A Marr-velous night as Athy finds itself in Dreamland
Johnny Marr
NOSTALGIA was the name of the game at Johnny Marr’s memorable homecoming gig in Athy on Tuesday 25 June.
Fans travelled from near and far to see the iconic guitarist play the Dreamland Ballroom, where Marr’s parents John Joseph and Francis first met in the 1960s (they later moved to Manchester).
He had a grin on his face from the second he hit the ground until he went home that night.
“Hands up anyone who isn’t my cousin?” Marr asked the crowd to thunderous applause and cheers.
Tickets were the hottest property in town, having been snapped up in mere minutes when they first went on sale. Local singer-songwriter Jack L and the inimitable Jerry Fish were among those who rocked up to the Athy venue to see Marr do his thing. There were even two fans all the way from Seoul in South Korea, their love for Marr drawing them some 9,000km across the globe!
And the former Smiths’ guitarist gave them a night to remember, performing , , and many more.
“Absolutely phenomenal” was how one fan described it, with another saying it was “an historical moment” and yet another that “the pleasure, the privilege was absolutely ours.”
Taking to X after the gig, Marr said he was “proud to play the Dreamland Ballroom in Athy. Thanks a million to everyone for the hospitality and welcome.”
