Stone Roses
The Stone Roses were one of the most influential bands to come out of Britain during the late 1980s and early '90s. Along with the Happy Mondays and The Charlatans, they comprised the core of the Madchester Baggy scene, centered around Manchester, England, though purists would argue that "Madchester" happened around the Stone Roses without them being an active part of it. Certainly, they weren't a Factory Records band. Ian Brown hated the term "Madchester" and took offence with interviewers who referred to them as such.
Formed during the early-1980's from the remnants of a local Manchester band called 'The Patrol' among other early names. The line-up featured Ian Brown (vocals), John Squire (guitar), Gary Mounfield - "Mani" (bass), and Alan Wren - "Reni" (drums). Early members such as Andy Couzens had a great influence on them, but aren't regarded as members of the band. They are considered to be one of the founders of the Britpop music genre (see Oasis, Blur, and Radiohead). Indeed, Liam Gallagher got his desire to be a rock star after he had been to a Stone Roses gig and had been blown over by Ian's stage presence. Though Ian was a poor musician, he was a natural showman and had the crowd in the palm of his hand throughout.
They released a self-titled album in 1989 after two singles, each to different labels. Their double A side single originally titled 'What the World is Waiting For' but more famous for Fool's Gold on the flip side charted in the UK at no. 4 in November 1989 - at the time a true rarity for an "indie" record, and is still regarded as a classic of the genre. A flood of re-issued singles followed during the next few years, as well as an extended legal battle with their record label, Silvertone (They were Silvertone's first signing, the label was created to get the "new rock beat" by Jive/Zomba, a profoundly dance and R&B label). The band failed to consult a specialist lawyer and so signed a contract which was a "restraint of trade", grossly favourable to Silvertone, and therefore illegal. They played several legendary live shows, including the 'Ally Pally' gig at North London's Alexandra Palace on November 25th 1989, and one on Spike Island in the middle of the River Mersey, surrounded by chemical plants, 27 May 1990.
Eventually they wrangled themselves out of their contract with Silvertone and signed a large contract with Geffen Records. In early 1995, the Stone Roses released their long-awaited follow-up album, Second Coming. The music was heavily influenced by John Squire's guitar, with a heavy rock sound reminiscent at times of Led Zeppelin. It was seen as a let-down by much of the music press.
During the recording of Second Coming, their character showed if their music did not. During one session, they required a sample of breaking glass. Rather than throw a brick through the nearest studio window (which would have been quite acceptable), they brought along a pane of glass, a brick and a dustpan with brush. Squire's love of cocaine, however, turned much of the band against him and thus Second Coming was sarcastically termed "The John Squire Blues Explosion".
The band began to dismantle with the departure of Reni, who was followed on 1 April 1996 by John Squire. The band persevered for another year before Ian Brown and Mani dissolved the group after a disastrous performance at the Reading Music Festival at which disappointed fans booed the band, and threw things at the stage.
John Squire formed the Seahorses, who released one album before breaking up. In 2002 Squire released his first solo album. Mani joined Primal Scream as bassist. Ian Brown has released three solo albums to some success, and has regularly entertained crowds at some of Britain's biggest music festivals. Reni started a new band called The Rub in 1999, and played several gigs, attended by famous fans. This venture didn't last.
Plaudits
The album has consistently performed well in critics' best album lists, eg:
