Rock and sole

It's not uncommon, of course, for professional athletes to have sneaker deals. Consider our own Big Papi, who just hosted a big party downtown to show off his new Reebok shoe. But what's with this trend of rockers and fashionable footwear? First, Dinosaur Jr., those indie icons from Western Mass. , styled some mauve-tinted sneaks for Nike, and now groovy guitarist Johnny Marr is working with Boston-based PF Flyers on a custom sneaker. (Alas, only 108 pairs of the limited-edition sneaker, which have Marr's signature etched on the tongue, will be available in the United States.) A favorite of ours since his days with the Smiths, Marr is at the Orpheum tonight with his new band, Modest Mouse. We chatted yesterday via e-mail about his fancy footwork.

MARK SHANAHAN

Q Truthfully, Johnny, how central are sneakers to your playing?

A Correct footwear is essential, of course. The actor Sir Alec Guinness always started preparation for a character by working out the shoes first, and working up from there. Good advice. I have to be wearing the right shoes or else it's all over.

Q They're called PF Flyers, but you're not particularly gymnastic on stage. Why so sedentary on stage?

A Have you seen me on stage? If it's happening in the music, it's in the body, too. Maybe you caught me on a quiet night.

Q Now you're getting involved in designing the sneakers. What makes for a sweet shoe? A Well, I don't really want to be wearing exactly what everyone else is. I liked the classic Flyers design but was wanting to customize the one s I had. I liked the really dark blue, and leather is unusual and a good idea as I live in Manchester, England , and Portland, Oregon. Sometimes wet.

Q Would you say you have a shoe fetish?

A I wouldn't say I have a shoe fetish, but others might.

Q So what's your favorite style of Flyer?

A The PF Johnny Marrs are Super Dark Blue, so I suppose it would be those.

Q Have you turned [Modest Mouse singer] Isaac Brock and the others in the band on to your sneakers?

A I have a bit. Isaac wears them sometimes, [percussionist] Joe [Plummer] too. I think they want mine for free.

Q Finally, about that Smiths tune "How Soon Is Now?": Is it "now" yet?

A That was then, this is now.

A court in India issued arrest warrants for Hollywood actor Richard Gere and Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty yesterday, saying their kiss at a public function "transgressed all limits of vulgarity," media reports said. Judge Dinesh Gupta issued the warrants in the northwestern city of Jaipur after a local citizen filed a complaint charging that the public display of affection offended local sensibilities, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. Gupta earlier viewed television footage of the event, which he called "highly sexually erotic." Gere left India shortly after the kissing incident, and it was not clear how the warrant would affect him. (AP)

Hugh Grant has been arrested for allegedly throwing a container of baked beans at a photographer, London police said. The Metropolitan Police don't identify suspects who haven't been charged but said a 46-year-old man was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of assault and released on bail. No charges have been filed, police said. Grant's lawyers weren't immediately available for comment. Photographer Ian Whittaker told the Daily Star tabloid that Grant had kicked him and shouted abuse before hurling the beans at him Tuesday morning. The newspaper ran photos Wednesday showing the actor holding a plastic tub over his head. (AP)

Regis Philbin is back on "Live With Regis and Kelly" but still not 100 percent, he says, six weeks after his triple- bypass heart surgery. Philbin, 75, returned to his syndicated daytime talk show yesterday. The audience cheered as he walked onto the set with co host Kelly Ripa. In a press conference, Philbin said he continues to feel post-surgery pain. "My chest hurts," he told reporters. "People keep telling me, 'Hey, you look great.' I don't feel that great, but I'm happy to be here." (AP)