Johnny Marr’s latest project, Marr’s Guitars, offers a powerful glimpse into the life and evolution of one of Britain’s most inventive guitarists, told not through traditional autobiography but through the instruments that have shaped his sound and artistic identity. Each guitar in his extensive collection carries with it a melody, a moment, or a milestone, forming a deeply personal soundtrack of his career. From his groundbreaking work with The Smiths to later collaborations with Modest Mouse, Hans Zimmer, and others, these guitars are more than tools—they’re historical artifacts of modern music.
The book is brought to life through the lens of acclaimed photographer Pat Graham, who captures each guitar with a quiet reverence. The images include both full portraits and intricate close-ups that reveal every scratch, worn fret, and personalized modification. These visuals are paired with Marr’s own stories and reflections, creating a dialogue between man and instrument. His words provide the emotional and creative backstory for each guitar, such as his beloved Rickenbacker 330, the iconic Gibson ES-355, or the Fender Jaguar that was crafted to his specifications and now bears his name.
Within the collection are instruments that carry their own legends. There is a Stratocaster once owned by Nile Rodgers, a Hagstrom from Bryan Ferry’s Roxy Music period, and a Yamaha inherited from the folk great Bert Jansch. Some of these guitars have since moved on to new owners, like the Stratocaster Noel Gallagher used to record “Wonderwall,” or the Goldtop Gibson heard on Radiohead’s In Rainbows, played by Ed O’Brien. Marr recounts each instrument’s journey with the respect and admiration of a fellow artist, recognizing them as companions in the broader creative landscape.
More than a catalogue or technical guide, Marr’s Guitars is a narrative archive, interwoven with behind-the-scenes photos taken in studios, backstage, and during tours over the decades. It doesn’t aim to be a glossy display or a manual for gearheads, but rather a heartfelt tribute to the bond between artist and instrument. Each guitar becomes a chapter in Marr’s ongoing story—one of sound, soul, and endless curiosity.
Through this collection, Johnny Marr not only reaffirms his reputation as a musician’s musician, but also reveals himself as a historian of tone and feeling. The book reflects the idea that music isn’t just made with hands—it’s shaped by memory, emotion, and the pursuit of something just out of reach. In Marr’s Guitars, he shows how a lifetime of playing can echo far beyond the strings.
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