Johnny Marr: “It was a shame the way The Smiths ended – but there was a lot at stake”

Johnny Marr examines his life in pictures in the new issue of Uncut (dated August 2013, and out on July 4).

The guitarist recalls his teenage years, his time with The Smiths, and his work with Electronic, The The, Modest Mouse and The Cribs, as well as his recent solo career, in the piece.

Talking about a photograph of The Smiths taken in Manchester in 1987, Marr says: “We transcended being a pop band by then. We meant something different. I’ve always been very proud of the fact that we were heavy, lyrically and musically, and live. And you can tell in that photo.

“It was a shame the way things ended. But we were all very young, still. There was a lot at stake, and it’s understandable.”

The new issue of Uncut is out on Thursday (July 4).