WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
Amidst the vibrant energy of a sold-out crowd, Johnny Marr took the stage at the Rockin Chair venue in Wrexham, North Wales, turning an already hot and sweaty room into a cauldron of pure musical magic. With a legendary reputation preceding him, Marr’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, taking the audience on a journey through his storied career.
The Rockin Chair, a relatively small but renowned venue, proved to be the perfect backdrop for an intimate evening of music. As the crowd buzzed with excitement, Marr kicked off the show with an electrifying presence that instantly captured everyone’s attention. It was immediately clear that this was a night to remember.
Marr’s setlist was a masterful blend of his work with The Smiths and his solo releases, effectively weaving together decades of musical brilliance. The moment he launched into “This Charming Man,” the atmosphere erupted with an energy that seemed to transcend time. The room resonated with a collective nostalgia, each note a reminder of the timeless impact of The Smiths’ music.
However, the performance wasn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Marr skillfully showcased his evolution as an artist, featuring tracks from across his solo discography. His intricate, ringing guitar parts danced through the air, a testament to his unwavering commitment to innovation. What truly set Marr’s performance apart was his ability to craft melodies that felt both familiar and refreshingly original, a reminder of his status as a true songwriting craftsman.
Marr’s guitar prowess was a sight to behold, his fingers nimbly dancing across the strings, producing a cascade of notes that seemed to effortlessly defy clichés. His guitar work paid homage to the classic British guitar pop sound while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible within that genre. This balance between homage and innovation was a recurring theme throughout the night, a testament to Marr’s dedication to his craft.
The audience was in awe throughout the entire performance, soaking in every riff and lyric as if they were savoring the essence of British music history. Marr’s stage presence exuded confidence, humility, and a genuine connection with his audience. The sweat-drenched room became a space for shared experiences, for fans to unite in their admiration for a true musical legend.
As the final notes of the evening echoed through the Rockin Chair, the thunderous applause and cheers that followed were a resounding testament to Johnny Marr’s enduring influence. His performance wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of his legacy, a journey through time and sound that left everyone in attendance feeling privileged to have witnessed such an iconic artist in action.
In a world where musical legends come and go, Johnny Marr’s performance at the Rockin Chair reaffirmed his status as a true legend of his time. His ability to bridge the past and present with his music, his guitar wizardry, and his undeniable charisma made for a night that will be etched into the memories of those fortunate enough to be there.
SET LIST
1/ DAY IN DAY OUT
2/ STOP ME IF YOUV’E HEARD THIS ONE BEFORE (Smiths)
3/ SENSORY STREET
4/ THE ANSWER
5/ ARIEL
6/ NEW TOWN VELOCITY
7/ SPIRIT POWER AND SOUL
8/ SPIRAL CITIES
9/ THIS CHARMING MAN (Smiths)
10/ SOMEWHERE
11/ WALK INTO THE CITY
12/ HI HELLO
13/ PANIC (Smiths)
14/ PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LET ME GET WHAT I WANT (Smiths)
15/ EASY MONEY
16/ HOW SOON IS NOW (Smiths)
ENCORE
17/ ARMATOPIA
18/ I FEEL YOU (Depeche Mode)
19/ THERE IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT (Smiths)
20/ GETTING AWAY WITH IT (Electronic)
FOLLOW JOHNNY MARR
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
