Good news for former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr! He’s a God-like genius! That must be reassuring to know.

The axe-wielder, who also has an exhaustive list of other bands and collaborations, including working with The Cribs, Modest Mouse, Nile Rodgers from Chic, The Pretenders and New Order’s Bernard Sumner, among others, has won the NME God Like Genius award for 2013. The gong is basically a life achievement sort of thing, recognising the talent of an artist over many years of work.

"The NME seems to be good at giving this award to people I like so I'm in good company. I guess it means that some things are alright with the world," Marr said in a statement. He’s in good company indeed; The Clash, Paul Weller, The Cure, Manic Street Preachers, New Order & Joy Division and Dave Grohl have all won the award in the past. Last year’s winner was Noel Gallagher. NME editor Mike Williams said that it was Marr’s continuing evolution that had led to the award. "He's continued to push boundaries and evolve throughout his career, working with some of the best and most exciting artists on the planet," said Williams, reports Reuters. Of the other awards, Haim, Tame Impala, M.I.A and The Rolling Stones are all up for four categories each.

Johnny Marr at Guilfest

Johnny Marr: Godlike genius