Johnny Marr Confirms Noel Gallagher Is Writing Songs for Fun
Legendary guitarist and former Smiths member Johnny Marr has shared an update on his long-time collaborator Noel Gallagher, revealing that the Britpop icon is currently “writing songs for fun.” The comments, made during a recent interview with Absolute Radio, have naturally sparked fresh speculation regarding the potential for new Oasis material.
“Yeah, I see him all the time,” Marr noted. “[He’s the] same as always, brilliant. He’s writing songs for fun, recording songs, enjoying himself, sending me hilarious WhatsApp’s — usually about Manchester United and lots and lots of effects pedals. [That] is the way our relationship has gone for 30 odd years now.”
Noel Gallagher (Credit: Harriet K Bols) and Johnny Marr (Credit: Andy Ford for NME)
While Marr offered no specific details on the nature of the music, the update aligns with previous reports from earlier this year, including comments from Noel Gallagher himself regarding his time in the studio. Fans have been eager for any sign of a new project since the band’s high-profile reunion in 2024 and their subsequent ‘Live ‘25’ tour.
The conversation surrounding new music has been a rollercoaster for the fanbase. Liam Gallagher previously claimed an album was “already finished” in 2024, only to later admit he was trolling fans. More recently, the frontman expressed hesitation about recording new material, citing the immense pressure to meet impossible expectations. “NO I’m just not prepared for the criticism if it doesn’t sell 100 million copies in the first hour,” Liam shared on social media.
NO I’m just not prepared for the criticism if it doesn’t sell 100 million copies in the 1st hour cure bad breath and constipation for the nation if it doesn’t turn back time for Cher and some other shit let’s just to some gigs and be happy thank you
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 19, 2026
Despite the uncertainty regarding a studio return, the band’s momentum remains high. Speculation continues to mount regarding a potential 2027 tour, which could include a massive residency at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium. Additionally, fans can look forward to the upcoming documentary Don’t Look Back In Anger, directed by Steven Knight, which chronicles the band’s recent comeback and is set for release on September 11.
Watch Johnny Marr Join Pet Shop Boys for Rare Live Performances
A Rare Collaboration at the Electric Ballroom
Pet Shop Boys treated fans to a special surprise during their recent residency at London’s Electric Ballroom, welcoming legendary guitarist Johnny Marr to the stage. The performance, which took place on Wednesday, March 8, was part of the duo’s ongoing ‘Obscure’ live series—a five-night residency dedicated exclusively to deep cuts and rarities from their extensive back catalogue.
The collaboration saw the trio breathe new life into tracks that have rarely, if ever, been performed live. Among the highlights were the live debuts of ‘Up Against It’ and ‘I Didn’t Get Where I Am Today’, alongside a rendition of ‘The Truck Driver and His Mate’, which had not been played live since 2002.
Deep Cuts and Career-Spanning Rarities
The ‘Obscure’ residency has been a masterclass in fan service, with Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant digging deep into their archives. Earlier shows in the week featured the first-ever live performances of tracks like ‘Jack The Lad’ (1986), ‘After The Event’ (2012), and ‘New Boy’ (2020). The setlist also marked the return of songs like ‘To Face The Truth’ and ‘Your Funny Uncle’, which had been absent from the stage for decades.
Marr’s appearance added a layer of historical significance to the evening. The guitarist, who famously formed the new wave supergroup Electronic with Tennant and Lowe in the late 1980s, integrated seamlessly into the set. Following the performance, Marr took to Instagram to express his gratitude, sharing photos from the stage and noting his excitement leading up to the gig.
A History of Creative Partnership
The connection between Marr and Pet Shop Boys is long-standing. Beyond their work in Electronic, Marr has contributed guitar work to numerous Pet Shop Boys albums, including 1990’s Behaviour, 2002’s Release, and 2009’s Yes. Their collaborative history extends to live appearances as well, including a notable 2017 performance at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
This latest guest spot continues a busy period for both acts. Pet Shop Boys recently released their 15th studio album, Nonetheless, to critical acclaim, while Johnny Marr continues to balance his solo career with high-profile projects, including his upcoming homecoming show at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl this July.
The Setlist
Pet Shop Boys’ setlist was:
- ‘Through You’
- ‘Will‐o‐the‐wisp’
- ‘Two Divided by Zero’
- ‘Jack the Lad’
- ‘The Truck Driver and His Mate’ (with Johnny Marr)
- ‘I Didn’t Get Where I Am Today’ (with Johnny Marr)
- ‘Up Against It’ (with Johnny Marr)
- ‘Hit and Miss’
- ‘Always’
- ‘One in a Million / Mr. Vain’
- ‘Sexy Northerner’
- ‘Young Offender’
- ‘It Couldn’t Happen Here’
- ‘New Boy’
- ‘King of Rome’
- ‘King’s Cross’
- ‘Love Is the Law’
- ‘Why Don’t We Live Together?’
- ‘The Performance of My Life’
Encore:
- ‘Your Funny Uncle’
- ‘The Way It Used to Be’
- ‘Later Tonight’
- ‘I Dream of a Better Tomorrow’
