Legendary Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr is giving the lucky school musician a £1,000 stipend after he was spotted playing covers of the band’s songs
Johnny Marr, legendary guitarist for The Smiths, has found a schoolboy after the charming young man covered one of the band’s songs.
John Denton’s performances on the streets of Manchester stopped shoppers, while videos of his fingerpicking skills went viral on social media.
The 12-year-old’s talent has now been recognized by guitarist and songwriter Marr, who helped select him for a £1,000 bursary created in his name.
John, who started playing guitar at the age of eight, was already on stage at the Salford Lads Club, which served as the backdrop for The Smith’s 1986 album The Queen is Dead.
He also met Marr at an autograph session at Manchester’s Piccadilly Records store, where John eagerly sought his advice on starting a band.
12-year-old schoolboy John Denton met Johnny Marr at an autograph session at Manchester’s Piccadilly Records store, where John eagerly sought his advice on starting a band
He has since formed his own group called The Heights – named after an area in Salford near where he lives – whose first single was released just before Christmas.
John’s father Phil Denton said his boy would use the money to fund music lessons and help with future gigs.
He said: “John’s goal is to have a career in music. He will use the funding to take music lessons to improve both his guitar playing and singing.
“In these trying times it’s a great help and means he can move forward in his passion.
“Music isn’t a hobby for John, it’s just who he is and a creative outlet that he hopes to enjoy for the rest of his life.
He is incredibly grateful to Johnny and the Salford Foundation Trust for providing this opportunity.
“It is a real privilege to receive this award and he is determined to make the most of the opportunity that has been presented to him.”
Legend Johnny Marr added: “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to help a young musician, especially when he’s as dedicated as John. Well done brother.’
Legendary The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr awarded young John Denton a £1000 bursary after meeting him at an autograph session in Manchester
John’s father Phil Denton said his boy would use the money to fund music lessons and help with future gigs
John was selected for the Johnny Marr Award by a panel of judges from the Salford Foundation Trust, a local charity that supports talented young people in the city.
The award runs for three years and annually selects a different young Salford musician for financial support.
Peter Collins CBE of the Salford Foundation Trust said: “There could not be a more deserving recipient of the Johnny Marr Award.
“Although John is only 12 years old, he has already shown his commitment to a future in music and we are delighted that the Trust can help him on that journey.”