New York (AFP) - Johnny Marr, the influential guitarist for The Smiths long in the shadow of Morrissey, will have the chance to tell his own story in a memoir.

Following Morrissey's largely well-received autobiography in 2013, Marr said Monday that he would release his book in the second half of 2016 with publisher Century.

"For the past few years as I've been out on tour promoting my solo work fans and journalists have been asking me when I'll write my book," Marr said in a statement.

"I'm very happy to say that the time has come to tell my story."

Marr has been one of modern rock's defining guitarists with his energetic, jangly style that owes both to 1960s pop and punk.

But The Smiths' image was widely seen as more about frontman Morrissey, who has built an impassioned fan base through his dark wit and bookish perceptions of life's tribulations.

In his book published by Penguin Classics, called simply "Autobiography," Morrissey was cordial toward Marr but savaged former Smiths drummer Mike Joyce, who sued two decades ago over allegedly unpaid earnings.

Morrissey called Joyce "a flea in search of a dog," effectively scotching again the possibility of a Smiths reunion.

Marr's own book will be closely watched for his takes on his former bandmates and whether he shares Morrissey's bleak view of their hometown, Manchester.

Since The Smiths broke up in 1987, Morrissey has pursued a successful solo career and Marr has performed with a variety of bands including Modest Mouse and The The.

Marr has more recently pursued a solo career, releasing two albums since 2013 and even singing a number of Smiths songs in concert.