Johnny Marr and the Healers will launch their first headlining tour of the U.S. on January 18th in Philadelphia. The former Smiths guitarist and his band have previously opened for Oasis, the Charlatans U.K. and Neil Finn. The Healers will be supporting their debut album Boomslang, due February 4th.

"It was really jumping in off the deep end," says Marr of assuming the role of frontman. "That was something I couldn't have anticipated and just had to experience, but once the band kicked in, I was feeling pretty good about it. Now when I guest with other people, I feel a little weird just staying on the left-hand side of the stage all night. And, of course, I now demand gardenias in the dressing room and a couple of swans."

Johnny Marr and the Healers tour dates:

1/18: Philadelphia, North Star
1/20: Washington, Black Cat
1/21-22: New York, Mercury Lounge
1/24: Boston, The Paradise
1/26: Toronto, Lee's Place
1/28: Chicago, Double Door
2/1: San Francisco, Bimbo's 365 Club
2/3: Los Angeles, Troubador

COLIN DEVENISH
(November 21, 2002)