Johnny Marr, the iconic guitarist known for his work with The Smiths and his prolific solo career, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Record Store Legend accolade. This prestigious award celebrates Marr’s unwavering commitment to supporting independent record stores and his lasting impact on the music world. In essence, it’s a love letter to both his career and the culture that has fueled it—those independent record shops that have stood the test of time.
It’s a rare honor that will see Marr join legend Elton John (who was the inaugural recipient in 2017, awarded the accolade to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Record Store Day) as the second-ever recipient. Now, Marr’s turn has come, and with it, the recognition of his tireless advocacy for record stores that have been the lifeblood of grassroots music culture.
Marr’s influence stretches far beyond the stage—for him, record stores represent more than just retail spaces. Marr has been vocal about the importance of these spaces in preserving not just physical music formats, but the sense of community they cultivate. “Going out to a record store, it’s a nice pastime,” Marr said. “It’s a part of the culture. If they were to completely disappear, the high street or the city centre would be a much worse off place. There's something about the presence of a record store. It’s a magical thing.”
To mark this recognition, a plaque has been unveiled in Marr’s honor at Piccadilly Records in Manchester—his hometown and one of his long-standing favorite spots. It’s a fitting tribute, considering Marr has had a close relationship with the staff there for over two decades. “I’ve known the staff in Piccadilly Records for 20 years…this plaque is a very nice thing to be associated with,” he added.
But this isn’t just about celebrating Marr’s own legacy. His partnership with independent record stores has served as a beacon for other artists, proving that maintaining close ties with these venues is key to fostering a vibrant music community. “Johnny Marr is our favourite living artist and his music has soundtracked our lives for over forty years," said Andy McQueen from Piccadilly Records. "To be associated with him in this beautiful way; well, the pleasure, the privilege is ours.”
Marr's new honor comes ahead of the 18th annual Record Store Day, taking place on April 12. Thousands of indie record stores around the globe will take part in the celebration, which includes exclusive releases, performances, and events. A company statement reveals that Marr himself will join in the fun with "an exclusive release Look Out Live!, a double orange vinyl LP encapsulating the magic of his sold-out show at Hammersmith Apollo in London 2024, only in independent record shops on 12th April." Expect to hear fan favorites like “Hi Hello” and “Easy Money,” along with some Smiths classics like “This Charming Man” and “How Soon Is Now?”—all available only in independent record stores on the big day.
Beyond Record Store Day, Marr’s contributions to the music world continue to shine. From his groundbreaking days with The Smiths to his celebrated solo career—which has spawned five U.K. Top 10 albums—Marr’s influence shows no sign of waning. His collaborations with artists like Talking Heads, Pretenders, Modest Mouse, and Billie Eilish further cement his place as one of music’s most versatile figures. Recently, he also contributed to the score and soundtrack of the James Bond film No Time To Die.
Marr’s commitment to the indie music scene extends beyond just the records he releases. It’s about fostering a space where fans can come together, artists can thrive, and the love for music can be passed down through the generations. His upcoming performance at the Forever Now festival on June 22 promises to be another unforgettable moment in what has been a career rich with milestones.
As Record Store Day approaches, it’s clear that Johnny Marr’s dedication to the independent music scene will continue to inspire for years to come. If you find yourself near Piccadilly Records, take a moment to appreciate the plaque, the history, and the man behind it all. And if you’re looking for some great tunes, you know where to go—your local independent record shop.
