Johnny was Marr-velous as the Call the Comet Tour Barreled Through Anaheim

Photos and words by Steve Rose

Within minutes of doors opening at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA, the venue was close to filling up as fans were lined up eager to get a prime spot for legendary musician, Johnny Marr. From his early work with The Smiths, to his time in Modest Mouse, and currently as a solo artist, Johnny Marr has amassed an impressive body of work with a number of memorable songs. On this night, the packed house was treated to a fantastic show. As he took the stage with his low-slung Fender Jaguar, he and the band kicked things off with “The Tracers” from his latest release, Call the Comet, and then right into “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” the first of five The Smiths songs played throughout the night. Other standout songs from the night were “Hi Hello,” “Hey Angel,” “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me,” How Soon is Now,” and a great cover of Depeche Mode’s “I Feel You.”

His latest release proves that Johnny Marr is still writing great songs and putting on great shows. He has one show left in the states on this tour before he heads over to Europe for a number of festival shows throughout the summer. Do yourself a favor and pick up Call the Comet and go see this legend live.