It's been more than 25 years since the Smiths broke up. Why did it take guitarist Johnny Marr so long to finally come out with a solo album, this year's The Messenger ? Well, he's been a bit busy. Not content with simply creating the blueprint that most British indie bands followed ever since, Marr has worked with artists like folksy pop singer Kirsty McColl, Talking Heads, and Modest Mouse, a choice that's earned him plenty of criticism from former Smiths fans who would have preferred to see him forge a solo career more like former bandmate Morrissey. Why did things work out that way? We spoke with Marr during a brief stop back home in Manchester and asked. Marr performs at the Fillmore tonight, April 13, at 9 p.m.
