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JOHNNY MARR

The California Calling Tour

February 5th, 2026 by Amberlee Meyer

For those of you with inquiring minds, it can be argued that the ’80s and ’90s delivered some of the greatest guitarists of all time. Truth is, there are a few still touring, and one of them is coming to Southern California. It’s been a minute since we saw him last, but the legend that is Johnny Marr will be back to entertain us next month.

The UK-born son of Irish immigrants would become the singer-songwriter man behind the jangle-pop guitar of the unforgettable band, The Smiths. Marr was paired with Steven Patrick Morrissey, together they put out their signature sound as The Smiths.

Morrissey’s haunting vocals along Marr’s signature guitar riffs electrified the world. Songs that became an era-defining moment in time included “Ask,” “This Charming Man,” “Panic,” “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,” “London,” “Sheila Takea Bow,” “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” “What Difference Does It Make?,” “Is It Really So Strange,” “Girlfriend in a Coma,” and perhaps a top five song of the decade, “How Soon Is Now?”

Unfortunately, growing tension between Morrissey and Marr ultimately led to the band’s breakup in 1987. Both went their own way and found success in their solo careers.

After disbanding The Smiths, Marr had a short stint in The Pretenders, formed supergroup Electronic with New Order frontman Bernard Sumner, produced albums, worked as a session musician, and of course, toured as a solo artist.

His solo work has created a new fanbase, songs like “Hi Hello,” “Armatopia,” “Spirit Power and Soul,” “Walk into the Sea,” and more recently, “Somewhere” has created a buzz that is uniquely Johnny Marr.

Marr’s latest release, “Look Out Live!,” includes original songs by Marr, a host of Smiths songs that he co-wrote, and a variety of covers including David Bowie’s hit “Rebel Rebel,” and Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger.” It’s a fantastic live album worth listening to!

No matter where Marr plays, he gives it his all and delivers on that mastery of his guitars in a manner you just have to see and hear to believe.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see him on the California Calling Tour! These SoCal dates will be shows to remember!

Catch Marr at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown on March 26th, Los Angeles on the 27th at the Lodge Room, and in Santa Ana on March 28th as part of the Los Darks Festival at the Santa Ana Stadium (also featuring Caifanes, The Growlers, Twin Tribes, The Adicts, and more!).

If you want to see living history, then get your tickets now!

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SID 2602008 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR