Photocredit: Marv Watson
Over 20 years of waiting and countless months speculation have passed since Stone Roses’ Second Coming hit shelves in 1996, but the band has finally reemerged with the announcement of their next effort, currently in its nascent stages. The group reformed last year and has announced new gigs in the UK and internationally. According to the Guardian, a source close to the band stated:
“Ian Brown and the lads have been busy getting their next album ready. It will be album number three… it’s a long time coming, but they feel the time is right now. They’ve been back in the studio. Everyone is very excited about it.”
The boys have announced dates in Japan and New York in June before heading on a European tour this summer. Their travels will include a headlining appearance at UK festival T In the Park.
Stone Roses formed in 1989 when two classmates and English Rose bandmates – guitarist John Squire and vocalist Ian Brown – recruited drummer Reni, guitarist Andy Couzens, and bassist Pete Garner to complete the lineup. The group enjoyed a rapid popularity growth in the Manchester warehouse scene and were scooped up by Silvertone Records. Their sound reflected their 60’s guitar and heavy metal influences, and led a uprising in like-minded bands that fused 60’s hook-driven sounds with acid house. In 1989, Stone Roses released its self-titled debut along with singles “Elephant Stone,” “She Bangs the Drums,” and “Fool’s Gold.”
Despite the band’s steady climb, fans would need to wait patiently for the next Stone Roses album; this would become an all-too-familiar theme in the groups career. In 1990, the guys attempted to leave Silvertone Records. This resulted in a turbulent period marked by a court injunction against the band, rendering them unable to produce or release music. The band spent the next two years in an intense legal battle with Silvertone. In 1992, the band won its case and was signed by Geffen records. They worked on-and-off on their sophomore album and in 1995 released Second Coming, which faced mixed reviews. A world tour was planned but later scrapped after the departure of Remi and a broken collar bone injury for Squire after a biking accident. The band’s popularity continued to wane and eventually disintegrate following a bitter fallout.
However, in 2011, the guys surprised the music industry when they suddenly reemerged. The return included tour dates, festivals, and a record contract. The return was a welcome one; many of the shows sold out within minutes, leaving the Stone Roses to bank £10 in comeback tour sales.
Sources discussing the band’s future are conflicting but optimistic. In 2013, bassist Mani mentioned that the group has been “working on a few bits” and promised a release in 2015. Mirror reported that the new album will coincide with summer tour dates. However, Squire suggests Stone Roses will continue to move at their familiar glacial pace: he predicts the new album to take “five years” to complete.
In their 26 year career, Stone Roses have released 2 albums, 5 compilations, and 21 singles. Their upcoming album has yet to be named.
Update: Ian Brown has confirmed to NME that Stone Roses are recording new material. We learn from his laconic replies that the band is recording “glorious” sounding music. When asked how the process is going, he responds “like a dream.” See the video interaction below.
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