Johnny Marr reacts to Andy Burnham covering The Smiths on guitar with soldiers in Ukraine
Prime Minister Andy Burnham played The Smiths' "Rusholme Ruffians" on guitar alongside a Ukrainian soldier during his first visit to Kyiv as PM, and band co-founder Johnny Marr has now responded warmly to the moment. Speaking to Absolute Radio, Marr called it "an amazing thing" and "a victory for the guitar", saying he found it hard to process the significance given Ukraine's situation but ultimately welcomed the tribute to the instrument and to music's global reach.
Burnham, formerly Mayor of Greater Manchester, visited a Ukrainian military and artistic unit that performs for troops on the front line, in hospitals and at rehabilitation centres, admitting he was "out of practice" before playing the 1985 track. He has long championed The Smiths, previously naming their compilation "Hatful Of Hollow" as a life-changing record, and has been active on music policy since becoming PM, including cutting business rates for venues by 20 per cent and facing pressure over touring costs, AI copyright and ticket touting.
In short
- Andy Burnham played The Smiths' song with a Ukrainian soldier in Kyiv
- Johnny Marr called it "a victory for the guitar"
- Burnham has a long-standing love of The Smiths and backs music policy reforms
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A Prime Minister demonstrating solidarity with Ukrainian troops through music carries genuine diplomatic and morale value. Such gestures affirm Ukrainian culture and humanity in the face of conflict, strengthening bonds between nations. Music has proven capacity to sustain morale during warfare, and leaders' participation signals authentic engagement rather than distant bureaucratic support. These symbolic gestures, combined with material aid, represent a complete approach to alliance-building.
The case against
During active warfare, a Prime Minister's time should focus on substantive outcomes: military strategy, weapons procurement, diplomatic leverage, and material commitments that directly affect the conflict. Whilst morale matters, symbolic gestures cannot provide the equipment and supplies troops need. Such performances risk appearing performative, potentially diverting focus from serious military priorities. Meaningful solidarity lies in concrete policy and material support, not gestures that generate positive imagery without tangible strategic benefit.
Explained simply
The Smiths were an influential Manchester band formed in the 1980s, with Johnny Marr as guitarist and co-founder. Their music remains popular, and Marr has spoken about the guitar’s place in music.
Ukraine has been fighting Russia’s full-scale invasion since 2022. Music groups connected to the Ukrainian military perform for troops and people recovering from injury, making music part of cultural life during the war.
Andy Burnham was Mayor of Greater Manchester before becoming Prime Minister. His interest in music sits alongside wider debates about how government supports music venues, touring and artists.