity to myself.

It’s the music that did it,’ he says humbly, of the impact his songs have had on others. ‘I think of the music as a living entity, with its own personality and own sort of rules and energy and spirit, and it’s just for me to find it, and put it out on the guitar, with lyrics.’

Unsurprisingly, Johnny’s music possesses many of the same qualities as the man who breathed life into it: it’s energetic; it’s charismatic; it’s emotionally attuned to its audience. Guided equally by the heart and the mind; honouring the past while looking towards the future. If, as Johnny describes, the creator and the creation are two separate entities - it’s safe to say they make one hell of a team.

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Comet

Marr's blazing

A

rtists often create their best and most innovative work in their twenties. Many successful musicians play those early hits on high rotation later in life as they wander an arid inspiration desert. Three decades after he left his hugely successful and influential band, The Smiths, Johnny Marr appears to have a close relationship with Euterpe, the Muse for music. Humble and hard working, Marr has shown he is a team player with his many collaborations, and now in his mid-fifties, he is touring a third solo album – and it’s good, very good.

Marr came out swinging on October 19, 2018 at The Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto. He and his band took the stage and shot into “The Tracers” from his latest offering, Call the Comet, continuing his momentum with energetic renditions of “Big Mouth Strikes Again” and “Jeopardy” the vinyl B-side to “Hi Hello” released digitally on September 21 ahead of his North American tour. He was focused and in flow, bopping, and making his distinctive hand gestures. Several songs in, he greeted the audience. A couple of songs later, he let the fans know he had a disco song because it was Friday night, launching into “Getting Away with It” from his Electronic catalogue.

As its strains died down, he asked the crowd, “How is everyone?” Cheers.

“You’re only happy because you can smoke weed,” he responded referring to recreational pot becoming legal in Canada two days earlier. More cheers.

“I was only joking, but OK.”

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REVIEW

Phoenix Concert Theatre

Toronto

19.10.2018

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY

Maria Meli DYNAMIC | Page 27

The sensual “Hey Angel” was next, waves of guitar phalanxes radiating forward, as Marr sang the hard, breathy and oh-socatchy lyrics. Ginger bassist Iwan Gronow was cool, methodical and immobile.

Single moniker Doviak (guitarist James Doviak), was equally cool, wide-stanced and firmly rooted to the stage, as if the sound being created was unwieldy, though he had a solid grip on it. “Magic” Jack Mitchell, as Marr introduced him, wide-grinned and obviously having fun, beat his drum kit enthusiastically during the whole concert.

With the lights down, Doviak dove into the melancholic and wistful keyboard intro for “Last Night I Dreamt Somebody Loved Me,” drums and bass joined in and Marr’s guitar thundered out as orange

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lights bathed the stage. Where Morrissey’s lamentation made it plaintive and yearning, a destitute beggar looking in the window of a love-filled store he couldn’t afford, those words sung by Marr’s mellifluous voice, coupled with the notes he wrote decades earlier, sounded absolutely uplifting. The song has layers and a big orchestral feel, which is probably why Marr loves everything about it and feels it is the song most representative of The Smiths. The lights behind him were, at times, messianic.

Marr, always appreciative, asked, “This is a pretty good band, right? I’m so proud of them!”

Feeling good, he broached politics, declaring, “I’m surprised you guys haven’t built a wall of your own by now” which segued into the

upbeat “Bug” during which he even changed the lyrics to “Trump come took away, took all our privilege ...”

After a hammering and very danceable “Easy Money” from Playland, he asserted, “Don’t say that was no good, ‘cause it was badass!” The whole evening was badass. The enduring Smiths tunes, the fun of Electronic and his still inventive, driving and layered solo work prove Marr’s music matters.

From his buoyant “Hi Hello” to the complex, soaring and reflective “Walk into the Sea” the emotions Marr transcribes to melodies on Call the Comet have depth and staying power. Marr’s longevity as a guitarsmith is rooted in his ability to create innovative acoustic textures. With Call the Comet, he did something he hasn’t done before – he musically reflected his emotions about

the world. It shows in his music and in his more poetic, sometimes enigmatic lyrics – they leave you to fill in the blanks instead of feeding you all the answers.

Beyond that, he has a resonant speaking voice with a pleasing timbre. On this tour, his voice sounded stronger, perhaps an indication that he has the breathing mechanics mastered.

At the end of “Boys Get Straight” Marr said they have a great time whenever they come here. One wants to believe it, but he’s such a poised, charming man, one wonders if he says it to all cities. Bass blasted out of the speakers. Vibrations shook bodies. Marr adjusted his guitar pegs as he hopped about to get the sawing effect that traverses “How Soon is Now,” one of his musical fingerprints. At

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its end, Marr left the stage with, “See you real soon, if you get my drift.”

He delivered four encores. Before the second one, Marr declared, “Sixteen years ago, the music industry was shit. When the Broken Social Scene record came out, any musician worth their salt bought it.”

He always thinks of his friend Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene member) when he comes to Toronto, and Drew joined him on stage for a rendition of “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want.”

“There is a Light that Never Goes Out,” part marked Morrissey misery and a bigger portion of Marr musical merriment driving the mood of the song, had the audience dancing and happily singing the grisly verses, “… And if a doubledecker bus, crashes into us / To die by your side, is such a heavenly way to die …”

Morrissey’s categorically unhappy lyrics, coupled with Marr’s experimental and optimistic tune overrides the gloom with its buoyancy. It’s unsinkable and it lifts listeners up.

Positivity, grace, a love of art, exploration, inventiveness, and an irrepressible good vibe is in Marr’s DNA and it manifests in the songs he creates, now to a greater degree that he is his own musical master.

Call the Comet’s trajectory lit up the night sky over Toronto.

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<< With Call the Comet, Johnny did something he hasn’t done before – he musically reflected his emotions about the world. It shows in his music and in his more poetic, sometimes enigmatic lyrics – they leave you to fill in the blanks instead of feeding you all the answers. >>

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JOHNNY, REMEMBER ME?

