Born John Martin Maher in 1960's Manchester to Irish emigrant parents, Jonny Marr had musical aspirations from an early age. Forming his first band, the Paris Valentinos, at the tender age of thirteen, Marr spent most of his teenage years gigging around Wythanshawe, playing the guitar in a whole host of Northern indie groups. It wasn't until the early eighties, when Marr was introduced to a singer named Steven Morrissey, that the group known as the most important rock band of all time was formed. In 1983 The Smiths released their first single, and just a year later their eponymous debut album launched to number two in the UK chart, paving the way for almost unprecedented success. For Marr, the rock 'n' roll lifestyle - the drink, the drugs - was proving too much, and this, combined with much publicised strained relationships with fellow band mates, caused him to leave The Smiths in 1987, ensuring the beginning of the end for one of the most influential British groups of a generation. But this wasn't the end for Marr. From session work with Paul McCartney, The Pretenders and Ennio Morricone to forming Johnny Marr and The Healers, from producing records with Modest Mouse, to joining forces with Fender to create his own guitar, Marr has never stopped. Here, for the first time, he tells his own side of the story.

From roaming the streets of Manchester to the dizzying heights of musical success, Jonny Marr's memoir is the true history of rock - told by one of its very own legends.