Johnny Marr recalls Paul McCartney's advice following The Smiths' breakup

Guitarist Johnny Marr has reflected on a pivotal encounter with Paul McCartney following the 1987 dissolution of The Smiths. In a recent interview with MOJO, Marr recalled spending a day with McCartney and his wife, Linda, shortly after he left the band.

When Marr expressed his distress regarding the band's breakup, McCartney provided a minimalist response: ‘That’s bands for you.’ Marr described the advice as ‘brilliant’ and noted that he has used the sentiment when offering advice to others over the years.

Marr also discussed his career trajectory after The Smiths, noting that he found fulfillment in working as a collaborator with various artists—including Matt Johnson, Bernard Sumner, Chrissie Hynde, and Bryan Ferry—rather than feeling immediate pressure to form a new permanent group. He is currently working on his fifth solo album, ‘The Age of Everything’.