Dates for Johnny Marr & The Healers start January 15 in New Jersey and stick to North American clubs through February 3 with newbie Mellowdrone opening. Then, from February 8-23, the band supports Pearl Jam on their Australian leg.

Although this is Marr’s first band of his own, it’s not his first non-Smiths project. After Morrissey and company, he hooked up with Bernard Sumner of New Order to form Electronic. That band put out three albums and played with a host of big names including Oasis.

However, something was lacking for Marr.

“I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with people I respect and have really enjoyed all the records I’ve done,” Marr said. “But there’s things I want to do and a sound I want that I can only get with my own band.”

Marr formed the Healers around 2000 when the group started work on their debut. The band includes Zak Starkey (Ringo Starr’s son) on drums, Alonza Bevan (Kula Shaker) on bass, and Liz Bonney, Adam “Chink” Grey, and Lee Spencer filling in the musical gaps.

The group recently landed a record contract with iMusic and expect to release their debut, possibly titled Boomslang, early next year.