Johnny Marr Solo Debut, Beck Collaboration In The Works

July 30, 1999, 11:40 am PT

Former Smiths' guitarist Johnny Marr was in Los Angeles laying the groundwork for his first solo album. Although he has been making the rounds with Beastie Boy intimate and Beck engineer, Mickey P., it has not yet been determined who will man the boards for Marr's solo effort.

"He's still talking to a number of producers, and he hasn't made any decisions yet," says a source close to Marr.

However, the smart money is on P., especially since he took Marr over to NRG Studios, where Beck is working on tracks for his forthcoming record. The two icons got along so well that Beck invited Marr to lay down guitar parts for at least two tracks, including one titled, "The Doctor." Sources could not confirm whether or not his contributions would make it on the final version of the November release, but they worked well into the night on Saturday (July 24) perfecting the tracks.

Beck's lair wasn't the only stop on Marr's itinerary. He also checked in with legendary KROQ Los Angeles DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, and agreed to appear in the documentary, The Mayor of Sunset Strip, that former Dramarama bassist Chris Carter is filming about Bingenheimer's colorful life. Afterwards, Marr and P. showed up at West Hollywood hangout Café Bleu, and Marr told pals that if all goes as planned, he hopes to have a record out by Feb. 2000.

The only snag in Marr's worldview seems to be that the mop-topped guitarist hasn't yet signed to a label, but our source assures us that "interest is high." Perhaps by the time he returns to these shores next month to begin work, he'll have a signed contract in his hand.

-- Cindy Arnold

• related article - Jul. 26, 1999: Johnny Marr in L.A. working with Beck; solo project upcoming