Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr has confirmed that he has become a full time member of The Cribs.

“It’s totally inspiring as a guitar player because they’re my favourite band that I’ve heard in a long time and I’m still a fan, you know,” he told BBC 6Music.

Until now, Marr’s collaboration with the group had been purely on a recording level, including their forthcoming fourth album.

But the former Smiths star will now play live with the group, including at this weekends Reading and Leeds Festivals.

Speaking in more detail about is new role in the band, Marr said that they weren’t concerned about what people would think.

“We don’t really have to be told by the press or by record companies, or management or anything like that that we have to do something really great,” he said.

At present, it's not clear when The Cribs new album will be released.

(by Jason Gregory)