Marr returns to venue of memorable gig

Johnny Marr will give his first lecture as visiting professor of music at Salford University in the venue he played in 1986 with The Smiths.

The band's amplifiers had to be tied down because the floor of Maxwell Hall kept bouncing.

John Sweeney, of the School of Media, Music And Performance, joked that the hall has been "specially reinforced" for the guitarist's return.

"We're delighted that Johnny will be returning to Maxwell Hall after such a sensational performance there in 1986," he told ITN, adding: "Johnny is a revered guitarist and composer and is the most influential guitarist of the last 25 years, held in the highest esteem by many of his fellow performers."

Marr, who now plays with The Cribs and Modest Mouse, was announced as the visiting professor of Music in February. His first lecture will be delivered at the start of November.