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The Bands

The Stone Roses: Biography, Albums, Essential Songs and Legacy

todayNovember 4, 2026 6

Background
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The Stone Roses made one of the most loved debut albums in British music and became the defining band of the Madchester scene. Formed in Manchester in 1983, the classic lineup of Ian Brown, John Squire, Gary “Mani” Mounfield and Alan “Reni” Wren mixed 1960s melody with dance grooves and swagger. They are a Madchester and alternative rock band, with indie rock and psychedelic influences.

The Stone Roses at a glance

   
Formed 1983, Manchester, England
Classic lineup Ian Brown (vocals), John Squire (guitar), Mani (bass, from 1987), Reni (drums)
Active 1983–1996, 2011–2017
Genres Madchester, alternative rock, indie rock, baggy, neo-psychedelia
Labels Silvertone, Geffen

Formation

Ian Brown and John Squire, school friends from south Manchester, formed the band in 1983. Mani joined on bass in 1987, completing the lineup that recorded their self-titled debut, released by Silvertone in 1989.

The sound

The Stone Roses paired Squire’s shimmering, melodic guitar with Mani and Reni’s loose, funky rhythm section, which owed as much to dance music as to rock. Brown’s laid-back vocals and the band’s confidence gave the songs their distinctive mood.

Spike Island and Second Coming

In May 1990 the band played to a huge crowd at Spike Island in Widnes, a show remembered as a high point of the Madchester era. A long legal battle with their label delayed the follow-up, Second Coming, until 1994. Reni left in 1995 and Squire in 1996, and the band split later that year.

Legacy

The Stone Roses’ debut is regularly voted one of the greatest British albums, and its confidence paved the way for Oasis and the rise of Britpop.

The classic lineup reunited in 2011, played huge shows and released two new singles before ending again in 2017. Mani, who also spent many years in Primal Scream, died in November 2025.

The albums

The Stone Roses (1989)

The celebrated debut, with “I Wanna Be Adored”, “She Bangs the Drums”, “Waterfall” and “I Am the Resurrection”.

Singles from 1989 and 1990

“Fools Gold” and “One Love” brought the band’s dance side to the front.

Second Coming (1994)

A heavier, more blues-rock record, featuring “Love Spreads”.

Ten songs to start with

  1. I Wanna Be Adored
  2. Fools Gold
  3. She Bangs the Drums
  4. I Am the Resurrection
  5. Waterfall
  6. Made of Stone
  7. Sally Cinnamon
  8. Elephant Stone
  9. Love Spreads
  10. Ten Storey Love Song

Songs we play on The Alternative One

These The Stone Roses songs are on our charts and lists:

If you like The Stone Roses, try

New Order, Happy Mondays, Oasis, Primal Scream, The Smiths and Blur.

Frequently asked questions

What genre is The Stone Roses?

The Stone Roses are a Madchester and alternative rock band, with indie rock and psychedelic influences.

Where are The Stone Roses from?

Manchester, England. The band formed there in 1983.

How many albums did The Stone Roses release?

Two studio albums: The Stone Roses (1989) and Second Coming (1994).

What is The Stone Roses’ most famous song?

“I Wanna Be Adored” and “Fools Gold” are their best-known songs.

Are The Stone Roses still together?

No. The band reunited in 2011 and split again in 2017. Bassist Mani died in November 2025.

Hear it on The Alternative One

The Stone Roses bring the Madchester sound to our playlist. Catch it on The Modern Rock Radio Show, check the radio show schedule, or press play on the live stream. Want a specific song? Send a request or dedication.

About this article: Written and fact-checked by The Alternative One editorial team. Last reviewed November 4, 2026. Read our editorial standards or tell us about a correction.

Written by: Alternative One

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