Johnny Marr Net Worth

What is Johnny Marr's net worth?

Johnny Marr is an English musician, singer, and songwriter who has a net worth of $14 million. Best known as the co-founder and guitarist of the legendary alternative rock band The Smiths, Johnny Marr's distinctive jangly guitar sound helped define the sound of British indie music in the 1980s. Though his partnership with Morrissey was short-lived, The Smiths' influence on modern rock is immeasurable. After the group disbanded, Marr carved out a wide-ranging career as a session player, touring guitarist, collaborator, and solo artist. He has worked with acts like The Pretenders, Electronic, Modest Mouse, and The Cribs, and launched his own successful solo career in the 2010s. Known for his musical versatility, understated charisma, and innovation with tone and melody, Marr is considered one of the most important guitarists of his generation.

Early Life and Musical Influences

Johnny Marr was born John Martin Maher on October 31, 1963, in Manchester, England, to Irish immigrant parents. He grew up in a working-class household in the Wythenshawe area, developing a deep love for music at a young age. By his early teens, he was already playing guitar and writing songs, inspired by glam rock, punk, and classic pop acts like T. Rex, The Rolling Stones, and Marc Bolan. Marr briefly attended the Manchester School of Art and played in several short-lived bands before finding the musical chemistry that would define his early career.

The Smiths

In 1982, Marr famously knocked on the door of singer Steven Morrissey's house with the idea of forming a band. Their creative partnership led to the formation of The Smiths, which also included bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce. The group quickly became one of the most important and beloved bands of the 1980s, known for their literate lyrics, emotional vulnerability, and shimmering guitar work. Marr's innovative playing on tracks like "This Charming Man," "How Soon Is Now?," and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" helped shape the post-punk and indie rock landscape.

The band released four studio albums between 1984 and 1987, each receiving critical acclaim and commercial success. However, internal tensions—particularly between Marr and Morrissey—eventually led to the band's breakup in 1987. Marr has often cited a lack of creative control and burnout from the relentless pace as key reasons for his departure.

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Morrissey Feud

Marr's relationship with Morrissey has remained contentious since the dissolution of The Smiths. The two have frequently clashed in public, with Morrissey occasionally criticizing Marr in interviews and on social media. Marr, for his part, has responded with a mix of measured dignity and open frustration, often urging Morrissey to stop invoking his name in public discourse.

Despite persistent rumors and fan hopes, Marr and Morrissey have repeatedly turned down what Marr has described as "extremely lucrative" offers to reunite The Smiths. These offers, sometimes reported to be in the tens of millions of dollars, have been rejected due to irreconcilable personal differences. Marr has made it clear that while he's proud of the music they made together, he has no interest in reuniting with someone he no longer respects or trusts. In his words, "It's not just about money. It's about integrity."

Collaborations and Session Work

Following the breakup of The Smiths, Marr began an extraordinarily diverse and collaborative phase of his career. In 1987, he played with The Pretenders on their album "Get Close" and soon after joined The The for their 1989 release "Mind Bomb." In the early '90s, he formed Electronic with Bernard Sumner of New Order, blending guitar pop with synth-driven dance music. Their debut single "Getting Away With It," featuring vocals by Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys, became a UK hit.

Throughout the '90s and 2000s, Marr built a reputation as a sought-after session and touring guitarist. He contributed to albums by artists including Talking Heads, Beck, Oasis, Pet Shop Boys, and Bryan Ferry. His ability to adapt to various genres—from Britpop to synthpop to American indie—cemented his legacy as a chameleonic and collaborative force in music.

Modest Mouse, The Cribs, and Film Scores

In 2006, Marr joined the American indie rock band Modest Mouse as a full-time member, co-writing songs for their 2007 album "We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. His work brought a new sonic depth to the band's sound, and he toured extensively with them for several years.

He later joined British indie band The Cribs from 2008 to 2011, contributing to their album "Ignore the Ignorant." Marr also began experimenting with soundtrack composition, scoring films such as "Inception" and "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" in collaboration with composer Hans Zimmer.

Solo Career

Marr launched his solo career in earnest with the 2013 album "The Messenger," followed by "Playland" in 2014, both of which received strong reviews for their sharp songwriting and energy. Subsequent solo albums—"Call the Comet" (2018) and "Fever Dreams Pts 1–4" (2022)—have further demonstrated his enduring creativity and relevance in modern rock. Marr's solo work often revisits the melodic instincts and layered guitar textures that first made him famous while exploring more electronic and introspective territory.

Legacy and Recognition

Johnny Marr is widely recognized as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His distinctive playing style—marked by arpeggios, alternate tunings, and melodic layering—has influenced generations of musicians. In 2013, he was awarded the NME Godlike Genius Award, and in 2023, Rolling Stone ranked him among the top 100 guitarists ever.

Unlike many of his peers, Marr has maintained a relatively low profile outside of music. Known for his professionalism and collaborative spirit, he has often distanced himself from the drama and controversy surrounding his former bandmate Morrissey. Instead, Marr has focused on evolving musically, mentoring younger artists, and championing the art of songwriting.

Personal Life

Marr lives with his longtime partner and their two children in the UK. He is a lifelong vegetarian, committed runner, and supporter of causes including animal rights and political activism. Though he has never rejoined The Smiths despite constant rumors and offers, Marr remains proud of the band's legacy while continuing to forge his own path, quietly prolific and always moving forward.

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