The Second Coming


Five years since the debut album 'The Stone Roses' had changed the UK music scene, November 1994, came the first Geffen published Stone Roses' single - 'Love Spreads'. It was backed with 2 new tracks, 'You Star Will Shine' (also from the album) and 'Breakout'. The NME described it as, 'John Squire's debut solo single' (he was about 8 years out!). On the whole it was predicted a number one but actually came in at number 2 (still a career best though).

The 'Second Coming', a suitable name, we had all been waiting for the resurrection and in December 1994 we observed it. The track listing read as: 'Breaking Into Heaven', 'Driving South', 'Ten Storey Love Song', 'Daybreak', 'Your Star Will Shine', 'Straight To The Man', 'Begging You', 'Tightrope', 'Good Times', 'Tears', 'How Do You Sleep', and 'Love Spreads' (with hidden track 90, named later as 'The Foz'). The album was ripped to shreds by the press right across the board; fans had mixed opinions of it. I was one of the people that feel in love with it. The previous magic was present but there was new warmth there, created by Squire's slick fretwork, burning new melodies and new boundaries, taking us fans to a different place. The standout tracks were certainly, the single 'Love Spreads' and the epic, beautiful ballad 'Tears', which, in my view contains some of Squire's best work (to date). 'Second Coming' hit the charts at number 4 and the USA charts at number 47 (staying in the US top 200 for 13 weeks) in February 1995.

The second single, 'Ten Storey Love Song' was released in the same month and was backed with two new tracks, 'Moses' and 'Ride On' (incidentally the name of a Fanzine that was started later). The video was the first that professionally made with only three members in shot; Reni was represented by a man wearing a photocopied mask of his face.

The dream was tainted for the first time in April 1995 with the departure of Alan 'Reni' Wren, this explained Reni's absence from the shooting of 'Ten Storey Love Song'. Reni had apparently missed the shooting and several press conferences prior to leaving but the Roses replaced him with 25-year-old Robbie Maddix immediately (Maddix was already an acquaintance).

April 1995 also saw the release of yet another Silvertone single and it was yet another 'Fools Gold' remix CD, this time worked by Tall Paul. It just about left a vague, visible dent in the charts, entering at number 25. NME reviews quotes, "Here we go again. Silvertone setting up the milking stool under their biggest cash cow." (A super-apt quote). Two months later and we see another compilation released by Silvertone, given the dubious title, 'The Complete Stone Roses'. It was just a collection of the debut album and 'Turns Into Stone' (but shorter, less enjoyable radio edits) and the five tracks from the first two releases - 'So Young' and 'Sally Cinnamon'.

In June 1995, disaster struck as John Squire breaks his collarbone in a biking accident in California, on a day off after an 11-day US tour. This makes it impossible for the band to make their appearance at Glastonbury's 25th anniversary and as a last minute save-grace Pulp were drafted in as their replacements, saving their career.

They head to the studio for one day in September 1995 to record a special 'live in the studio' version of 'Love Spreads' for Go! Discs CD 'HELP' the whole album only recorded five days before release and the proceeds went to War Child. John Squire also designed the front cover for this and makes the CD a nice piece in any fan's collection. In the same month the Roses also play a gig in Japan in front of 12,000 fans.

In an October issue of NME, it was reported that the band were planning to head back in the studio to record a third album for the next year. In addition a live CD was to be released as either an EP or and album, it turned out to be an EP entitled, 'Crimson Tonight'. In the meantime, a third single was released from 'Second Coming', namely 'Begging You', the upbeat 'Fools Gold' attempt for the Second Coming. It was backed with several remixes across three formats.

November saw the start of a 19 day UK tour that began in Birmingham, watching the Roses play became more and more enjoying as the year went on as the band seemed to get tighter. Now comfortable with its new permanent line-up, some of the magic that went with Reni had returned. In December 1995 they headline Sheffield Arena supported by ex-Happy Monday frontman Shaun Ryder's new project Black Grape. That was followed by Wembley Arena supported by the Manic Street Preachers.

March 1996 saw The Stone Roses darkest hour. John Squire announces his departure from the band. In a statement, he says, "I believe all concerned will benefit from a parting of the ways at this point, and I see this as the inevitable conclusion to the gradual social and musical separation we have undergone in the last few years." This was followed in April by the Roses response, in their own statement, the remaining Roses say, "We feel as cheated as everyone else who's heard the news. We are in the middle of recording the next LP. We're disgusted, yet feel strong and more optimistic than ever."

...but still they march on, it is generally viewed as one of Ian Brown's biggest mistakes during his time with the Roses as in August the now virtually alien line-up of Ian Brown, Mani, Squire-replacement Aziz Ibrahim (former session guitar of Simply Red), Robbie Maddix and now permanent fixture Nigel Ipison (Keyboards) play the Reading Festival which received an absolutely awful review by all. Some fans cried.

On the 29th October 1996, Ian Brown sent out that fateful statement finally closing the door on the Roses… "Having spend the last ten years in the filthiest business in the universe it's a pleasure to announce the end of The Stone Roses. May god bless all who gave us their love and supported us throughout this time, special thanks to the people of Manchester who sent us on our way, peace be upon you".



SECOND COMING


1994-2004


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