The Stone Roses and Other Resurrections

A couple of weeks ago it was announced that legendary Manchester pop group the Stone Roses would be reuniting for two shows in their hometown next summer, followed by a subsequent world tour. I'm a big Stone Roses fan, but whenever something like this happens - a revered band reuniting more than 20 years past their prime - there's as much apprehension as there is excitement.

via imacsonline.com

Now I understand that it's unfair to expect the Roses to resurrect their past greatness in some impossible, ageless performance. It's unrealistic, and if we demanded that of all bands that get back together, we'd be disappointed eternally. However, in the case of the Stone Roses, it's justified.

You see, their last performance, more than 15 years ago now, was abysmal. Like hell-shakingly, mind-bludgeoningly abysmal. In fact, if you've never heard the Stone Roses before don't click that link. It will taint them in your ears and soul forever and make you think less of music in general.

Of course that doesn't mean I've lost hope entirely. It's very possible that lead singer, Ian Brown, was in the subterranean depths of a week long ether binge when that concert took place. If that was the case, let's hope he's kicked the habit come next summer.

Other bands I'd like to see reunite:

Neutral Milk Hotel (split 1999)
Talking Heads (1991)
The Smiths (1987)