The NME Awards 2013 is proud to announce that Johnny Marr, one of the most celebrated guitarists in the history of contemporary music, is the winner of its prestigious NME Godlike Genius Award.
Marr has confirmed he will pick up the award at the iconic NME Awards 2013, which will take place on Wednesday 27th February at its brand new home, The Troxy in East London.
Johnny Marr says: “It is a very nice thing to be getting this award and I am honoured. The NME seems to be good at giving this award to people I like so I’m in good company. I guess it means that some things are alright with the world.”
Marr is best known for his work alongside Morrissey as the creative force behind The Smiths who defined modern indie music as we know it. Every significant British guitar band of the last quarter-century – including the Stone Roses, Blur, Radiohead, Oasis and The Arctic Monkeys – are unthinkable without them.
After leaving The Smiths in 1987, Marr has continued his career as an official member or touring guitarist for a diverse array of acclaimed bands including The Pretenders, The The, Electronic, Modest Mouse and The Cribs. He also formed Johnny Marr + The Healers and collaborated on making the score for the 2010 science-fiction/drama film Inception. Marr has guested on recordings by Kirsty MacColl, Billy Bragg, the Pet Shop Boys, John Frusciante, Talking Heads and Beck. He will release his debut solo album ‘The Messenger’ on February 25.
NME editor Mike Williams says: “All hail Johnny Marr, NME Godlike Genius 2013 and the newest recruit into NME’s holy order of music legends. And what a legend he is! Not content with rewriting the history of music with one of the world’s greatest ever bands, The Smiths, he’s continued to push boundaries and evolve throughout his career, working with some of the best and most exciting artists on the planet. So it gives me great pleasure to announce Johnny as our Godlike Genius. Never has anyone been so utterly deserving of the title.”
The NME Godlike Genius Award is an accolade that is only handed out to the true greats of the music world. The culmination of the evening, it recognises the very best of the best. Previous winners include The Clash, Paul Weller, The Cure, Manic Street Preachers, New Order & Joy Division, Dave Grohl and last year Noel Gallagher.
Music fans have cast thousands of votes across 22 categories for this year’s awards. New bands, cult heroes and rock legends lead the nominations with The Rolling Stones up for four awards alongside M.I.A and two never before nominated acts – Tame Impala and Haim. Unsung Heroes of NME Awards past, The Maccabees, receive three nods along with NME Awards favourites Arctic Monkeys and David Bowie. To cast your vote visit www.nme.com/awardsvote
Published on 12 February 2013 by Wayne Feltham
