>
Legendary Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr gives a lucky busker a £1,000 cash grant after seeing him play covers of the band’s songs.
A boy busker caught the eye of legendary Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr after the charming young man covered one of the band’s songs.
John Denton’s performances on the streets of Manchester brought shoppers to a halt, while videos of his finger-tapping skills went viral on social media.
The 12-year-old’s talent has now been recognized by guitarist and songwriter Marr, who helped select him for a £1,000 grant to be set up in his name.
John, who started playing guitar at the age of eight, has already set foot on the stage at Salford Lads Club, used as the backdrop for The Smith’s 1986 album The Queen is Dead.
And then he met Marr at a signing event at Manchester’s Piccadilly Records store, where John eagerly asked for his advice on starting a band.
12-year-old schoolboy John Denton went to meet Johnny Marr at a signing event at Manchester’s Piccadilly Records store, where John eagerly asked him for his advice on starting a band.
He has since created his own group called ‘The Height’, named after an area in Salford close to where he lives, with his first single released just before Christmas.
John’s father, Phil Denton, said his son would use the money to fund music lessons and help with future performances.
He said: ‘John’s ambition is to have a career in music. He will use the funds to receive music lessons that help him both play the guitar and sing.
“In these difficult times, it is a great help and means that you can progress in your passion.
“Music is not a hobby for John, but rather who he is and a creative outlet he hopes to enjoy for the rest of his life.
He is incredibly grateful to Johnny and the Salford Foundation Trust for giving him this opportunity.
“It is a true privilege to receive this award and he is determined to make the most of the opportunity he has been given.”
Legend Johnny Marr added: “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to help a young musician, especially when they’re as dedicated as John.” Well done, brother.
Legendary Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr awarded young John Denton a £1000 grant after meeting him at a signing event in Manchester.
John’s father, Phil Denton, said his son would use the money to fund music lessons and help with future performances.
John was shortlisted for the ‘Johnny Marr Award’ by a panel from the Salford Foundation Trust, a local charity that supports the city’s talented youngsters.
The award will run for three years, selecting another young Salford musician to receive financial assistance annually.
Peter Collins CBE, of The Salford Foundation Trust, said: ‘There could not be a more worthy recipient of the Johnny Marr Award.
“Although John is only 12 years old, he has already shown that he is committed to making a future in music and we are delighted that the Trust can help him on this journey.”