In his second round-up, EWAN CAMERON picks excellent solo shows that deal with Scottishness, Englishness and race as highlights
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A rapturous finale saves Marr’s bacon
[Victor Frankowski] 
Fiery words from the Bard in Blackpool and Edinburgh, and Evidence Based Punk Rock from The Protest Family
MATTHEW HAWKINS is mesmerised by a performance that dissolves the line between audience and performer
MATTHEW SHARPE recommends the essays of a Renaissance politician that instruct and unnerve after 400 years
GAVIN O’TOOLE welcomes the reissue of a seminal work of revolutionary theory that have genuine relevance in the current context
RON JACOBS rides shotgun with a member of Black Bloc on the wave of anti-capitalist protests of the 1990s and early 2000s
Meltdown Festival
Johnny Marr
Royal Festival Hall
★★★
Musician, guitarist, songwriter, singer, NME godlike genius, Johnny Marr has many strings to his bow and at a memorable Meltdown gig sprinkles his 19-strong set with songs from his long, illustrious career.
Opening with The Tracers from 2018 album Call the Comet, Marr’s immediately into full throttle getting the best from his guitar while behind him the band keep the rhythm and beat. The audience is however appreciative rather than adoring.
Then, as Marr launches into the opening of The Smiths’ Bigmouth Strikes Again, they jump to their feet as if welcoming an old friend. It’s the first of seven Smiths tracks that pepper the night.
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