Johnny Marred

So I'm at an O2 business conference and they promise a "legendary performer" for the evening's entertainment for which hints will be dropped throughout the day. Soon in discussing future technology the MC drops in a "how soon is now" and I'm thinking it won't be Morrissey (non vegan canapes being served and he's a little politically toxic right now). Surely not Marr who has a credible career still. The other two? Surely not a tribute band. As Bruce texted me - if it's one of The Smiths then they should be shot. Well... it turns out that it's Johnny Marr and his backing band which he doesn't bother to introduce to us. Now it's a little odd watching a band in the middle of a conversation about Wi-Fi in the London Stadium but I managed to extricate myself from "networking" (that's drinking and chatting shite to you non corporate types - same as when we meet up but with free drinks and fishy canapes) and venture onto the dance floor at the O2 Indigo (incidentally quite a nice venue). There are a couple of hundred on the dance floor with a few nodding their heads (as much enthusiasm as I can muster) and a surprising number mouthing all the words to most of the songs. The other couple of hundred are at the bar in their jeans, collared work shirts (tucked in) and suit jackets making a terrible racket which must be off putting for Marr. He rattles through This Charming Man, a pretty decent rendition of How Soon Is Now which I love and did a bit of surreptitious foot shuffling to and I Fought the Law. He's obviously embarrassed to be playing to a load of suits (well, top half anyway) and makes a few quips about the situation including saying it's the first gig he's played where he's hoping that the audience don't dance. That was about the highlight to be honest. I will say that he's still a great and effortless guitarist. Last time I saw him was a lacklustre set 6 years ago in Finsbury Park just before PIL played. So I'm looking forward to some seriously cutting jibes from Johnny Lydon at next year's "bash" (as Marr referred to the gig). Although I agree with Bruce's analysis of the situation I guess that he was up there being a rock god and I was down there talking about Wi-Fi. And he got paid for it (a lot I hope). So who's having the last laugh? I guess most groups pay for a fee so does it matter if he's playing to a load of punters who paid £20 to see him or whether he's playing to probably a similar audience who aren't paying. Still I can't quite imagine Lydon doing it. I leave with my pinstripe suit intact (no mosh pit) and as I make my way to the tube there are throngs of people coming up the moving stairs. Apparently Alice Cooper is playing tonight with The Stranglers in support. Maybe Marr isn't so bad. Just make the set a bit more exciting man!

Rock and Roll !!!

The Mosh Pit