A HANDFUL OF LUCKY FANS SHARE SOME VERY SPECIAL

MEMORIES OF THEIR MEET & GREET VIP

EXPERIENCES ON THE CALL THE COMET TOUR.

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What I’m about to tell you is 100% true.

I bought my friend (Big Mike) tickets to the show and VIP meet and greet to The Fillmore show.

“BIG MIKE”

THE FILLMORE, SAN FRANCISCO

26 SEPTEMBER 2018 STORY SHARED BY BILL SCHUBERT

Two days before the show he was carjacked by two people at gunpoint and lost his car and many of his belongings. The next day his brother-in-law committed suicide. Needless to say, when I picked him up for the show he was visibly shaken up and sad. I told him he didn’t have to go to the show, but he insisted to go and that it would be good to get his mind off of the event from the past few days.

We waited in line to see Johnny and were one of the last people in line. As we approached Johnny, things for my friend began to quickly unravel emotionally and he was doing his best to hold it together, and Johnny could see the pain in his face that this was a person with some deep wounds. Johnny told my friend to come closer and gave him a big hug and told us some life stories and that we’re here tonight to leave all that bad stuff behind and have a good time.

Johnny continued to tell us about the song Hi Hello and asked if he had a daughter, and that song was about his daughter. We probably spent 15 minutes with Johnny and as we left I could see my friend breaking out of his mood and a smile slowly taking over. My friend was on cloud nine the rest of the evening and his troubles for those three hours went away.

Johnny didn’t have to do any of those things with my friend and I hope he knows how powerful that evening was for us and how much we appreciate him taking that kind of time with us. I still get choked up thinking about that night.

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As someone who initially struggled with the premise of being able to “buy an experience”, I wanted to show the upswing of the VIP process, as without it this couldn’t have happened.....

MOLLI HANCOCK

THE BARROWLANDS, GLASGOW

15 NOVEMBER 2018 STORY SHARED BY DAVID HANCOCK

Barrowlands Glasgow, 15/11/18 and I was able accompany my daughter to meet Johnny. I was able to get permission from the American company responsible for the offer, who understood I needed to help my kid as she has a complex set of additional support needs (she hates the “D” word - her preference at home is to call her unique). Aged 17, she tips the tape measure at 4’7”, with associated learning, emotional and processing complications.

Despite knowing everything is harder for each day of her 17 years, the world seems keen to remind her of her difference and what she can’t do each and every day and often. However, from the moment we entered the room Johnny filled her with confidence, from shadow boxing to telling her to pose like they were in a band together. It was indeed Marrvellous.

First line: “Hey my friend, what’s your name... and how old are you?” She replies and says “I am 17”. Johnny stands back weighs up what he sees and replies “you know, it’s a fact..us little ones are definitely coolest.”

They then went on to chat about guitars being cooler than drums, and an interaction when she told Johnny he stuck his tongue out at her at a previous show, and of course football (Johnny playing along that he now supports Raith Rovers). It’s not only in the moment that we find joy, since the meet I have seen a little burst of confidence, a bit more questioning, a bit of attitude that wasn’t there and a bit more feisty, all welcome additions.

Fast forward to the (inevitable) next “episode” of being singled out, ridiculed or questioned at

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school or in the community, and she has rehearsed that I’m not going to need to rescue her, as “next time” her tears wont be there. I asked her why not.....”well, Johnny Marr thinks I am cool”.

Over a 10 year period volunteering to do the media interviews for my local football team, I have interviewed 100 plus football players, managers, musicians, singers, authors, actors and politicians, including a prime minister. I just don’t do nerves meeting people. However, I was star struck: meeting someone whose music has echoed through my life for so many years meant that much. It’s tough being a parent who has to always champion, explain and at times restrain my inner “Jim Watt” from being more direct when people chose to forget this unique kid that they think is fair game to single out is everything to us. My own lasting memory will be getting told “you’re doing great, look after her”. Thanks Johnny; it meant as much as any melody, riff or solo.

A wee funny offshoot is that two days later we had to head to the guitar shop before the Rovers match to buy light gauge strings and a capo, as Johnny said they will be easier to play on the guitar that hasn’t been touched for 10 years. It wasn’t touched as she “would never be able to play it, you know because of my issues…” but since that night in Glasgow she has been trying most nights, and that is all I ever ask of her. In the midst of her love of trashy pop and my connection to what kids thinks of as “weird garage punk”, we have a common musical language, a little oasis populated by the songs and artists we mutually connect to, share and enjoy. That oasis has some music that will have permanent residence, and after our “experience” we headed to hear a show that showcased many of these songs.

“In the midst of her love of trashy pop and my connection to what kids thinks of as “weird garage punk”, we have a common musical language, a little oasis populated by the songs and artists we mutually connect to, share and enjoy.”

Thank you Johnny Marr, just thank you. Thanks to Aly and Ory too for badges and their company, you two widen our connection to the music. It’s not just a consumable for some of us, it’s an emotive, soaring entity that lifts us out of troublesome times and adds colour to the many good times.

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My love and I have a lyric we quote to each other; ‘everything depends upon how near you stand to me’.

One day in November 2018 Life (via my girlfriend) delivered a magical gift. At the Roundhouse in London we got stand VERY near to the beautiful and inspirational Johnny Marr at a VIP event on his UK tour.

SIMON HUDSON & DAISY WILSON

THE ROUNDHOUSE, LONDON

11 NOVEMBER 2018

We stood excitedly like teenagers in the queue, bickering about who would speak first, me desperate not to be a muso or a fanboy zealously keen to mention the Smyths, the band with whom I play the bass guitar. Daisy was like a spinning top, I’ve never seen her so alive!

Johnny made us proud and passionate for the music he made that was the soundtrack to our life. When we met we felt so relaxed, as his charm and warmth shone though towards our excitement.

He signed Daisy’s Queen is Dead LP and stood with us for the photos and I remember feeling a buzz this moment and memory shared here would unite us all somehow, I was convinced we would meet again in some other way! I felt we had a soulful meeting and I felt healed in some way!

I avoided telling him something I know he already knows, as I feared he had been told so many times: That he and his music matter.

They mattered to us in youth and just as much in the now, and wraps us up in magical love, meaning and joy.

It’s really Not like any other love.

- Simon DYNAMIC | Page 36

The Smiths cossetted me in my youth going through the pain of a dysfunctional household and a misunderstood adolescence.

They were my only friend.

Morrissey, Marr, Rourke and Joyce became my shameful secret in my violent marriage, keeping me safe and sane in the dark.

Enveloping me in safety, I escaped into solitude and exclusion from the world.

“Johnny made us proud and passionate for the music he made that was the soundtrack to our life, when we met we felt so relaxed as his charm and warmth shone though towards our excitement.”

Still secretly dancing with my best friend The Smiths in my kitchen, helping to banish the isolation and loneliness.

In 9th January 2016 I was bullied into escaping my isolation to a club in Islington to go and see a band called The Smyths. I was giddy like a child before Christmas.

When I was there I did the bravest thing I had done in years.

The intro to This Charming man rang out, I broke out of my cocoon, I danced in the front row, bathing in this glory of the true me.

The Smiths made this happen.

In true Daisy style I went back to the sanctuary of my prison, and typed an email to the Smyths, thanking them for the time of my life.

The cheeky git bass player messaged me back thanking me for my kind words and offering me friendship and understanding.

Six months later, after falling in love through cyberspace, I, Daisy Brown, am dancing laughing and finally living! Amazingly I am going to Australia touring with The Smyths in January.

However many times you’ve heard this before, I thank you every day for the songs that saved my life.

- Daisy DYNAMIC | Page 37

MJ ZANDER

THE FILLMORE, SILVER SPRING

17 OCTOBER 2018

“Yeah, it’s epic.” Johnny Marr says to me when I mention “Walk Into the Sea” is my favorite song. Coming from anyone else it would smack with a hint of hubris, but coming from Johnny, there is no way to disagree with him; it is exactly as he said, epic. As epic as meeting him on your birthday.

Johnny is an immensely likeable fellow. There’s a genuine friendly and welcoming feeling about him that puts you instantly at ease in his company, as if you’re greeting a friend instead of a man you’ve venerated for 30 years.

My first contact with him isn’t through words or a handshake; I walk over and hug him. It may have been a bold move on my part but I’m rewarded with a warm embrace by a man who has no idea who I am, or so I thought. As I introduce myself, I’m greeted by “I know who you are. I recognize you. We have the same initials, yours are just backwards.”

I hand Johnny the inserts from his three solo CDs and the manual from my JM Jag, and we chat as he signs them. When I tell him it’s my birthday and he’s my gift, he places his arm around me in a playful manner and we pose for a couple photos before he reaches into his pocket and presses a coveted black pick into my hand. On a personal level, that little piece of plastic is the most valuable thing I’ve ever held, and I clench my fist around it like it’s the Hope Diamond.

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When I tell him, I’m going to Manchester to see him on his home turf, he appears genuinely pleased. We chat for a bit before I’m given another warm hug and a kiss on my head, I look at him one more time before leaving because I can’t quite convince myself that what just happened wasn’t some fangirl fantasy I made up in my head.

“Happy Birthday. See you in Manchester,” he says.

As I stand by the front of the stage waiting for the show, my boyfriend disappears, returning a few minutes later with a Call the Comet t-shirt he purchased at the merch table.

“Happy Birthday,” he says handing me the shirt.

I slip it over my head grinning at him as I reply, “it’s been epic.”

“Johnny is an immensely likeable fellow. There’s a genuine friendly and welcoming feeling about him that puts you instantly at ease in his company as if you’re greeting a friend instead of a man you’ve venerated for 30 years.”

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An American in Manchester

By MJ Zander

I

t’s 5 am as I make my way down the dark, damp street toward Piccadilly station. The wheels on my luggage clatter along the pavement as late November drizzle dampens my already somber mood. Saying goodbye is never easy, but this time it’s especially hard because this time I’m saying goodbye to Manchester.

My first impressions of Manchester are overwhelming. There’s a myriad of activity as the city appears to be in a constant state of transformation, reaching towards the future while at the same time preserving its past creating an almost surreal feeling of being in two different epochs at once.

Manchester is full of history and inhabited with fantastic libraries and museums, legacies of a place where knowledge played as much of a role as industry in creating one of the world’s first modern cities.

Pubs, traditional and trendy, eateries, cafes, shops, and even with all this, I’ve traveled 4000 miles for a different reason, and that reason is Johnny Marr.

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Given the success of his American tour, it’s obvious Johnny’s music transcends boundaries. Being in a country where everyone from the Customs and Immigration officer at Manchester Airport to the lovely couple I met in The Bulls Head, knowing who Johnny Marr is without me having to “hum a few bars” was as refreshing as the pint in front of me.

Even before the show, there was a buzz in the air. I realize this sounds like a bad pun, given Manchester’s iconic worker bee, plastered on everything from rubbish bins to coffee house walls, to pub windows. As a visitor it was hard to determine if it was because of my excitement for Johnny or if that buzz is a permanent part of what makes Manchester the amazing place it is. There’s an intensity of feeling in this city, just as there is in Johnny’s music.

Music and lyrics are subjective. Being a visitor on Johnny’s home turf, seeing it with new eyes and a sense of childlike wonder gave all of Johnny’s songs new meaning to me, even though the Manchester I’m visiting is different from the Manchester Johnny grew up in. If I were asked to pick one of Johnny’s songs to represent Manchester, that song would be “Rise”. “Rise” is a concentration of strength and Mancunian pride. An echo from the past to the present, a warning not to repeat the same mistakes. A song that runs through my head as I pass through St. Peter’s Square.

Johnny Marr isn’t just a part of Manchester; Manchester is a part of Johnny Marr. Sense of place is something Johnny recognized as an essential part of his creative process. Call the Comet isn’t an album of random songs, it’s a compilation of stories, each song, a chapter, and as eclectic as the city where he recorded it. Johnny refers to the album as an “emotional response” and his “defiance” of the current political environment. He’s taken that emotional response and defiance, storming through America, Ireland and the UK before bringing it home to Manchester for celebration.

