A Night With the Johnny Marr Orchestra review – ‘pumped symphonic’ classics

Aviva Studios, Manchester
First large gig at new super-venue sees Marr magically reinvent Smiths, solo and Electronic tracks

‘I’m going to need a new tour bus,” quips Johnny Marr, referring to the vast amount of people on the stage. His regular band of 10 years has expanded and now includes his son Nile on “guitar and fabulous harmonies”; a 30-piece orchestra – conducted by Fiona Brice – is here to provide what the 60-year-old frontman has called a “highly pumped symphonic feel”.

The occasion marks Marr’s 10 years as a solo artist and new solo best of, Spirit Power. It’s also the inaugural large music event at Manchester’s Aviva Studios. The product of the UK’s biggest cultural investment (£242m) on a venue since the Tate Modern is a vast space for 5,000 people with an unusually high ceiling allowing for spectacular lights and visuals.