I first heard The Stone Roses in late 1990. I was a Junior in high school and had until then only listened to your basic music such as U2 and R.E.M. and, of course, the Dead Milkmen. A friend of mine, a foreign exchange student from Belgium (whom I met on the water polo team) played 'Waterfall' and 'Don't Stop' for me, showing me how each was the other backward. That was the coolest thing that I had ever heard. (He also introduced me to the Smiths, Ride, the Inspirals and many others)
Derek (the Belgian) loaned me a tape of the Roses. It was a copy of the UK release of TSR with WTWIWF and Fools Gold tacked on. I made a copy of the tape and listened to it a LOT. I had some bad luck with my Stone Roses tapes. I had 3 different copies eaten by three different tape players within a couple on months. It was weird.
In the spring of 1991, I finally bought a copy of the U.S. release of TSR on cassette. I soon after bought 'One Love' on cassette. This also proved to be an excellent listen. The Roses continued to be one of my favorite bands throughout my senior year in high school. By the summer of 1992, the Roses were without question my favorite band. I remember calling the local college station always requesting some of their music. I also used to search every music magazine for any word of a new release. Back in 1992, there was nothing. Sometime in here, I also bought the Elephant Stone 12".
Toward the end of the summer of 1992, I found and purchased the Roses box set of CD singles. That was probably the point at which I realized that I was obsessed. Believe me, $85 is a lot of money when you're working at minimum wage. I was a bit put off that the set did not include Sally Cinnamon, though. I fixed this situation later that fall when I bought the Japanese version of Sally Cinnamon (with the extra little booklet). I paid a whopping $25 for this. Though it hurt, I learned that you never leave something like that for later. You buy it then and there, or you will never see it again.
Later, in the spring of 1993, I bought 'Turns Into Stone,' though I already had all of the songs. It was more convenient to have them all on one disc. Sometime around here I also purchased the 'I Am The Resurrection' CD Single (ORE CD 40). This is still one of my rarer finds. I still can't figure out how it got to St. Louis, MO. It was also during this time that I subscribed to the manchester mailing list. This proved to be a good source for a lot of the Roses' history, and still appears on my Roses web page.
The next year or so was pretty uneventful as far as the Roses went. Just a bunch of stupid rumors that were unfounded. I remember calling the local record store on Valentine's Day in 1994, asking about the new Roses record that was rumored to be out. "Huh?" they said. I must add that I created another Roses fiend in the spring of 1994. I introduced my roommate, Travis to the Roses (and Charlatans, Ocean blue, etc.) and he was instantly hooked. I believe that he is presently worse than I am.
So when the official word was received about the Winter 1994 release, I was ecstatic. It was during this time that I was exposed to the web and learned HTML. I searched everywhere and could not find information on the Roses. I decided that I would try my best to provide a home for all things Stone Roses. Thus, my Roses web page was born.
I bought 'Love Spreads' on import. Although it was very different, I grew to dig it and impatiently awaited the U.S. appearance of Second Coming. In early 1995, I bought 'The First Coming' (thanks Simon) and was impressed with the early material (although the quality leaves something to be desired). Finally, in late January, I bought Second Coming on U.S. release (the local import shop failed me). It took a few listens, but I was soon convinced that the Roses were back.
I was skeptical about the news that Reni quit in April. I couldn't believe it. The stories seemed so random and inconsistent. But it soon turned out that it was true. I was excited at the announcement of a spring U.S. tour. But no St. Louis date was set. I about died when, one day as I was driving home, the Point (KPNT) announced on the radio that The Stone Roses would be appearing at their 'Pointfest 3' in May. The problem was that tickets had gone on sale at the same time of the announcement. I was originally not planning to go, so had not planned to fight the crowds for tickets.
I managed to get back to the music store and score 2 lawn tickets (this means you sit way far away from the stage). Still, I was going to see the Roses. The day came, and although I was too far away to even make out faces WITH binoculars, I saw them. Ian, John, Mani, and Robbie were there. It was unreal. I really can't say I remember any of it. I was so entranced. I was really mad when harldy anybody stood up until the opening riff for 'Love Spreads' started. That's the kind of festival that this is (and that's the kind of radio station that the Point is).
I still prayed, though, for the Roses to return and play a small venue. I saw the Charlatans in the summer of 1992 on their 'between 10th and 11th' tour at a small club (Mississippi Nights in St. Louis) and must say that it was incredible. Just the whole focus of the crowd made the concert. It was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. My hope was to be able to see the Roses in a similar situation.
During the summer of 1995, I managed to get ahold of an original copy of "So Young / Tell Me." This continues to be my prized possession.
The fall and winter of 1995 were again uneventful, aside from the occasional updates and unfulfilled expectations of Burnweed. I accumulated a few more Roses CD's and 12 inchers. I also bought a couple more bootlegs. When the word came, in April 1996, that John was leaving the Roses, I was floored. How could this be? It is at this point that I pretty much accepted the fact that the Roses were gone. I couldn't see how they could continue with only half of the original members. The bad reviews in Spain and at Reading came as no surprise.
The announcement of their final breakup came as more of a relief than anything. At least the remaining members would not taint the name The Stone Roses. I was happy that Mani joined Primal Scream, as they are also one of my favorite bands. I look forward to hearing their new material. I am also looking forward to hearing from Seahorses.
It is sad that such a band as the Roses met with their decline so soon after their comeback. I was hoping for much more music from them. But I guess all good things must come to an end.