Record Store Day comes around every year, which is a thrill in itself, but naming a Record Store Legend doesn’t come around as often. This year, Record Store Day has announced Johnny Marr as the 2025 recipient of its Record Store Legend accolade, with a record-shaped plaque going up inside our very own Piccadilly Records to remind everyone of it.
This honour celebrates Marr’s enduring influence on music and his unwavering support for independent record stores worldwide, as well as the love and admiration for Marr and his music that comes from record stores themselves. He is the second ever recipient of this highly prestigious award.
The accolade is a joint honour presented by both Record Store Day US and UK, following on from the first recipient, Elton John, who received Record Store Legend status in 2017 to celebrate Record Store Day’s 10th Birthday.
The Record Store Legend Award recognises Marr’s continuing commitment to championing record stores across multiple album campaigns, embodying the spirit and culture of record stores across the world. It is this ongoing collaboration that aims to pave the way for future artists and inspire them to build meaningful and supportive relationships with the indie sector.
To commemorate this honour, a plaque has been unveiled at Marr’s favourite record shop, Piccadilly Records in this his hometown of Manchester, to reflect Johnny’s deep connection to both the shop, the Manchester music scene and his ongoing commitment to celebrating the culture so vital to championing grassroots talent. The installation of the first Record Store Legend plaque serves as an invitation for fans of Johnny Marr to visit a record store and share their own appreciation.
Instagram post via @recordstoreday
On seeing the plaque, Johnny Marr said: “Going out to a record store, it’s a nice pastime. It’s a part of the culture, if they were to completely disappear, the high street or the city centre would be a much worse off place. There’s something about the presence of a record store. It’s a magical thing. I’ve known the staff in Piccadilly Records for 20 years… this plaque is a very nice thing to be associated with.”
Johnny Marr began his prolific career with The Smiths, founding a legacy as one of the most influential songwriters and guitarists in British independent music. Since launching in 2013, his acclaimed solo career has given rise to five UK Top Ten albums.
Andy McQueen of Piccadilly Records said: “Johnny Marr is our favourite living artist and his music has soundtracked our lives for over forty years. To be associated with him in this beautiful way; well, the pleasure, the privilege is ours.”
Marr’s influence extends beyond his own musical contributions; he actively champions the culture that surrounds record shops, recognising them as vital music spaces, crucial for supporting and breaking new artists and bringing like-minded music fans together.
The 18th annual celebration of Record Store Day takes place on 12th April 2025 and sees thousands of independent record shops worldwide set to participate with parties, in-store performances and limited-edition releases from over 300 artists.
📍 You can find the Johnny Marr Record Store Legend plaque inside Piccadilly Records, 53 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JR.