Johnny Marr announces solo debut headline tour and album

The mesmerising return of Johnny Marr - one of the most celebrated and influential guitarists in the history of contemporary music – gathers pace with the news that he will follow the February 25th release of his debut solo album 'The Messenger' with his first ever solo tour.

Already winning critical acclaim, 'The Messenger' has been previewed by the title track which is currently accumulating radio play. Marr's current resurgence has also been supported by his recent Q Hero Award and by NME's Ultimate Band feature in which he was named above fellow guitar legends including Jimi Hendrix, John Squire and Jimmy Page.

Marr's first solo tour is scheduled as below. In addition to a London date at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, the tour will conclude with what will surely be a triumphant homecoming show at Manchester's HMV Ritz.

March

10th – Oxford, O2 Academy
11th – Norwich, Waterfront
12th – Cambridge, Junction
14th – Brighton, Concorde
15th – London, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
16th – Birmingham, HMV Institute
18th – Sheffield, Leadmill
19th – Glasgow, ABC
20th - Liverpool O2, Academy
22nd – Manchester, HMV Ritz

Tickets go on sale from the usual agents at 9am on Friday December 7th at a price of £22.50 for London and Manchester and £19.50 for all other dates here.

Recorded in Manchester and Berlin, 'The Messenger' sees Marr contributing vocals, guitar and production. It was mastered at Abbey Road by Frank Arkwright who recently collaborated with Marr on the remastering work for The Smiths' box set 'Complete'. It finds Marr's vocals leading a sound which mixes elements of angular art-rock, indie and rock 'n' roll.

Song titles which appear on the album include 'The Right Thing Right', 'I Want The Heartbeat', 'European Me', 'Word Starts Attack' and 'Upstarts'.