Johnny Marr reflects on Manchester roots in new Origin Stories episode

The Smiths legend and Manchester native reflects on the experiences that shaped his career for Apple Music's Origin Stories, revealing why the city remains vital to his creative process.

Last updated: 29th May 2026

Originally published: 27th May 2026

Johnny Marr is the latest artist to revisit his roots in a new episode of Apple Music’s Origin Stories series.

Available now on Apple Music and Apple Podcasts, the interview series sees artists return to the places that shaped their careers, sharing stories from their early years and the influences behind their music. Previous episodes have featured Aitch in Manchester, Mahalia in Leicester and Kneecap in Belfast.

For the latest instalment, Apple Music 1 presenter Matt Wilkinson heads to Stockport with Marr, where the former The Smiths guitarist looks back on his early years in music, the gigs that helped shape his career and the creative influences that continue to inspire him today.

Joined by music journalist Jon Savage, Marr also discusses his enduring connection to Manchester and why the city remains central to his creative process.

Speaking on Origin Stories, Marr said Manchester still inspires the music he wants to make, explaining that he returned to the city during his solo career not out of nostalgia, but because of its rich musical heritage. Referencing bands including The Smiths, Magazine, Buzzcocks, 10cc and Oasis, he described Manchester’s musical mentality as something he wanted to stay connected to and said he will always keep a base in the city, even if future projects take him elsewhere.

The latest episode of Origin Stories is available to stream now on Apple Music and Apple Podcasts.

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Header image credit: MCPR / press assets