The Stone Roses

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, they comprised the core of the Madchester Baggy scene, centered around Manchester

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, 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. Ian Brown hated the term "Madchester" and took offence with interviewers who referred to them as such.

Formed during the early-1980s from the remnants of a local Manchester band called 'The Patrol' (among other early names), the band's line-up featured Ian Brown (vocals), John Squire (guitar), Gary Mounfield - "Mani" (bass), and Alan Wren - "Reni" (drums). Early members such as Andy Couzens and Pete Garner had a great influence on them, but aren't regarded as members of the band. In the beginning they were a more aggressive, punky band with Ian Brown antagonizing audience members. The band were disliked by many people in Manchester, particularly Tony Wilson. The band played a tour of Sweden after Ian Brown ran into a concert promoter in Berlin on a hitch-hiking trip. They became more serious after meeting Gareth Evans, the owner of Manchester club The International, who became their manager. The band would rehearse at the International, while Brown and Squire began writing songs together seriously.