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As a visitor it was hard to determine if it was because of my excitement for Johnny or if that buzz is a permanent part of what makes Manchester the amazing place it is. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an intensity of feeling in this city, just as there is in Johnnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music.

Manchester Central Library

Oldham Street, Northern Quarter

One Angel Square / Angel Meadow

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Johnny Marr isn’t just a part of Manchester; Manchester is a part of Johnny Marr.

It wasn’t just Call the Comet that ran though my earbuds. One can hardly be in Manchester without a comprehensive vision of Johnny’s musical journey. “New Town Velocity” was another tune that kept playing over in my head, making it hard not to emulate the confident, determined gait Johnny utilizes in the video. Standing outside of what are now the Hacienda Apartments brought echoes of a little “Manchester disco anthem” into my head as I tried to envision what the Hacienda had been like during its glory days.

And like Manchester, Johnny too has a fantastic and sometimes turbulent history which makes his show at the white-tiled, art deco Apollo all that more exciting because it too is a part of Mancunian history.

Opening with “The Tracers” and following up with “Bigmouth Strikes Again”, Johnny covers decades of his own history in just those two songs. Experiencing this musical timeline inside an iconic piece of the Manchester music scene left me with an indefinable feeling, a new awareness. I’ve spent hours listening to his music on repeat, watching videos, and reading books and interviews, but seeing Johnny here, now I get it.

Music has this almost magic like quality that unites and bonds people together. It isn’t just Johnny I’ve come here for, it’s the gathering of friends. And even though many of us were meeting for the first time, it felt like a reunion of family coming together after a long separation. I find myself searching for the words to describe the feeling without sounding maudlin and can only liken it to the “hope” Johnny sings about in “Walk Into the Sea.” Johnny described the song as a metaphor about “hope and renewing oneself,” and I think that’s exactly what I took away from the experience. When you’re around the best people on the planet, it’s impossible not to be inspired.

I left Manchester that morning with a sentimental sadness, but also knowing that while I had to leave Manchester, Manchester will never leave me, and this journey was just the first date of a lifelong romance.

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REVIEW

Manchester O2 Apollo 18 Nov 2018

The importance of not being too earnest Words by SEAN FLEMING Photos by MARC MCGARRAGHY of Yellow Mustang Photography

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I

t’s almost six years since Johnny Marr released The Messenger, the first of his solo albums, marking the start of this latest phase in a career that stretches back over four decades. Four

decades that have seen a wealth of outputs as a songwriter, collaborator, producer, author, and now frontman.

And, like thousands of other people, since then I’ve been fortunate enough to see him play live several times.

Funny thing, live music.

I’m reminded of something Johnny said in an interview in 2013 about the way in which people form their own relationships with the songs on an album. A relationship that’s beyond the control or influence of the artist, shaped by the listener’s interpretations, their emotions, their circumstances, and a whole host of other entirely personal stuff.

The Manchester Apollo holds 3,500 people and on Sunday 18th November 2018 it was full. That’s 3,500 people all gathered together in the same place for the same reason, but despite that collective objective, each with their own unique and uniquely individual, personal relationship with Johnny and his music.

From the older songs that saved your life, to the newer ones you’re still enjoying the novelty of getting to know. From the anthems you’ll sing along to as part of the crowd, to the highly personal favourites that transport you back in time to where you were when you first heard and fell in love with them.

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For me, the opening bars of the Headmaster

But it was the build-up to that song that I think

Ritual remind me of exactly how I felt in 1985

I enjoyed most of all. “Has anyone got any

when I heard that song for the very first time – I’d

requests?” Johnny asked us before somehow

heard nothing quite like it before, but it sounded

finding his way into Can’t Get You Out of my

like the very thing I’d been waiting to hear all my

Head, co-written by Cathy Dennis (some of you

life.

may know her) and sung by Kylie Minogue (I expect everyone knows her). It was one of the

But back to the present. Or at any rate, the very

best selling singles of 2001. And here was Johnny

recent past. The night kicked off with a storming

singing it to 3,500 people at the Manchester

little set from London-based Crewel Intentions,

Apollo.

fronted by Chilli Jesson who was the bassist in the now-defunct Palma Violets. If you haven’t

You could almost taste the consternation from

already, you should take time to check them out.

some in the audience.

By 9pm parts of the Apollo were running short

It soon got worse (or better, depending on

on beer and the crowd was ready for the main

your outlook). After a minute or two of tickling

event. And so it was that, bathed in atmospheric

everyone’s inner Kylie, he stopped and told us he

light, the band took to the stage. A progression

finds it funny how he knows that song yet can’t

of riffs and guitar lines from Johnny led the way

remember This Charming Man.

before The Tracers lit up the night and a wave of release went round the Apollo as the crowd

The consternation was now joined by confusion

expressed its delight.

and stunned silence, before “Don’t freak out Manchester, I was only joking,” Johnny said as

As we’ve come to expect from Johnny, the night’s

he launched into the intro of This Charming Man

set was a 70:30 split of new songs and classics.

– one of the most well-known and well-loved

These classics included several Smiths numbers

intros of all time.

and two from Electronic. It was particularly great to hear Get the Message, a song I’ve loved from

Humour..? From the godfather of the British indie

the first time I heard it way back when.

scene? Well, I never. Once upon a time that

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would have been unheard of. Frowned upon,

the old ones were better? No, it doesn’t mean

even.

that either. It’s simply an indication of the longstanding importance some of those songs have in

Frankly, I thought it was delightful. Here is a

the lives of Johnny’s fans.

man at ease with himself. A man who can look his legacy square in the eye and feel neither

While 30 years is a long time in the life of a song,

overwhelmed or embarrassed. His recent work is

five years is a long time in the life of a band.

never anything other than the equal of the things

Any band that’s been playing for that length of

he is more widely renowned for. Which means

time ought to be pretty good. Johnny’s band

he can relax and have fun with it all. I found

were probably pretty good the first time they

that a joyous thing to behold. You might feel

rehearsed together. These days, they’re sublime.

differently, of course. You might prefer the earnest

Iwan Gronow is a remarkable bass player, and

indie sensibility. That’s cool – like I already said,

I’m told no slouch on the guitar either. Doviak

3,500 people sharing one experience and having

isn’t only a master of “all kinds of shenanigans”

their own personal reactions to it. Funny thing,

as Johnny put it, he’s also clearly a brilliant guitar

live music.

player. And as for Magic Jack Mitchell, the man is a phenomenal drummer who manages to be deft

Alas, on the night we only got the intro to one of

and powerful in equal measure. When they play

my favourite songs of all time. If you wanted the

songs from the Smiths’ back catalogue, it’s like

whole of This Charming Man, you’d have needed

hearing those songs the way they were meant to

to be in Hackney a couple of weeks later.

be played, at last.

As you would expect, the most rousing receptions

The Call the Comet songs take on a new

were for the six or so Smiths songs. Why would

dimension when played live. New Dominions,

you expect that? Well, some of us have been

for example, builds layer upon layer from bare

living with those songs for 30+ years. That’s a

foundations to a complex, interwoven musical

long time and over that time a song can become

soundscape. It’s there on the record, of course.

really important to you. Does it mean you don’t

But seeing it played live is a much more visceral

like the newer stuff? No, it doesn’t. Does it mean

experience – the whole thing came to life in a

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Here is a man at ease with himself. A man who can look his legacy square in the eye and feel neither overwhelmed or embarrassed. His recent work is never anything other than the equal of the things he is more widely renowned for.

Which means he can relax and have fun with it all. I found that a joyous thing to behold.â&#x20AC;?

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way I hadn’t anticipated. And that was something I felt about several of the Comet songs. I came thinking how hard it would be to play what seemed like studio tracks live, and I left realising how wrong I had been.

For the three weeks after the gig, I played that album several times a day, every day.

Finishing the main set with How Soon is Now was great – a crowd-pleaser and a simply excellent song. The encore set was great too, perfectly judged and perfectly balanced. But I’d like to pay tribute to some of the things that surprised me on the night.

Like sticking Bigmouth Strikes Again second in the set – how confident do you have to be to do that? And Jeopardy, which started life as the B-side to the exquisite Hi Hello – I didn’t see that one coming.

We’re promised more from Johnny in 2019.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait.

Sean Fleming & Johnny Marr, November 2018 DYNAMIC | Page 54

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A Treatise on the Nature of

C

lness _______ Words and Photos by Aly Stevenson

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cool /kuË?l/ adjective:

1. fashionably attractive or impressive 2. very good : excellent 3. Johnny Marr

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Johnny Marr is cool.

This is not a subjective statement, rooted in this author’s personal biases and unashamed adoration for the man: it is fact.

And it’s not just me - honest.1 Ask anybody to describe Johnny in just a few words, and “cool” is inevitably one of the most commonly chosen adjectives.

Of course Johnny Marr is cool.

How could Johnny Marr not be cool? He plays the guitar (brilliantly, natch). He has great hair. Over the years he’s adopted many of the classic visual monikers of cool: the sunglasses, the (faux-)leather jacket, the cigarette dangling insouciantly from his lips. He’s got Iggy Pop, Debbie Harry, Nile Rodgers and PJ Harvey in his phone book, and goes to football matches with Noel Gallagher. (A City supporter, of course, because like I said, Johnny Marr is cool.)

And yet, these archetypal signifiers of cool do not alone explain why Johnny Marr is viewed as such a fervently revered exemplar of the phenomenon of coolness. This is the “Angel of Radness”2 we’re talking about; the blueprint of Awesomeness from which all other awesome beings are modelled.

What’s his secret?

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The ideal adverb to precede the word cool is “effortlessly”. True coolness is, rather than a singular intrinsic trait, an amalgam of numerous others, and it is the natural possession of those traits that results in the external perception of coolness. Johnny doesn’t ever have to try to be cool: in fact, any actual effort expended in the direct pursuit of coolness automatically renders one uncool. Although Johnny is aware of how he comes across to others - and necessarily so, in his line of work - he’s not preoccupied with his self-image. He’s comfortable in his own skin, knowing that the music he makes speaks for itself, and rightly takes precedent over his image. Especially for a musician of his status, such modesty in his priorities earns him a great deal of respect from his fans and the media alike.

That’s not to suggest that Johnny’s humility ever comes across as shyness or even meekness, though - just the opposite. Johnny is in fact extremely confident, but his confidence expresses itself as easygoing self-assurance rather than arrogance. His is the sort of confidence that says “I like myself, but not too much”. He’s content with who he is and where he’s at in life, and it shows.

One of the most common mistakes one can make about the concept of coolness is that it requires an air of aloofness; a feigned, blasé indifference to pretty much everything and everybody, because such a person is just so incredibly hip and glamorous that they’ve already experienced all of the excitement life has to offer, and the thrill is now gone. Not only is this a pretty tragic cliché, but it also couldn’t be more wrong. Unwillingness to show enthusiasm

is most often the result of fearing that such openness could be seen as a vulnerability, or a product of insecurity, and truly cool people are neither insecure nor afraid of being vulnerable.

Johnny isn’t afraid to publicly embrace his own enthusiasm for his interests, other people, and life in general, because he’s confident and comfortable with showing emotion. It’s cool to care, and Johnny is proof of that. By being unashamedly enthusiastic himself, he’s telling his audience that they shouldn’t be ashamed to be enthusiastic about their passions either - and isn’t that a cool message to send out into the world?

Passion can be infectious, and this is rarely more often so than when it comes to the interests of those we admire. It would have been easy for Johnny to limit his interests, as disclosed to the public at least, to guitars, his favourite musicians, and fashion. It’s a combination of his aforementioned confidence and unashamed enthusiasm that has instead resulted in him sharing with his audiences a much wider range of interests: art; literature; philosophy; architecture; spirituality. This prompts something of an egg and chicken debate: are these topics cool because Johnny’s interested in them, or is Johnny cool because he’s interested in these topics? One could logically conclude that it’s a bit of both, but it also doesn’t really matter. What matters is that because of Johnny, people are raiding their local libraries and book shops for the works of Aldous Huxley, Joan Didion and the Dalai Lama. Because of Johnny, people who previously had no interest in architecture or design are now following the exploits of the Modernist Society, and reading up on Brutalist architecture. Because of Johnny, DYNAMIC | Page 61

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It’s cool to care, and Johnny is proof of that. By being unashamedly enthusiastic himself, he’s telling his audience that they shouldn’t be ashamed to be enthusiastic about their passions either - and isn’t that a cool message to send out into the world?

they’re enrolling in philosophy classes, learning to meditate, and have Google search histories filled with phrases like “marcel duchamp bicycle wheel hi-res” and “what is dada”3. Johnny’s lifestyle influence goes far beyond encouraging fans to take up the guitar, go vegan and start running. His impact is cultural; it’s intellectual; and yes, it’s cool.

Broaching the topic with Johnny several times before in conversation, he’s often mentioned that it makes him happy and proud of his fans when they’re inspired to investigate his cultural and intellectual interests. He has a genuinely respectful and appreciative attitude towards his audience, and regularly makes time to give fans a bit of personal attention.

One of the regularly overlooked factors in the analysis of what makes a person cool is the effect their coolness has on others. Often we assume that a cool person must make us “less cool” folk feel inadequate, or at best, provide us with something to aspire to - but in fact one common trait of truly cool people is that they make other people feel cool, too. When Johnny takes the time to talk to fans, he does so with sincere and enthusiastic interest. His compliments are as ready as they are genuine. In other words: Johnny makes you feel good about yourself.

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as though he’s superior to his fans, nor feels the need to create a hierarchical barrier. To be aware of your own talents and status without letting it affect your ego and your treatment of others is not only cool, but an increasing rarity in our current age of narcissism. Johnny is rightly respected for being an exception to the rule in this regard.

unjust situations with words of solidarity and hopefulness for change, alongside recognition of the problem. When it comes to defending himself, Johnny’s no pushover in that regard either, utilising his sharp wit to put his detractors in their place. If you’ve ever seen his replies to trolls on Twitters, you’ll know as well as I do that Johnny Marr is a total badass.

Johnny’s pleasant nature also manifests itself in a positive attitude and equanimous relationship with his peers and the media. Unlike certain other ex-Smiths (who shall remain nameless, ahem), Johnny isn’t easily ruffled, nor does he court controversy for the sake of attention.

He’s savvy enough to understand the trials and tribulations of the industry he works in, and emotionally well-adjusted enough to deal with them calmly and cleverly. His reputation for being cheerful, dignified and affable makes Johnny the quintessential “unproblematic fave”, to quote the Tumblr crowd. There’s no fear of it ever suddenly becoming uncool to be a Johnny Marr fan, because Johnny’s own coolness is in many ways connected to him simply being an all-round good guy.

Contrary to common belief, coolness is not something one either inherently possesses or doesn’t; nor is it a state that can be attained by following a formulaic path. Coolness is the happy coincidence that results from being comfortable in your own skin, embracing your passions, and having a good attitude towards life and the people you share it with. And if you’ve got Johnny Marr as your role model, it’s safe to say you’re probably already on your way to being just that.

Such affability and positivity as Johnny’s should never be mistaken for obliviousness to serious issues though, or an unwillingness to stand up for himself and others. Johnny has repeatedly over the years demonstrated a considerable political and social conscience, and has no qualms about standing up against injustice. Yet the manner in which he does so prevents him from ever being seen as uptight or overbearing: there’s often an element of dark or sarcastic humour to his words when calling out politicians or other public figures, and he tends to approach DYNAMIC | Page 64

1

My friends Ory, Connor, Catherine, Alison, Linda, Chris, Erica,

Fernanda, Adi, MJ, Paul, Riley, Lee, Emma, Gabe, Edward, Mitsue, Kurt, Kelly, Natalia, Sean, Kirsty, Steven, Elaine, Zed, Craig, Walter, Joe, Juliette, Marc, Sarah, Tove, Chiara, Adam, Simon, Daisy, Andy, Amelia, Fatima, Gavin, Jonny, Sabine, Sue, Melissa, Nick, Liv and David all agree - and they should know, because they’re cool too.

2

See @Johnny_Marr on Twitter, 18 December 2010.

3

“Dada Means Nothing”, according to Tristan Tzara. But then

later in the same manifesto he also said Dada is a whole bunch of stuff, so who knows?

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What makes Johnn He’s never hesitated to show his genuine love for what he does. He’s cool because he doesn’t try to be cool--he’s so unashamedly obsessed with music, which is something that all of us who are geeky about our own thing can really connect with. When he plays, you see total love for his craft. And more than that, he seems to exude gratitude for the position he’s in, being able to do what he loves. In an industry full of divas and arrogance, he’s a guy who loves his guitar, and values the people who listen to him, even while he knows he’s Johnny Fuckin Marr.

- Alisa Harrison

Nothing is ever too much for him. He is always approachable and makes everyone feel relaxed and at ease. And he has never got above himself. If more people were like him then the World would be cool.

- Jason Oliver

Johnny has this incredible talent and makes it look effortless through that calm, confident yet really unassuming air about him. He has presence without showing off. That’s pretty cool to me.

- Karen Brown DYNAMIC | Page 66

Despite being a genius guitarist/songwriter/ rock star/legendary icon, he is incredibly humble in person, generous with his time, kind, supportive, and absolutely hilarious.

- Pete Fergus

Johnny’s ability to connect with all sorts of people by genuinely listening to them makes him cool. He is not dismissive or arrogant. He has the versatility and talent to create both rock and classical music. He is intelligent, well-rounded, compassionate, and not afraid to follow his own path as opposed to that of others. Before it gathered traction, he was a vegan. Despite great success, he has collaborated with many artists and played guitar with them. He has a smooth, relaxing voice.

- Maria Meli

He’s well read and thinks for himself with intellectual capacity. He’s a believer in social justice. He’s warm-hearted and down to earth. He possesses a great sense of humility and humour. He has integrity when it comes to his family. He’s not a washed up rock star who relies solely on his past, he keeps forging ahead and does it well. And he’s got a great sense of style.

- Anhtu Lu

ny Marr so cool?

Many reasons, but if I had to pick one off the top of my head I’d say it’s his ability to connect with young people and make his art and beliefs and interests relevant in our fast paced modern world. Trends and politicians and ideas and celebrities come and go, but Johnny’s strong and centred and consistent sense of self and purpose has always remained in his life and his music. He doesn’t try and adapt to match other pop stars’ style or try to redo his 80s/ Smiths era - he just makes music that means something to him and his listeners of now. I think that’s very cool.

- Holly Flynn

One of the greatest tunesmiths of all time who has shared his journey with us. He is open and engaging with fans and has a genuine interest in his fans, that’s sweet and rare. He’s so easy to admire because he inspires you to be a better musician or human. He also has the best shoes and fans.

- Joe Cvar

He almost always comes across as calm and unruffled. Cool in every sense. In a manic, fast-paced world, that’s attractive to me.

He’s very comfortable in his own skin and with who he is. He’s engaging with his fans and those who he works with and gives both the same respect and engagement.

I also admire the way he’s always worked with so many different styles of musicians, which has kept his style and progression as a musician constantly moving forward. He’s never forgotten where he started out and isn’t afraid of speaking his mind.

I also ultimately think he’d probably be the best person to be around in a crisis.

- Candy Delaney

It’s a given his work ethic makes him cool.

His unbound enthusiasm for life, music and art make him cool. His music...makes him cool. To me, Johnny is the messianic, egoless force for good. Popping up throughout the history of popular music to bring artists together, to lend his talent to the greater artistic good. To offer support to young artists and veterans alike. If he is ever in the ear of the weak it is only ever to make them stronger, happier and more melodic.

- paul Plimmer

- Kate Beeden

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REVIEW

Fabrique Milan 29.11.2018 This was my third time seeing Johnny live this year. After being blown away by

ULNOTT

O LINDA P Y B S D R WO

PHOTOS BY ANDREA BERTOCCHI

the Berlin gig I'd attended in spring during the "Call the Comet" launch shows, and the Glasgow Barrowlands concert on 15th November, I already knew I was in for a real treat.

It had been several years since Johnny Marr had set foot on the Italian peninsula, which has been my home for the last 25 years. It involved a trip from the Gulf of Naples up to the chilly North: the city of Milan, to be precise. It was totally worth the cost and effort, I can assure you.

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I had been a little apprehensive that the venue might be half empty. I know that Johnny’s following in Italy isn’t quite as big as in some other European countries. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see a large gathering of people outside, all filled with anticipation. I could tell by the regional accents that fans had travelled from all over the country to be there. By the time we all took our positions inside, the place was pretty full.

I was fortunate to find myself very close to the stage, so had a prime position to appreciate what was to come. Within a short time the lights went up and Johnny and the band ran on and burst into life with the “The Tracers.” From that point on we were carried off on a wave of amazing music, vibes and energy. These guys are all top of their game, and they know it. They are a group of very tight musicians and they play impeccably. I knew that they had been touring all over for many months, but there was no sign of tiredness and slacking off. Quite the opposite, in fact. Taking into account that Johnny is no longer a young man, you would be forgiven for thinking he was. Apart from being the coolest guy in the whole place, and probably the best dressed (bearing in mind we were in Milan, the home of coolness), he was totally buzzing with enthusiasm, dancing around, joking with the audience and striking poses. Johnny seems to be very happy and comfortable in his position as frontman.

He is entrancing to watch and listen to. Hence the reason I keep travelling long distances to see him play...Mr Marr, you have become my expensive habit!

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We were treated to 9 songs from the epic “Call the Comet” album. The audience seemed to rate all the new material highly. In particular, I really enjoyed “Spiral Cities” and “Rise”. The latter is an absolute monster of a song played live. Johnny had been at a book signing event earlier in the day, and he said some fans there had requested that he play the beautiful “New Town Velocity”. Needless to say, everyone appreciated the offering. I was glad to hear that he had included my two favourite Electronic tracks, “Getting away with it” (I will never tire of that guitar part), and the upbeat and funky “Get the message”. In both cases Johnny’s solo versions outshine the originals. Obviously, Johnny added a sprinkling of Smiths classics, which are always received well by the fans. After an encore, he brought the show to an end with “You just haven’t earned it yet baby”, which went down a storm.

I sincerely hope that Johnny and the band make it back to Italy in the very near future. If you are reading this, Johnny: the Gulf of Naples is very nice in late Spring, I’ve heard...

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Roald Dahl We interview three fans who've travelled extensively to follow their passion for Johnny Marr on the UK and European Call The Comet tour.

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Number of gigs attended on the Call The Comet tour: 14

Which gig was the highlight of the tour for you, and why?

The gig at EartH was a jubilant celebration!!

How long have you been a fan of Johnnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for, and how did you first discover his music?

I fell in love when I heard the intro of This Charming Man from a radio in late 1983. Although I had a long interval until reunited with Johnny after The Smiths split.

What is it about Johnny and his music that inspires you to attend so many gigs on a tour?

His music has therapeutic effects on me. Seeing him always gives me positive energy and joy welling up my heart.

What was the most difficult thing about travelling for so many gigs?

I was lucky to be based in my friend's flat in London so I didn't have to carry heavy suitcases!

What is your favourite song from Johnnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current set lists?

Aside from the gigs themselves, what was the highlight of the tour for you?

Hey Angel, I feel energy of astral light.

Seeing my friends and building up my skill for troubleshooting!

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Number of gigs attended on the Call The Comet tour: 12

'Summer In The City'!

It was my first time to see Johnny playing a song that wasn't his.

Lastly, the crowd was amazing.

They were so enthusiastic that they sang along all his song together.

How long have you been a fan of Johnnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for, and how did you first discover his music?

I've been his fan for 3 years.

I've known Johnny for a long time but I've never heard his songs. One day I saw 'New Town Velocity' music video on Youtube. I can't remember how I saw it, but after that I became his fan.

Which gig was the highlight of the tour for you, and why?

London was the best gig.

