Marr's Guitars
A journey through the guitars of a musical legend
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Thames & Hudson Ltd
Published:17th Oct '23
Should be back in stock very soon
This book delves into Johnny Marr's life and career, showcasing the guitars that shaped his iconic sound and musical journey in Marr’s Guitars.
In Marr’s Guitars, legendary guitarist Johnny Marr offers an intimate look into his life through the lens of his remarkable collection of guitars. This book traces his journey from a young musician to a defining figure in modern music, showcasing the instruments that have shaped his sound and style. Each guitar featured is linked to a significant moment in his career, highlighting the stories behind iconic tracks and performances that have left a lasting impact on the music world.
The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs by renowned photographer Pat Graham, who captures each instrument not just as a tool of music, but as a work of art. The detailed micro shots emphasize the unique features of each guitar, while Marr’s personal commentary provides insights into his creative process. From his beloved Rickenbacker 330 to the historic instruments that have passed through his hands, Marr’s Guitars showcases a rich tapestry of musical history.
Through a combination of stunning visuals and heartfelt narratives, the book also reflects on the cultural significance of the electric guitar as a symbol of expression for the working class. Marr’s journey is interwoven with the stories of other guitar heroes, making this not only a celebration of his work but also a tribute to the legacy of guitar playing in modern music. Marr’s Guitars is a must-read for fans of music and those who appreciate the artistry behind the instruments that have shaped it.
'A great book, I really enjoyed looking at it … fascinating' - Jools Holland, Later With Jools Holland, BBC2
'If you are even remotely interested in guitars or the geniuses that play them you have to get a copy of Marr’s Guitars. A lush, mouthwatering masterpiece of a book' - Shaun Keaveny
'Creating a visually arresting, high-quality art book became Marr’s main aim, and he approached it with the tenacity and enthusiasm he would normally bring to a new album' - Guardian
'The wonderfully curated and intentionally detailed collection is eye candy for music fans of all kinds ... Each tale is a glimmer, every guitar unraveling personal moments that were inspiring and formative. In totality, it’s a beautiful journey ... Marr’s recollections transport the reader to a different time' - Forbes
'A guitar book for people "who wouldn’t normally have guitar books" ... As Hans Zimmer aptly writes in the foreword, "the guitar... lets us reveal our true selves more profoundly than words ever could"' - Daily Mail
'What a love story this book is. The electric guitar - the greatest weapon ever given to the working class' - Gary Kemp
'Marr’s Guitars is not just a love-letter to Marr’s beloved instrument; it’s a historical reference' - Paste magazine
'A coffee table book of stunning guitar photographs from Johnny Marr’s collection ... tells the story of Marr’s life through his guitars. Complementing the guitar pictures are classic photographs of Marr himself. Some of these are familiar, many of them are not ... In three sections, Marr himself is interviewed. His responses are not a rehash of his well-received 2016 autobiography, Set the Boy Free. Rather, they offer a different perspective on Marr’s experiences through the lens of his guitars. Marr’s Guitars has an unexpected emotional impact ... Marr’s Guitars is a book for Marr fans, for Smiths fans, for fans of guitars, but also for appreciators of art and photography' - SPIN
'Highlights just how wide his taste and use of different models has been over his career so far' - Music Radar
'This is so much more than just a beautiful photo book of guitars, it’s a celebration of one of the world’s very best guitarists, his esteemed career and how he “turned his daydreams into sound' - CLASH
ISBN: 9780500026328
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 2100g
288 pages