Set the Boy Free written and read by Johnny Marr (audiobook extract) by Penguin Books UK published on 2016-10-26T16:40:30Z ‘I saw Johnny Marr live in person, with The Smiths. He was light on his feet; like quicksilver. He caused the band to swing like crazy. And he smoked his cigarette like a star. I’ve been influenced ever since.’ Iggy Pop Johnny Marr was born in 1960s Manchester to Irish emigrant parents and knew from an early age that he would be a musician. Forming his first band at thirteen, Marr spent his teenage years on the council estates of Wythenshawe playing guitar, devouring pop culture and inventing his own musical style. It wasn't until the early eighties, when Marr turned up on the doorstep of a singer named Steven Patrick Morrissey, that both a unique songwriting partnership and the group recognised as one of the most iconic bands of all time were formed. In 1983 The Smiths released their first single, and within a year their eponymous debut album reached number two in the UK chart, paving the way for mainstream and critical success on their own terms. For Marr, tensions within the band and desire for a wider musical scope led to his departure from The Smiths in 1987, ensuring the end of one of the most influential British groups of a generation. Genre Audiobooks Comment by Ahmed Hasni 16 2018-01-12T14:44:51Z Comment by roberts_elvis https://soundcloud.com/roberts_elvis/home-cover-by-elvis-roberts 2017-06-20T23:01:03Z Comment by Zarah Shah Excellent book. 2016-11-14T13:30:00Z