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.
Formed during the early-1980's from the remnants of a local Manchester band called 'The Patrol' among other early name. 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 pretentions of being a rock star after he had been to a Stone Roses gig and had been blown over by Ian's awesome stage presence. Though Ian was a poor musician, he was a born 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. A flood of 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 one on Spike Island in the middle of the Mersey River, 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 Squires guitar, and 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 the white powder, 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.
John Squire formed the Seahorses, who released one album before breaking up. In 2002 Squire released his first solo album. Gary Mounfield joined Primal Scream as bassist. Ian Brown has released three solo albums to some success, and has regularly entertained crowds at some of Britains biggest music festivals. Rene Alan Wren started a new band called (insert here), and played several gigs, attended by famous fans. Unfortunately this venture didn't last.