Johnny played the gig at the Roundhouse and that place was very awesome. It had perfect lighting and the inside was so cool.

Also the sound was amazing.

And there was a special guest in London. Johnny and Matt sang DYNAMIC | Page 76

What is it about Johnny and his music that inspires you to attend so many gigs on a tour?

Playing!

When you see his playing live, you can't stop from going on to the gigs because you are not satisfied with it once. I think nothing when I see Johnny playing the guitar. It's like his music and I are the only one left in the world. He makes me forget

sadness and gives me hope. He literally saves me. That's why I keep going to see his concerts.

Also, Johnny is so sweet. He remembers every fans and talks to them even if he is busy. He is so perfect in every way.

What is your favourite song from Johnnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current set lists?

At first it was Jeopardy. As soon as you hear that song, you can't stop yourself from moving your body. However, I was beginning to like 'Hey Angel' as I went to more gigs.

There was a scene where Johnny waving his arms like an angel under the lighting focused on him. I can't forget that. I even made a slogan after the title!

What was the most difficult thing about travelling for so many gigs?

No time for rest! I barely had time to take a rest between each gigs because Johnny played the gigs almost successively. I had to move early, unpack the stuff, watch the gig and pack the stuff then move early again. Fortunately, there was good public transportation in Britain so it wasn't hard to move.

Aside from the gigs themselves, what was the highlight of the tour for you?

People!!! Thanks to Johnny, I've met so many good people like Joanne, Sue, Caroline, Aly and Ory. It was really good to talk about Johnny and his music with friends after and before the gig. I could enjoy the gigs more. Also they helped me a lot and I wasn't lonely at all.

I really want to see them again on the next tour!

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Number of gigs attended on the Call The Comet tour: 11

Not because it was yet another Smiths song added to his set, but because it showed how far Johnny had come as a solo performer. He put away the Jaguar, picked up the mic and we saw what a brilliant singer and confident front man he had grown into. (Must mention Doviak who nailed it on guitar.)

How long have you been a fan of Johnny’s for, and how did you first discover his music?

Which gig was the highlight of the tour for you, and why?

Hackney was phenomenal!

It felt really special as the final gig of the whole Call The Comet run, not just for us fans but also for Johnny, the band and the crew.

And after all the teasing with the opening riff it was great to finally hear This Charming Man in full.

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Manchester’s music scene has always fascinated me and it was one of my reasons for moving there 14 years ago. Too young to remember The Smiths in their day, I’m a 90s girl and Britpop was the soundtrack of my teenage years.

But it’s a small world and Johnny has influenced, worked with and helped many artists that I’m also a big fan of. I’ve always admired how kind and intelligent he comes across in interviews, and it was his philosophy and attitude to life that inspired me to explore his music more. The Smiths, Electronic, his solo work - love and listen to it all every day.

What is it about Johnny and his music that inspires you to attend so many gigs on a tour?

Johnny has touched so many people’s lives in many different ways and mine is just another one of those stories. I’ve been living with depression all my life and was in a particularly dark place when I happened to pick up his autobiography Set The Boy Free which changed my life - literally. I turned my lifestyle around - quit drinking, became vegan and seriously got into running which has had an incredible positive effect on my physical and mental health. I love that Johnny’s never been judgmental or preachy about people’s lifestyle choices, he’s just a perfect role model and an example of vitality and lust for life. I’ve been to his gigs before, but when this tour was announced I couldn’t resist booking as many dates as I could - in a way as a thank you and also as an opportunity to take in as much of that life-affirming energy as possible. Johnny has this wonderful ability to bring out the best in people, and I genuinely feel like a significantly improved version of myself, thanks to him.

What is your favourite song from Johnny’s current set lists?

Call The Comet is a fantastic record, dark and edgy, and it sounds great live alongside Johnny’s older and very old songs. My current favourite is Day In Day Out - a song about obsession and restless, over-analysing mind. If my life had a theme song, this would be it - the lyrics are just so close to home. “Obsess to excess is all I wanna do and can” is my favourite line and such a Johnny thing to say and “Dream, scheme fast and live now!” is a great example of his idea of finding clarity and purpose and being in the moment. In my opinion, lyrically one of the best songs Johnny’s ever written.

What was the most difficult thing about travelling for so many gigs?

I travel a lot anyway, so planning and juggling transport connections, staying at hotels and living out of a suitcase is actually a hobby of mine.

The most difficult thing about a tour in winter, however, is being outside in the cold, wind and sometimes rain for hours - waiting to meet the band and starting the queue early to guarantee the top spot at the barrier. But every time a chat with Johnny and a hug cheers you up immensely and makes it all worthwhile!

Aside from the gigs themselves, what was the highlight of the tour for you?

Definitely meeting and chatting to Johnny, Doviak, Jack and Iwan. They’re all such lovely people, very friendly and approachable. Johnny is such a gent and is genuinely interested in his fans and in hearing their stories. He radiates such positive energy, that’s why people gravitate to him.

And the same goes for Johnny’s fans - they really are the soundest people, and I’ve made some badass gig going friends on this tour!

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Acknowledgements .../

WRITING >>> Sean Fleming Maria Meli alison moore Linda Poulnott Mj Zander

PHOTOGRPAHY >>> Andrea Bertocchi ILZE frey Marc McGarraghy Maria Meli

artwork>>> RILEY LANGSTON

ADDITIONAL THANKS >>> jAMES dOVIAK iLZE fREY iWAN gRONOW dAVID hANCOCK sIMON hUDSON hA yOUNG hWANG mITSUE kURATA jACK mITCHELL alison moore bILL sCHUBERT dAISY wILSON

And as always, a very special thank you to Johnny, for being so generous with his time, and for his ongoing support of this publication.

Cover design by Ory Englander.

Additional uncredited photos on pages 3, 18-25, 32, 39-44, 56-65, 70-72, 80 + front and back covers by Aly Stevenson Image treatments on pages 4-9, 31, 40, 55, 70-72, 80 + front cover by Ory Englander.

Main logo font by Woodcutter.

Dynamic is designed by Ory Englander and Aly Stevenson using Adobe InDesign CC.

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