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  • Set the Boy Free

  • The Autobiography
  • Written by: Johnny Marr
  • Narrated by: Johnny Marr
  • Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (22 ratings)

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Set the Boy Free cover art

Set the Boy Free

Written by: Johnny Marr
Narrated by: Johnny Marr
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Publisher's Summary

The long-awaited memoir from the legendary guitarist and cofounder of the seminal British band The Smiths.

An artist who helped define a period in popular culture, Johnny Marr tells his story in a memoir as vivid and arresting as his music. The Smiths, the band with the signature sound he cofounded, remains one of the most beloved bands ever and have had a profound influence on a number of acts that followed - from the Stone Roses, Suede, Blur, and Radiohead to Oasis, The Libertines, and Arctic Monkeys.

Marr recalls his childhood growing up in the northern working-class city of Manchester, in a house filled with music. He takes us back to the summer of 1982, when, at 18, he sought out one Stephen Morrissey to form a new band they called The Smiths. Marr invites fans onstage, on the road, and in the studio for the five years The Smiths were together and shares how, after a rapid ascent, the working-class teenage rock star enjoyed and battled with the perks of success until ideological differences, combined with his much publicized strained relationships with his bandmates, caused him to leave in 1987. Marr's "escape", as he calls it, ensured the beginning of the end for one of the most influential groups of a generation.

But The Smiths' end was only the beginning for Marr. The bona fide guitar hero continues to experiment and evolve in his solo career to this day, playing with Paul McCartney, Pretenders, Modest Mouse, and Oasis and collaborating with today's most creative and renowned artists.

Rising above and beyond the personal struggles and bitter feuds, Marr delivers the story of his music and his band, sharing the real insights of a man who has made music his life and finally giving fans what they've truly been waiting for.

©2016 Johnny Marr (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

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WOW!! TRULY, THANK YOU SIR!

Having met Marr backstage at pretty much every show he's played in Toronto, he can tell great stories, and extremely humble. Well written and narrated but why wouldn't it be, it's Johnny F@$%ing Marr!!

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Fascinating and Fun

I really enjoyed Johnny’s story of the passion for music that took him to so many places. His courage and determination shine through despite—or perhaps because of—his humility. His dry Mancunian humour and down-to-earth relateableness make him a pleasure to listen to. Here’s a man who has met and played with the biggest names in music and film, yet he leaves you wanting to hear more about him, not them.

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I loved this book and Johnny Marr

This book is one of my new favorite books! Johnny Marr is an amazing person!

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  • EA
  • 2019-10-26

Great guy. Great life story...

Loved it. Had tears in my eyes at various points.
I wish he and Moz could do at least one show together; the fans would love it, but I think it would be great for THEM.

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the smiths were just the beginning, wow!

never knew that the smiths were just the beginning, wow!
going to listen to his other music now

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