THE LEGENDARY Johnny Marr will be performing an intimate gig in Limerick – and tickets are to go on sale this week.

The Smiths’ co-founder and co-songwriter will perform at The Big Top in Limerick’s Milk Market, on June 24, 2024.

Johnny Marr (Maher) was born in Manchester of Irish parents who hailed originally from Athy, County Kildare. Playing music since the age of 13, Marr was co-founder and co-songwriter in The Smiths.

Marr created the distinctive Smiths jangly guitar sound, a sound which has gone on to influence countless bands such as The Cranberries, The Sundays, The Decemberists and The National.

It is Johnny Marr that we have to thank for such classics as This Charming Man, There Is A Light, That Never Goes Out and Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want.

Since leaving The Smiths, Johnny Marr has carved out an award-winning career as a collaborator

and solo-artist. Marr has played with The Pretenders, Modest Mouse and The Cribs. He formed Electronic with Bernard Sumner of New Order and has also collaborated with Talking Heads, Bryan Ferry and Hans Zimmer.

One of his most notable projects in recent years was the creation of a soundtrack for the 25th James Bond Movie No Time To Die.

Marr’s solo output has gone from strength to strength and his recent performance at the 2023 Electric Picnic can only be described as sublime. Johnny Marr has just released a ‘Spirit Power’, a compilation of his best songs from his solo recordings. He has also just published a new book called Marr’s Guitars. It contains photographs of each of Marr’s guitars and a short essay on each by the man himself.

In 2010, Marr was voted the fourth-best guitarist of the last 30 years in a BBC Poll. Mojo have described him as arguably Britain’s last great guitar stylist and the NME gave him their ‘Godlike Genius’ award in 2013.

Announcing the news, Mick Dolan said: “We are delighted to welcome the legendary Johnny Marr back to Limerick. Johnny last played in Limerick with The Smiths in November 1984 at the old Savoy. As the man responsible for the unique and highly influential sound of The Smiths and a hugely successful artist in his own right, Johnny Marr is up there with the world’s guitar greats such as Rory Gallagher and Jimmy Hendrix. The gig promises to be a major highlight marking our 30 years in the music business.”

Neil Dolan added: “Dolans are beyond excited to announce this gig with Johnny Marr. Our venue has, for many years, celebrated the sounds emanating from Manchester. To have a founding member of The Smiths and one of the world’s greatest guitarists play at Limerick’s Milk Market is a major milestone for us. This gig is a must for all Indie music fans.”

Tickets will be on sale this Friday, November 24 at 10am via Dolans.ie