The Stone Roses, icons of the Madchester scene, reunited in June 2016, marking a significant moment for fans worldwide. After a hiatus of three years, the band embarked on a global tour, performing across 17 stadiums and arenas. This reunion followed their previous tour from 2012 to 2013, which itself was a momentous occasion after a 15-year absence, announced with promises of a new album – their first since Second Coming in 1994. While the reunion tours were a resounding success in terms of live performances, the promised new LP remained elusive.
By the summer of 2016, anticipation for a new Stone Roses album surged again with the release of singles “Beautiful Thing” and “All For One.” These tracks, characterized by their groove-oriented sound, seemed to hint at creative output stemming from their extensive touring. However, these releases turned out to be a culmination rather than a prelude to a full album.
John Squire, the celebrated guitarist of The Stone Roses, recently shared insights in MOJO magazine about this period. He revealed the challenges behind recording those singles. “Both were really difficult to record,” Squire stated, hinting at underlying complexities within the band. He further explained, “so an album would’ve been beyond us. That last tour was an obligation, we all knew we weren’t signing up for anything more, so, in that sense, it was a satisfying ending.” This candid reflection sheds light on the internal dynamics of The Stone Roses, particularly the relationship between Squire and Ian Brown, and the eventual conclusion of this chapter of their musical journey.
The final Stone Roses performance at Hampden Park on June 24, 2017, marked a turning point for John Squire. By this time, he had decided to step away from performing music outside of casual settings, choosing to focus on his painting, a long-standing passion, and his family life. This decision signaled a significant shift in Squire’s artistic direction, moving away from the public stage and back towards personal creative pursuits.
Liam Gallagher, another prominent figure in British rock, recently collaborated with Squire. Adding a poignant layer to the narrative, Squire recounted attending the funeral of Mani’s wife, Imelda, alongside Gallagher in Manchester. Mani, the bassist for The Stone Roses, shares a deep history with Squire, their families being close for years. “Mani and his wife really doted on our girls when they were younger,” Squire reminisced. “I’ve been in touch with Mani a lot since the first time the band broke up. We used to go on holiday together, the two families.” The funeral served as a reunion of sorts, though under somber circumstances. Squire noted seeing Ian Brown and Reni, the drummer, at the wake, highlighting the enduring, albeit infrequent, connections between the band members. “With Mani, it’s almost a family thing. With Ian and Reni, it’s just occasional…” he reflected, underscoring the varying nature of his relationships with his former bandmates post-Stone Roses.
Squire’s collaboration with Liam Gallagher marks a new and exciting phase in his musical career. In an exclusive interview with MOJO, Squire and Gallagher delve into their new collaborative album, offering insights into the creative process, Squire’s past injury that nearly ended his guitar playing, and the rumored Oasis reunion that never was due to Noel Gallagher’s refusal. This partnership signifies Squire’s continued musical evolution beyond The Stone Roses, exploring new creative avenues while maintaining his distinctive guitar style.
The recent issue of MOJO magazine features an in-depth interview with John Squire and Liam Gallagher, providing a comprehensive look into their collaboration and Squire’s reflections on his musical journey, including his time with The Stone Roses. For fans eager to delve deeper into the story, the latest issue of MOJO, on sale Tuesday February 20th, is the definitive source.
