For vinyl lovers, Record Store Day is the highlight of the year – a celebration of music, community, and the thrill of discovering exclusive releases from your favourite artists. This year, one of the standout drops came from none other than Johnny Marr, who was recently named this year’s ‘Record Store Legend’. A passionate advocate for independent record shops and the spirit of Record Store Day, Johnny becomes only the second artist to receive the honour, following in the footsteps of Elton John. To mark the occasion, a commemorative plaque has been unveiled at Piccadilly Records in Manchester – fittingly, in the heart of the city that shaped his iconic sound.
Since launching his solo career in 2013, the legendary guitarist, songwriter, and former Smiths icon has released several live albums – including Adrenalin Baby in 2015, and two exclusive recordings captured and pressed to CD during his Call the Comet tour in 2018. So what sets this latest release apart? Let us tell you…
Titled Look Out Live!, Johnny’s latest release was recorded at London’s Hammersmith Apollo in April last year, during his Spirit Power tour. Marking ten years since the launch of his acclaimed solo career, the tour took him across ten cities in the UK, with a setlist that seamlessly blended highlights from his solo catalogue with classics from his time with The Smiths and Electronic.
Johnny kicked off the night with a surge of energy, opening with the pulsing, synth-laced ‘Sensory Street’ – a track that nods to his Electronic-era roots. Live, the song took on a new dimension, packed with punchy guitar licks that gave it a rawer edge compared to its studio version on Fever Dreams Pts 1-4. Without missing a beat, he launched into ‘Panic’, the evening’s first Smiths classic, igniting an electrifying response from the crowd. The blistering ‘Generate! Generate!‘ followed, instantly transporting the crowd back to the release of Johnny’s debut solo album The Messenger in 2013. Propelled by Iwan Gronow’s twitchy, kinetic bassline, the track hit with renewed intensity. A sharp, singular guitar solo served as a reminder of Johnny’s legendary status, but it was his vocals that brought a new edge – gliding through the verses with a force and confidence that feels distinctly more powerful than on the original recording. ‘Spirit, Power & Soul’ was introduced by Johnny’s first address to the crowd: “Friday night in London, thanks for coming out.” The brief moment of connection set the stage for a sharp shift in energy. Where ‘Generate! Generate!‘ was all grit and drive, ‘Spirit, Power & Soul‘ brought a shimmering contrast, with its disco-tinged beat – driven by drummer Jack Mitchell – and sleek electronic textures. It was a clear showcase of Johnny’s versatility. Yes, he’s one of the greatest guitarists of all time, but his creative range stretches far beyond the fretboard.
The crowd erupts as ‘This Charming Man‘ launches Side B, its instantly recognisable intro met with a collective roar of excitement. As the energy cools, Johnny shifts into ‘Somewhere‘, a more recent addition to his live set. Over the past 18 months, he’s embraced acoustic guitar, and it’s this stripped-back sound that lends the track a more vulnerable, hopeful tone, reminiscent of its demo on Spirit Power. With James Doviak on keyboards, the arrangement nods to Johnny’s orchestral shows in 2023, where the music gradually builds, layer by layer, until it reaches a powerful, euphoric climax. Slowing the tempo even further, Johnny transitions into ‘Walk Into The Sea‘ – a haunting, contemplative track that highlights both the tight cohesion of his band, and their impressive musical prowess in a live setting. The frenzied ‘The Answer‘ erupts next – another recent addition to his live set, that features some of his most electrifying guitar work to date. With effortless grace, he transitions from the chaos of ‘The Answer‘ into the gentle strumming of his acoustic guitar, leading into The Smiths’ ‘Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want’. Caught up in the moment, the crowd audibly sing along to every word, creating a truly beautiful sense of community.
Often used to open his sets, the synth-driven ‘Armatopia’ kicks off Side C with infectious energy. It’s followed by ‘Get the Message‘, which, like ‘Somewhere‘, continues to embrace the orchestral arrangement from his 2023 shows – complete with a long, atmospheric intro and lush strings reimagined through Doviak’s carefully layered keyboard textures. ‘Hi Hello‘ follows, and it might be the clearest reflection of how far Johnny has come as a solo artist – with its poetic lyricism and emotionally resonant vocals, it stands as one of his most personal and affecting tracks. A stark contrast to the melodic charm of ‘Hi Hello’, ‘How Soon Is Now?’ comes crashing in with a darker, heavier tone. Though The Smiths classic has been a staple in Johnny’s setlist for over a decade, this live version seems to lean heavily into a rock-forward sound – grittier, louder, and more intense than its original studio incarnation. Closing out Side C with the same electric energy that flows throughout his set, Johnny launches into what’s arguably his most recognisable solo track, ‘Easy Money’. Infectiously catchy, it’s propelled by Johnny’s trademark funky riff and a relentless beat from Jack that hits harder and feels more commanding than the studio version. The crowd’s enthusiasm is palpable, with cheers filling the air during the instrumental breaks.
Side D starts with a playful tease that tonight’s special occasion calls for a surprise guest, with Johnny revealing that none other than Neil Tennant, frontman of the Pet Shop Boys, will be joining him and the band. Teaming up for a cover of David Bowie’s ‘Rebel, Rebel‘, Johnny delivers the iconic riff with ease, while Neil’s smooth vocals glide effortlessly through the verses. Of course, Johnny and Neil have collaborated on numerous occasions, most notably as part of Electronic, so it’s no surprise when they perform ‘Getting Away With It‘ together. In the early days of his solo career, Johnny might have left the vocal spotlight to Neil, but today, his voice is stronger than ever. Now fully confident as a frontman, he and Neil share the vocals, harmonising together on the chorus. As the track reaches its haunting guitar breakdown, Neil occasionally interjects, repeating “1989” – bringing a wave of nostalgia for the year the song first came to life. How do you follow a moment like that? If you’re Johnny Marr, with no problem at all. A master of the encore, he launches into the driving ‘You Just Haven’t Earned It Yet, Baby‘, keeping the momentum alive. He pauses to thank the crowd, then cheekily dedicates the next song to “everybody here tonight – and nobody fucking else.” Cue ‘There Is a Light That Never Goes Out‘ – a timeless anthem that needs no introduction.
Look Out Live! is everything a live album should be – raw, electric, and full of heart. Both a reflection of how far Johnny’s come, and a celebration of where he’s heading, it’s the perfect way for him to have marked ten years as a solo artist. If you’ve seen him live, you’ll be right back there. If you haven’t, this is your perfect introduction.
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