Johnny Marr is taking a break from music to write his autobiography.

The legendary guitarist - a former member of The Smiths, Modest Mouse and The Cribs - has been penning the tome on the road while promoting his 2013 and 2014 solo albums; 'The Messenger' and 'Playland' but now needs some time off to give the project his full attention so it will be completed in time for its autumn 2016 release date.

He said: ''I always knew it was going to be a matter of downing tools to get the book done.

''You can't write a book backstage with soundcheck going on.''

The 51-year-old rocker wants to be candid in his book and though he doesn't want his tales to make people dislike him, he won't be ''self-important).

He told NME magazine: ''The important thing is that the people who like what I do still like me the same once they know everything.

''I take writing seriously but I also want it to be entertaining, because I don't want it to be too self-important or pompous.''

Johnny hasn't given his autobiography a title yet, but plans to stay away from puns.

He said: ''It absolutely won't be 'This Charming Marr', 'Isn't It Marrvelous' or any pun like that.

''I've been looking at those kind of headlines all my adult life, thanks very much.''