Omagh DJ, Phil Taggart, to interview legendary Smiths guitarist

Omagh radio host and DJ, Phil Taggart, will be hosting the first in a potential series of conversations in Dublin’s National Concert Hall with legendary Smiths guitarist, Johnny Marr.

The Omagh man and former Radio One DJ told the UH that he got the call from Marr’s management, telling him the famous guitarist had personally requested for Taggart to interview him.

Johnny Marr was one of the main songwriters and founding members of the Manchester band The Smiths.

He has also had a successful solo career and has been a member of other huge acts including The Cribs, Modest Mouse, The Pretenders and The The.

He has further worked as a session guitarist for huge films including ‘Inception’ and ‘Oppenheimer’, as well as playing guitar on Noel Gallagher solo albums.

Marr is widely-considered one of the most influential guitarists of all time, and has deep roots in Ireland, with both of his parents hailing from Kildare.

The interview at the National Concert Hall with Phil Taggart will be about the musician’s new book, which focuses on his amazing guitar collection, ‘Marr’s Guitars’, which traces the Indie rock star’s career, spanning from his teenage years to his recent work on multiple soundtracks.

‘Marr’s Guitars’ showcases the most significant of Marr’s superb collection of electric and acoustic guitars, revealing through them the evolution of his iconic sound and style of playing.

Renowned photographer, Pat Graham, presents each instrument as a full portrait, supported by microshots highlighting the specific details that make each one unique, while Johnny Marr himself reveals in his accompanying commentary what tracks and at which shows the guitars were played.

Phil Taggart said he was ‘delighted to be asked’ to interview one of the world’s best guitarists.

“I got a message from Johnny Marr’s manager saying that the main man had asked for me specifically to interview him in Dublin,” Phil said. “I was a bit stunned and delighted to be asked.

“Johnny is one of the greatest living guitarists and has written more iconic riffs than anyone else.

“It’ll be a great moment to sit down with him and shoot the breeze in front of the National Concert Hall in Dublin.

“I’ll try and convince him to play at Omagh Leisure Centre… I mean, if it’s good enough for Morrissey!”

The event will be held on June 26 at the National Concert Hall in Dublin.

For ticket information, you can visit: www.nch.ie.