For years after The Stone Roses disbanded, each member of the band had their own bright lives. Front man Ian Brown produced a few solo albums but failed to achieve the same level of success as he had when with the The Stone Roses. Guitarist John Squire pursued his interest in painting, drummer Alan “Reni” Wren became a father, and bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield joined British rock band Primal Scream.

Oct. 18, 2011, probably will always be remembered as one of the most important days in the music industry. In London, for the first time in 17 years, the band held a press conference together to tell the world about their resurrection.It was the death of Mani’s mother back in April this year that pulled the band back together. This is surprising especially for Brown and Squire who had not spoken since the band split. The sadness has turned into real happiness for them and for music enthusiasts.

“It was the loss of Mani’s mum that brought about the chain of events that led us all to this room today. A beautiful thing has come out of a sad situation,” said Ian Brown at the press conference.

Before the press conference, rumors about their revival spread in Manchester, the band’s home town. A few of their friends had spoken to the media, saying that the band had been spotted doing a rehearsal together, and of course fans went berserk.

During the band’s glory days in early 1990s, The Stone Roses made history when their Spike Island gig in 1990 managed to draw 27,000 people in a single night show equipped with a cutting-edge atmosphere that featured baggy jeans — a fashion trend made famous by Ian Brown’s sloppy outfit while on stage — and loose T-shirts galore.

Although the actual performance lacked quality, the Spike Island gig was still tipped as one of the most important gigs that ever happened on British soil. Former Oasis guitarist and now solo performer Noel Gallagher, in documentary film Live Forever said, “Spike Island was the blueprint of my band.” He was referring to the Stone Roses’ gig.

The Stone Roses’ two — yes, only two — albums were soundtracks for the generations. The band released a self-titled debut in 1989 and follow this up five years later with Second Coming, which was released in 1994. So, now that they’re reunited, everyone’s happy.

John Squire, the super quiet but deadly guitarist, said that the reunion was somewhat big but also hard, “It felt like Everest,” he said on the press conference. Mani added, “But show me the mountain and I will climb it.”

Fans reacted superbly. At the press conference, the band announced that they will have a two-night homecoming gig in Manchester’s Heaton Park on June 29-30, 2012. Tickets went on sale on Oct. 21, 2011 and within 14 minutes had already sold out.

“It’s important to me because it’s the people of Manchester that got us out of Manchester. It was our dream after five years of unemployment. Before we went national, we could feel people expecting us to go on and do great things. The people of Manchester sent us on our way,” said Brown about why they picked their home as the kick off.

The band’s management reacted fast and announced that a third night was on sale as soon as the two first nights sold out. The July 1 gig sold out in 54 minutes. In total, The Stone Roses managed to sell 225,000 tickets within 68 hours. It was the fastest selling concert of all time.

On eBay, the tickets of these gigs are now on sale for a minimum of £100 (US$159.56). Some have sold for more than £500. Of course, when the date is draws nearer, the price will go up again.

“We plan on spending the rest of the day jumping up and down with our hands in the air,” said Brown after the final date sold out.

Moreover, Ian Brown also told everyone that the reunion was not temporary. “We are doing new songs, yeah. It’s not a trip down memory lane. We hope there will be [a new album] but we said that before, didn’t we? It sounds better than the old days. Mani has had another 15 years playing so he’s even better now.”

The band also said they would possibly have a world tour next year.

“Our plan is to shake up the world. We’re going to start off in our hometown and then take it around the world. If anyone buys a ticket, of course,” continued Brown half joking. “We’ll ride this until the wheels come off — like we did last time.”

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