The guitarist's debut solo album, The Messenger, is scheduled for release two days prior to the festivities. Marr joins such previous "Godlike Genius" recipients as The Clash, The Cure and Dave Grohl.

NME editor Mike Williams praised the veteran musician as an innovator. "Not content with rewriting the history of music with one of the world's greatest ever bands, The Smiths, 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.