Johnny Marr shares "brilliant answer" he got from Paul McCartney about the break-up of The Smiths

Johnny Marr has a story to tell, one that's been decades in the making. It's about the break-up of The Smiths, the iconic 80s band that left an indelible mark on British music. Marr, the band's guitarist, has always been tight-lipped about the reasons behind their demise. But in a recent chat with MOJO, he finally shared a piece of advice that Paul McCartney shared with him during a fateful encounter in 1987. The words, though simple, have stuck with Marr all these years.

The Smiths' break-up in July 1987 was a messy affair. Marr left the band, and his guitar duties were briefly taken over by former Easterhouse member Ivor Perry. But Perry's tenure was short-lived, as he failed to gel with Morrissey, the band's enigmatic lead singer. By the time their fourth and final album, 'Strangeways, Here We Come', dropped in September, the band was effectively finished. Marr's parting ways with The Smiths marked the end of an era, and he's been trying to make sense of it ever since.

In a bid to navigate the complexities of the break-up, Marr turned to none other than Paul McCartney, the legendary Beatle. Marr spent a day with McCartney and his wife Linda, and he's still haunted by the advice McCartney gave him. Marr recounted the story to MOJO, saying that McCartney's words were "such a brilliant answer coming from him." What was this advice, you ask? McCartney simply said, "That's bands for you." Marr has since echoed these sentiments, using the phrase to deflect pressure to form another band right away. For Marr, McCartney's words were a much-needed dose of reality.

Marr's conversation with McCartney also shed light on his post-Smiths life. After leaving The Smiths, Marr found solace in being a "ringer," a musician who collaborates with others on a project-by-project basis. He credits his friends, including Matt Johnson of The The and Bernard Sumner and Chrissie Hynde, for helping him find his footing. Marr's approach to music has always been about the people he's working with, rather than trying to form a new band. As he put it, "If you're looking at it like a CV it seems to be flitting around a lot, but I know when I've got a good job, playing with Bryan Ferry and turning up on his records."

Marr's encounter with McCartney was a turning point in his career. The experience taught him that sometimes, you just have to let go and move on. McCartney, known for his humility and generosity, could have easily used his influence to shape Marr's next move. But instead, he chose to offer a simple piece of advice that Marr has carried with him ever since. The lesson is clear: even the most iconic musicians need time to heal and reflect.

The Smiths' legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. The band's recent seven-inch release, created with the help of Morrissey and Marr, is evidence of their enduring impact. As we look back on the break-up of The Smiths, it's clear that Marr's encounter with McCartney was a pivotal moment in his career. The advice McCartney shared with him has become a mantra for Marr, a reminder that sometimes, you just have to say, "That's bands for you."