The Smiths & Johnny Marr's Manager, Joe Moss, Has Passed Away

Johnny Marr has paid heartfelt tribute to Joe Moss, the guitarist's long-time friend and manager, following the industry veteran's death at the age of 72 after a battle with cancer, describing Moss as "one-off, an amazing person and totally unique".

According to a statement released on Marr's website, he and Moss met when the former was 17 years old, the latter "already a legend in Manchester", and the pair were working in neighbouring clothing stores, with Moss going on to encourage Marr to get in contact with Morrissey and consequently form UK cult icons The Smiths, for whom Moss would also serve as founding manager.

"It was Joe who put the idea in my head to go and knock on Morrissey's dorr," Marr wrote. "He invested his time and money in us when no one else wanted to know, and his belief in us kept us going. Without him there wouldn't have been any Smiths. He was an original beatnik and a true bohemian, respected by all. Everyone who met him loved him; he can never be replaced."

Moss worked with The Smiths throughout the nascent stages of their career, ultimately leaving the group "unexpectedly" in 1983, following the release of the band's debut LP and just ahead of their debut voyage to the United States.

He went on to continue contributions to the local Manchester scene, promoting shows at Oldham Street's Day & Night Cafe, as well as taking up management roles with outfits Marion and Haven (with Marr producing albums for both) and, from 1999 (to present), Marr himself.

Moss is survived by his wife, Sarah, and children David, Rachael, Ivan, Stella and Edie.