Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr has announced an intimate Liverpool show to celebrate his first studio album in four years. The 62-year-old's new record, The Age Of Everything, is scheduled for release on Friday, October 2.
Johnny Marr's Career Highlights
Johnny first rose to prominence as guitarist and songwriter for The Smiths, alongside singer Morrissey, bassist Andy Rourke, and drummer Mike Joyce. The influential band released four critically acclaimed studio albums — The Smiths (1984), Meat Is Murder (1985), The Queen Is Dead (1986), and Strangeways, Here We Come (1987) — before disbanding in 1987. The group achieved three UK Top 10 singles and became known for tracks including How Soon Is Now?, This Charming Man, and Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now.
Since launching his solo career with 2013's The Messenger, Johnny has released a string of successful records, all of which have reached the UK Top 10. He also collaborated with Billie Eilish and Hans Zimmer on the 2020 James Bond theme No Time To Die and has spent time as a member of bands including The The, The Cribs, and Modest Mouse.
New Album Details
The fifth solo album follows 2022's Fever Dreams Pts 1-4, while its lead single, Spin, was released today, Tuesday, June 16. Speaking about the new album, Johnny said: "This is the record that's been the most cathartic. The title came to me early in the process and became an inescapable idea. It seemed to sum up the way I think a lot of people are feeling. It's all-encompassing but it's not necessarily a negative statement."
"There's a sense of overwhelm in the culture brought about by technology but, looking at it with a different light, there could also be a sense of possibility."
UK Tour Dates
The rock legend will support the album with a series of UK dates, including shows at Manchester's Castlefield Bowl on Thursday, July 9, and London's Wembley Arena on Saturday, October 24. The performances will be preceded by intimate warm-up gigs at Leeds' Stylus on Monday, July 6, and Liverpool's O2 Academy on Tuesday, July 7.
Fans who pre-order The Age Of Everything through Marr's official store will receive access to an exclusive presale, which opens at 10am on Wednesday, June 17, ahead of the general sale at 10am on Friday, June 19.
Album Production and Formats
The 10-track album was written in London and recorded in Manchester, with many of the songs developed while Marr was touring North America. During the tour, audiences were treated to several new and previously unheard tracks. The Age Of Everything will be released across streaming platforms, CD, and vinyl formats, including black vinyl, a limited-edition red vinyl pressing, and an exclusive three-colour splatter vinyl available through the artist's official store.
This announcement comes after the M&S Bank Arena confirmed that Morrissey would perform there as part of a new UK tour supporting his latest album, Make-up is a Lie. The M&S Bank Arena said: "Morrissey's enduring legacy as one of the most influential figures in British pop history remains irrefutable. With a career spanning 44 years, he has achieved a remarkable 25 top ten album placings in the UK, 15 as a solo artist and 10 with the legendary band The Smiths." The Smiths split in 1987, and speculation of a reunion has continued ever since.
