Johnny Marr, the guitarist and songwriter for the seminal 1980s band the Smiths, has been named the winner of this year’s NME Godlike Genius Award, which will be given out just days after Mr. Marr releases a solo album, “The Messenger,†Reuters reported.
Mr. Marr, 49, founded the Smiths with Morrissey in 1983 and they wrote the band’s songs together before splitting up in 1987. Since then he has collaborated with several other groups, among them the Pretenders, Modest House and the Cribs. He has led his own band, Johnny Marr and the Healers, for more than a decade.
The award will be given out at a ceremony in London on Feb. 27. NME awards are handed out in 22 categories with music fans casting votes. “The NME seems to be good at giving this award to people I like so I’m in good company,†Mr. Marr said in a statement. “I gess it means that some things are alright with the world.â€
NME’s editor, Mike Williams, said Mr. Marr had played a role in rewriting the history of music with the Smiths. Previous winners of the NME Godlike Genius Award include the Clash and Dave Grohl. Last year’s winner was Noel Gallagher.
