Johnny Marr pays tribute to late Smiths manager Joe Moss

Johnny Marr has paid tribute to former Smiths manager Joe Moss, who has died aged 72.

The music man also managed Smiths guitarist Marr's solo career until he lost his battle with cancer.

The axeman wrote on his website some words of reflection about his late manager, saying that he will "never be replaced".

Marr said: "Joe was a one off, an amazing person and totally unique. He started looking after me when I was seventeen; it was Joe who put the idea in my head to go and knock on Morrissey’s door.

"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."

Marr met Moss through fashion retail in Manchester in the 1980s and helped to set up The Smiths' early career by organising record deals and tours before leaving them in 1983.

The Smiths subsequently went on to release four albums and reach No.1 in the UK.

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

Watch The Smiths in action below: