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The Stone Roses reform

Regarded as one of the most influential British bands ever, they have left a significant mark on music history.It appears that The Stone Roses…the trailblazers of the iconic Manchester music scene and the “Baggy Music” movement of the late 1980s…are planning to reunite.

Various sources indicate the band is set to perform two concerts next summer in their home city of Manchester.Major music promoter SJM is reportedly organizing these events.

This will mark the first occasion in 17 years that the original lineup—including singer Ian Brown, guitarist John Squire, bassist Gary Mounfield (Mani), and drummer Alan Wren (Reni)—will perform together live.

A press conference has been scheduled, and several sources suggest that the band will announce their decision to reform.

Murray Chalmers PR, known for representing artists like Noel Gallagher, Kylie Minogue, and Yoko Ono, has called the press conference to make a “very important announcement.”

However, the firm did not disclose which band or musician the announcement pertains to and did not confirm or deny when approached for clarification.

The band’s self-titled debut album is often considered one of the greatest British albums ever.This LP, which features classic tracks such as “I Wanna Be Adored,” “She Bangs The Drums,” and “I Am The Resurrection,” was launched in May 1989, already establishing a strong following in the North West.

I recall suggesting to a friend that he should buy the album, but in a ‘protest against modern music,’ he instead opted for the Kitchens Of Distinction album…what a wanker.

Their popularity rapidly expanded following the release of “Fool’s Gold” in November 1989, a track celebrated as the ultimate indie dance crossover anthem.

In the same month, they performed at Alexandra Palace in London, marking the venue’s first gig in 16 years, before transforming a bird sanctuary in Wirral into a major concert location.Their performance in front of 30,000 fans at Spike Island near Widnes, Cheshire, at the end of May 1990 is often seen as a pivotal moment in British rock history.

Following a contentious and protracted legal battle, they parted ways with record label Silvertone and signed a lucrative deal with Geffen.

However, there were tales of the band vandalizing recording studios and, of course, incidents involving drugs. Brown found himself heavily involved with heroin and became more adept at drug use than at singing.

Consequently, their second album “Second Coming” wasn’t released until December 1994.Despite containing some notable tracks, the Roses had lost momentum and had allowed too much time to pass before releasing a follow-up. The band soon disbanded thereafter.

Reni, who is now 47, was the first to depart, followed by songwriter Squire, now 48, who exited to pursue a career as an artist.

The remaining members continued for some time before finally disbanding in August 1996, after a disastrous show at Reading Festival. This was attributed to the fact that singer Ian Brown struggled vocally. In earlier times, it was less critical if he was out of tune, but…truthfully, I’ve seen them perform several times, and friends who’ve seen them all remarked on the awfulout of tune singing. Back then, it didn’t matter, but now it certainly does. The buzz surrounding the Stone Roses’ reunion for gigs is immense, and Brown must ensure everything goes smoothly.

At 48, Mani went on to be part of another rock band, Primal Scream, who also faced their own struggles. It appeared that Mani’s addition reinvigorated the band. Since then, Primal Scream has released some monumentally good albums and, in my view, surpasses the Roses.

However, it’s not solely about who reigns supreme…is it? The reality is that the Roses contributed more than just an album. 1989 marked the ‘summer of love.’ Yes, there was a similar summer in the 60s, but this was the kind of music that made your average soccer thug… want to embrace someone… especially with that genuine ecstasy in circulation… unlike the fake stuff being sold today.

Reports surfaced six months after Brown, now 48, and Squire had ‘buried the hatchet’ following a meeting at Mani’s mother’s funeral.

This was reportedly the first meeting between the two, who had previously feuded after their split, since 1996. Mani later dismissed claims that the encounter had set the stage for the band’s reunion, calling it ‘total fantasy island gear.’ He expressed his disgust at how his personal grief had been exploited and overshadowed by such absurd tales.

‘It isn’t true and isn’t happening.’

In June, Squire also quashed reformation rumors, stating that the notion of bands coming back together for a cash grab was ‘tragic.’

It’s amusing, but I recently commented in an article ( Noel Gallagher’s lost without his little brother, Aug 28) that guitarists in successful bands rarely achieve the same level of success on their own. Though they may find artistic fulfillment, there’s a void regarding the achievement they once had.

Thus, for John Squire to label every band that reunites as tragic is, in itself, a tragedy. Because with reunions… comes the money… and he must be aware of that.

It might not reach the same heights, but it will still be fantastic to hear those classic songs… and they are classics… performed by the original lineup.

I don’t want to cast a shadow over the Stone Roses’ reunion, but I really hope Ian Brown performs well. I would rather not be writing reviews that mention Ian Brown being ‘out-of-tune.’

Yet, that’s the reality… they are what they are… the Stone Roses. I hope it won’t be long before they make it over here.

Oh, forget the hype… they made musical history. They made a statement in an industry that’s notoriously fickle. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss seeing them live.

by Wallace McTavish

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