Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr has spoken of his pride at inspiring people to become vegetarians.
Released in 1985, The Smiths classic album 'Meat Is Murder' has an enormous effect on the lives of many fans. The tortuous title track is a stark argument for vegetarianism, sparking many people to investigate the lifestyle.
Morrissey's lyrics became a talking point, with the singer intoning 'Death without reason is murder'. The groaning of cows in a slaughterhouse reverberates in the background, as Johnny Marr adds some squealing guitar.
One of the most disturbing and effective tracks the band ever produced, 'Meat Is Murder' is still widely hailed as an inspiration track for many vegetarians.
Now Johnny Marr has spoken of his pride in the song. Speaking to the journalist Neil Taylor the guitarist explained that even today fans approach him to talk about the effect it had on their attitudes to eating meat.
"I am very proud of the fact that 20 years on people tell me they became a vegetarian as a result of 'Meat is Murder'," he said.
"I think that is quite literally rock music changing someone's life - it's certainly changing the life of animals. It is one of the things I am most proud of."
Johnny Marr was contributing to the forthcoming book 'Document And Eyewitness: An Intimate History Of Rough Trade'. Meanwhile, the guitarist has been embarking on a number of new projects.
The Cribs star worked on the score for 'Inception' and recently helped perform the soundtrack at a special show in Los Angeles. Composer Hans Zimmer stood at the helm for the show, with Johnny Marr forming part of a twenty piece orchestra.
Meanwhile, The Cribs have already begun work on a potential follow up to last year's album 'Ignore The Ignorant'.
