Set the Boy Free

Set the Boy Free is musician Johnny Marr's autobiography, chronicling his journey from working-class Manchester to becoming the guitarist and co-songwriter of The Smiths. The book covers his early influences, musical development, and the formation of one of Britain's most influential bands. The narrative follows Marr through his post-Smiths career, including collaborations with bands like The Pretenders, Modest Mouse, and The Cribs. He recounts his experiences as a session musician, producer, and eventual solo artist, painting a picture of life in the music industry across four decades. Personal elements interweave with musical history as Marr discusses his family life, creative partnerships, and dedication to his craft. His perspective on significant moments in British music runs parallel to his own artistic evolution. This autobiography explores themes of artistic independence, creative passion, and personal transformation. The story stands as both a document of British music history and a testament to maintaining artistic integrity in the face of commercial pressures.

Readers appreciate Marr's honest, straightforward writing style and his focus on music rather than gossip or drama. Many note his humble approach to storytelling and detailed accounts of his guitar techniques and songwriting process. Fans value the insights into The Smiths' early days and Marr's musical collaborations. Common criticisms include Marr skimming over certain periods and relationships, particularly the breakdown of The Smiths. Some readers find the second half of the book less engaging than the first. A few mention that Marr's diplomatic tone makes certain sections feel reserved or sanitized. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (500+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "More interested in guitars than grudges" - Amazon reviewer "Lacks the drama of Morrissey's autobiography, but better for it" - Goodreads user "Technical details about his guitar work are fascinating" - Goodreads user

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🎸 Johnny Marr wrote the entire memoir without the help of a ghostwriter, spending three years crafting his life story in his own words. ⚡ The book's title comes from a phrase Marr's mother used when he was young, encouraging him to pursue his dreams and break free from their working-class constraints. 🎼 Throughout the memoir, Marr reveals he was only 14 years old when he first met Steven Morrissey, and just 23 when The Smiths disbanded at their commercial peak. 🎨 The book includes never-before-seen photographs from Marr's personal collection, spanning his childhood through his various musical collaborations. 🌟 After The Smiths, Marr went on to collaborate with numerous acclaimed artists documented in the book, including The Pretenders, The The, Modest Mouse, and The Cribs, earning him the nickname "the Eric Clapton of his generation."