I can't think of odder music news of late than a story that appeared in The Guardian some weeks ago regarding Easter plans in Manchester...

"The BBC plans to mark the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ this Easter with an hour-long live procession through the streets of Manchester featuring pop stars from The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays and featuring songs by The Smiths and New Order.

In the programme, called Manchester Passion, a character representing Jesus will sing the legendary Joy Division anthem Love Will Tear Us Apart before dueting his arch-betrayer Judas on the New Order hit Blue Monday, according to senior church sources involved in the production.
..."

No, I am not making this up. The Guardian is not playing a practical joke on the interweb. I'm not sure I could make up a story this bizarre. The Church of England, BBC and Bez celebrating Easter in the street of Manchester with an actor dressed up as Jesus singing "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now." Uhhhhh....

Former STONE ROSES guitarist John Squire certainly got the rumor mill going in full swing today, thanks to an interview in "Time Out" magazine that has him direct quoted as saying his 2005 plans include "making a ferocious guitar record on my own, then put the Roses back together." Lots of talk has swirled about a possible Stone Roses reunion for some time now, with bassist Mani often citing the possibility in interviews. What remains to be seen at this point, however, is whether or not Squire can put an end to the slagfest going on lately between himself and former Roses frontman Ian Brown. Beyond THAT, the 3 would then have to look under every rock in Manchester in search of Roses drummer Reni, who pretty much disappeared off the map when he left the band a decade ago. Today's news, while not a confirmation by any stretch of the mile, does make us raise an optimistic eyebrow, as until now, it's been thought that Squire would be the biggest hurdle to overcome if the Roses were to ever attempt a reunion. Seeing as how if they were to reform it would likely be the biggest news story we've ever covered, it's safe to assume that we WILL keep you informed as things play out...

On the list today Christopher overheard something about a super group featuring some of the great bass players of our time. Sam confirmed it and the members include PETER HOOK from NEW ORDER, MANI from the STONE ROSES (...more recently PRIMAL SCREAM) and ANDY ROURKE from the SMITHS. I found an interview from NewOrderOnline.net with Peter Hook where he confirms that he's recording new New Order material as well as writing music for this side project. We'll keep you posted.

Cluas has a list of Ten Great B-sides. They've got some good picks in there with Oasis and Radiohead. You can also check out their list of Ten Great Hidden Album Tracks and my favorite, Ten Great Album Openers. Yeah, like 'I Wanna Be Adored' by the Stone Roses wasn't going to be on there!

Distant, metallic noises. A small swirl of wind. A growing, sinister gasp of machines. And then, out of the haze and out of somewhere above, one of the most emotional bass-lines you've ever heard breaks out like cold sunshine. It is a singular, defining moment in "indie" music. One that has changed lives, saved lives, and has yet to be toppled with such grace in the past ten years. By the time the final chorus hits its climax, by the time you scream with pride, "I gotta be adored...," you've been instantly converted into nearly worshipping a band for the rest of your life. You have no choice.

That's just how it is.

Reni (ex-STONE ROSES drummer) is back in the spotlight, NME reports. He's been writing material since he left the band in 1995 and is seeking a record deal. He's on vocals and playing guitar, Lee Mullen (HAPPY MONDAYS) is on drums, and is looking for a bassist and second guitarist.

Simon Jones (ex-VERVE) and John Squire (ex-Stone Roses) are working together. They are writing material in a Manchester studio but details about release dates or even the name of the project has not been made public. Excellent Online will keep you updated on what happens with this collaboration.

The following was originally posted to the Excellent Mailing List on October 5th, 1999, as my direct response to a thread on the Stone Roses. You see, it's a bit of an anniversary this month, as the world (or at least Silvertone Records) are celebrating the 10th anniversary reissue of "The Stone Roses," an album some would claim to be (one of) the greatest of the decade. One member's pro-Roses message to the list brought forth a surprising number of anti-Roses posts, and no sooner than you can pull out a knife and carve "4 REAL" into your arm, we've got a full-on brouhaha on our mailing list. Which made me sit back, take a deep breath, and wonder just what all the fuss is for. My comments are below.

Ooh.. crank up the rumour mill, 'cause we need to talk about the STONE ROSES. The lives of these four musicians have turned into quite a soap opera of late. Here's what we know thus far:

Two weeks ago, former Roses bassist MANI (currently of PRIMAL SCREAM) spends a few days on the road with a Roses cover band as their touring DJ. Talking to fans at the shows, Mani mentions that the Seahorses are splitting and hints around to a future project involving some, if not all, of the original 4 members of the Roses.

The Summer of '99 may end up remembered as a year of reunions. The tax-bill inspired HAPPY MONDAYS reunion tour has sold out and even added extra dates. Most of the original lineup is back in place, including, most importantly, Bez. Meanwhile, the tantalizing STONE ROSES reunion rumors continue to rumble. Where is Burnweed with all those pre-millenium insights when you need him? [Editor's Note: He's already appeared!