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Johnny has been given the post of Visiting Professor of Music at the university, which means undergraduates on the BA Popular Music and Recording degree can now look forward to a series of workshops and master-classes with the former Smiths, The The and Electronic guitarist.

Of course, it’s not the first time he’s brought his music to the university. The Smiths made one of their last appearances there, back in 1986, producing what Johnny regards as the best gig he ever played.Ìý

As he himself says, "the PA had to be tied down because the floor was bouncing up so high that the stage was practically falling to pieces."

Johnny on the University steps

Understandably, the University are particularly pleased with signing up such a prestigious name to their teaching staff.

John Sweeney, from Salford’s School of Media, Music and Performance, described Johnny joining the team as "a tremendous opportunity for our students to gain from Johnny’s expertise and experience.

"Johnny is a revered guitarist and composer and is held in the highest esteem by many of his fellow performers. He has so much to give and he is such a willing and enthusiastic guy – those students lucky enough to benefit from Johnny’s appointment are in for something really special."