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How Brexit and Trump's election inspired Johnny Marr to create his latest album

On his new album, Call the Comet, Marr imagines an alternate reality. He talks about his relationship with Morrissey and how music can become an ideal escape.
CBC Radio ·
Johnny Marr with guest host Ali Hassan in the q studio in Toronto, Ont. (Vivian Rashotte/CBC)

Originally published on June 14, 2018

Johnny Marr is a guitar legend and co-songwriter of The Smiths, one of the biggest British bands of the '80s. Prior to writing his latest album, Call the Comet, Marr was feeling frustrated with what was unfolding around him: Brexit and Donald Trump being elected.

It inspired him to imagine a new society — an alternate reality set in the near future — which he explores on his new record. Marr joins q guest host Ali Hassan to talk about how music can become an ideal escape, and reveals exactly what relationship he has with Morrissey now.

Marr's latest album is called Call the Comet and it's out now. 

Click 'listen' near the top of this page to hear the full conversation.

— Produced by Ben Edwards

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