As part of the mini-gig performed by Johnny Marr at last night’s NME Awards, the 2013 Godlike Genius made a very rare venture into the Smiths back-catalogue for an airing of the band’s classic ‘How Soon Is Now?‘ with Ronnie Wood, describing it as ‘an old Mancunian folk song’. Fan footage of the track has been uploaded to YouTube and can be viewed below.
Ronnie Wood had earlier presented Marr with his accolade after a video had featured Stephen Street, Bernard Sumner, Sandie Shaw, Miles Kane, Suede, Edwyn Collins, Bernard Butler and Andy Rourke all offering their praise for one of the UK’s most influential musicians.
Former Oasis star Noel Gallagher also paid tribute to Marr, remarking:
“He can’t be imitated as a guitarist because he came up with something that was totally unique. He can play those riffs like it’s the most natural thing in the world. It is natural to him and that’s what separates great people from the rest, Neil Young has got it, Bob Dylan’s got it, Keith Richards has got it, Jimmy Page and Paul Weller have got it and Johnny Marr has got it. He doesn’t even grimace when he plays guitar, he looks like he’s riding a fucking bike.”
