On a sopping wet evening stereotypically reserved for Manchester and it’s legendary drizzle, it’s only fitting that we’re off to see one of their bona fide living legends, Johnny Marr. Tonight he brings his Spirit Power tour to the Liverpool Olympia, a historic venue steeped in the scouse tradition and currently home to a snaking queue of punters holding various items over their heads in a display of desperate improvisation.
Originally opened in 1905 as a theatre and music hall, the Olympia has hosted an exhaustive range of performances over the years and birthed many a tall tale, a selection of which made their way to opener Gaz Coombes via the beloved doorman who can’t help but find himself besotted with the venue, and it’s potential to be haunted by elephants, during his set. As such it’s cemented its status as a cultural landmark in Liverpool, one that seems to cycle through peaks and troughs, but for now its stock seems to be rising again.
For Johnny Marr it’s a fitting venue to mark his now decade-long journey as a solo artist. Marr, renowned for his unrivalled guitar work, immediately causes the crowd to erupt with the iconic chords of The Smiths’ classic Panic, setting the tone for a boisterous evening of musical flaunting. Within a couple of songs it’s clear to see how the night will play out, mixing solo material with those ever so iconic songs from his time and work as a founding member of The Smiths. Not that it was ever in doubt.
Watching one of the UK’s top guitarists perform is always a delight. Marr and his band perform the Smiths tracks like they are their own without a trace of imitation, which makes it all the sweeter when solo efforts like Generate! Generate! stand up and stand out, receiving a warm reception. Unsurprisingly the audience’s biggest cheer comes for There Is A Light That Never Goes Out and the biggest compliment to Johnny Marr is that you don’t jump to imagine someone else singing it. How Soon Is Now is a personal highlight of the night. It’s a timeless gem that harks back to the collaborative brilliance of Johnny Marr and Morrissey during their tenure with The Smiths… and Charmed. Never has social anxiety ever felt so charming. Marr himself has acknowledged the enduring power of the song, citing it as one of the band’s highpoints. It’s regular inclusion in both artists’ setlists, even three decades after its release, speaks volumes about its enduring significance and lasting appeal.
Marr handled The Smiths‘ vocals impressively, avoiding imitation while confidently commanding the stage with a touch of swagger. Amidst chants of “Johnny, Johnny, Johnny fucking Marr” from the crowd, he engages in lively banter with the audience, expressing his gratitude. “Saturday night in Liverpool, I am honoured.” Also reflecting on the city’s musical legacy, Marr is quick to quip, “It’s nerve-wracking, not just because I’m a Mancunian but because I think all of you can play“, cheekily adding, “Hands up those of you who weren’t in The La’s.” The dads laugh, the kids look at them quizzically, now in receipt of homework.
Marr has had quite the career after The Smiths, collaborating with huge artists all over the globe and being involved with film scores amongst other musical projects. It’s certainly a much more interesting career than his former counter part. The majority of the crowd are here for the classics and that’s more than fine, Marr is in his 60s now (although it’s very hard to tell!) and those songs have sound-tracked multiple generations. A lot of dad and lads in the crowd and it’s great to see. A testament to Johnny Marr and the power of his output as one of the finest musicians from the early days of Madchester. This is one charming man. Johnny Marr is undoubtedly one of the greatest guitarists to ever do it, seeing it live is a real privilege.
Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes was in support tonight (we know right?!), treating fans to a performance featuring tracks from his impressive trio of solo albums: Turn the Car Around, Matador and The World’s Strongest Man. Engaging the audience with intimate anecdotes throughout, Coombes shared the personal significance behind songs like The Girl Who Fell to Earth. Displaying his musical versatility, Coombes navigates between genres, from electronica to Americana, showcasing his experimental edge as an artist. Standout moments included the infectious grooves of Feel Loop (Lizard Dream) and the emotive melodies of Don’t Say It’s Over and Deep Pockets. With the set concluding all too soon, fans were left eagerly anticipating Coombes’ next move. Personally we can’t wait to see what Coombes does next, he’s one of the most interesting British artists currently working. Long Live the Strange.
Photos by Alex Cropper.
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