Johnny Marr Of The Smiths Gets Political As New Album Approaches: 'It's Always Been The Job Of The Artist To Flag These Things Up'

The UK usually has a politically contentious atmosphere, but there are fewer artists than ever speaking out against the government.

Johnny Marr — the former Smiths guitarist — is still a voice of rebellion, but he can't claim many public allies. According to a recent sit-down with The Guardian, he spent his early years in the inner city of Manchester.

"I grew up in a multicultural neighbourhood, and I think the last 10 years have been a signal that that's not going to last very long," he said. "And there's a complacency about that. It isn't really the fault of the population: I think we're being really heavily manipulated."

Marr notes that he "actually did get depressed in a way that surprised" him when "the current government got in."

"We're so lucky to be able to live in a democracy, and I'm not sure how long that's going to last," he said. "I think the digital age is going to make things more confusing. I think it's going to take control out of the hands of people who live ordinary lives. That's happening very, very fast. Propaganda, misinformation — everything is going to be about people who've got vast amounts of money."

So what's to be done about it?

"Traditionally, it's always been the job of the artist to flag these things up, and stand in opposition to oppressive forces, even just to ask questions," he said.

That's exactly what happened when prime minister David Cameron continued to praise the Smiths and play their music as part of his campaign. Marr took to Twitter and demanded, "Stop saying that you like the Smiths, no you don't. I forbid you to like it."

Why aren't more artists speaking out?

"I think a lot of it's down to careerism," he said. "But I also think a lot of people are afraid. And I think they've got good reason to be. I think there's a feeling of some kind of retribution."

As the Guardian explains: "To speak out, it seems, is to risk jitters on the part of record companies, exile from the broadcast media, and even problems touring abroad."

"It's getting more and more difficult to bring your show into other countries," Marr said. "And it's getting really difficult for people to bring what they do here: visas, borders, immigration."

Marr's second solo album, Playland, is out Oct. 6. You can learn more about the new disc and his upcoming tour here.

Tags

Johnny Marr, The Smiths