Set the Boy Free

The Autobiography

By: Johnny Marr

Narrated by: Johnny Marr

Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins

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

Really good

Great story...and it’s good to hear Johnny tell it himself. Kind of like going along for the ride, and it’s been a cool ride with a lot of gifted music people.

Amazing

Oh I loved this book so much! One of my most favorite autobiographies ever! I have been a major Marr fan since The Smiths and hearing his voice narrate his incredible story was just brilliant. As a musician myself it was so awesome to hear about his specific influences and his descriptions of them in detail and of his own music and artistic process and way of being as well. This book resparked my inspiration in so many ways. Thank you Johnny.

I did it…. For Johnny!!

I wanted another perspective on Johnny Marr, The Smiths and all he had been up to since! Message Received!! Such a great read errrr listen ;) It brought some needed closure and appreciation for all he’s done as a musician in the industry, but always more to advance the value of music itself. When you can play better than Marr, you can dismiss the book, but if you are obsessed by guitars? A MUST READ!!

This is my new favorite rock autobiography

Honestly, this book is about a truly solid and honest human being who ended up taking the entire world's ears in his hands. it's a Great book with sharp insights made all the better by its narration by Johnny Marr. After hearing this, u you'll want to delve into his catalog much deeper. you won't regret this book.

Exactly what I was hoping for

Johnny Marr is my favorite guitarist of all time. To hear him read his story and tell it the way he has was an immense pleasure. The stories behind so many of his great songs and collaborations are told here. I'm so glad he narrated it himself as no one else could've done it justice. This book has made me an even bigger fan. Thanks, Johnny!

Thank You Johnny Marr

Thank You Johnny for your music and creativity. i enjoyed you in high school in the 80s with your music and I enjoyed you today with your book. Thank you for telling your stories...i enjoyed fhem completely.

a great read for music lovers.

many questions answered. so many of my favorite groups were spoken about. real and insightful.

Great listen, excellent in all ways.

I really enjoyed listening to this book. It brought me back to a time in my life that was very good and very long ago. Highly recommend this audio book, especially the audio version there’s nothing like it when an author reads their own material. There’s just something a little extra in there.

Engaging and Inspiring

I highly recommended for those aspiring to create art without falling into the traps that await. it is a story of passion and devotion.

If you weren’t a fan before, you will be now

A really in depth dive of the professional life and work of Johnny F’n Marr, with a nice touch of personal stories to get to know the man. This book took me from a casual admirer, to a full on fan.