Johnny Marr has spoken about the famous riff in The Smiths‘ ‘How Soon Is Now’, saying that his bandmates were at the pub when he came up with it, adding that if he was with them it might never have been written.

Talking on the XFM Breakfast Show this morning (August 28), the guitarist and solo artist commented: “Picasso had a saying that inspiration does exist, but it has to find you working. And I think that’s very true. My mates, the band, were out, doing something on a Bank Holiday weekend, and I was stuck indoors ‘cos I gotta write the track. If I’d have been hanging out at the pub, it wouldn’t have happened. Much like if Picasso had been hanging out the pub… I’m not comparing myself to Picasso!”

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Johnny Marr will release his second solo album, ‘Playland’ on October 6. The record follows last year’s ‘The Messenger’ and he will also tour in support of the record.

Johnny Marr plays:

Lincoln The Engine Shed (October 13)

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