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The Stone Roses at AsiaWorld
AsiaWorld Arena, Tue Aug 24
There was always a fear that the Stone Roses comeback would be a bit of a disaster. Such was the hype and anticipation that had built since Ian Brown, John Squire, Mani and Reni announced they would be reuniting the legendary Madchester band last October, promising to ‘shake up the world’. Yes, expectation was rather high – from global fans, pundits, commentators and media alike.
But judging from the baggy legends comeback gig at a rather sparsely filled AsiaWorld Arena, the Roses themselves have felt that weight of expectation too. Like they had regarded this huge global tour – given all the proclamations, propaganda and the inevitable accusations of doing it for the cash – as no ordinary reunion of past greats. Like they had prepared in the most professional and rigorous of ways.
And thus, any fears of a disastrous comeback were annulled early. From the moment they opened (a little surprisingly) with I Wanna Be Adored, they were not quite the live Stone Roses of old, but perhaps the better for it. The Roses circa 1990 had a reputation for being erratic live – but there was no such accusations at the Roses 20 years on. Ian Brown – all baggy-panted, tambourine-wielding and simultaneously skulking and strutting around the stage – actually sounded good. John Squire shone with intricate licks and extended jam improvisations. And Mani, while often looking like a frightened child, and Reni brought that famous swaggering Stone Roses cross-rhythms with impressive sharpness as they ran through all the SR favourites, sung on by the crowd.
The comeback could have been a disaster. But in reality, it may well redefine their legacy as a live act. And Ian Brown’s closing remarks of ‘we’ll be back!’, before promptly leaving without encore, could be seen as further suggestion that the Stone Roses story isn’t over...
Mark Tjhung
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Set List
I Wanna Be Adored
Mersey Paradise
Sugar Spun Sister
Sally Cinnamon
Bye Bye Badman
Ten Storey Love Song
Where Angels Play
Shoot You Down
Fools Gold
Something’s Burning
Waterfall
Don’t Stop
Love Spreads
Made Of Stone
This Is The One
She BangsThe Drums
I Am The Resurrection
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4 Comments Add your comment
Come on Mark, it was better than that. I had measured my expectations going into the gig and although it took a while to warm up, both the band and the audience, by the end the place was buzzing! The 12" extended version of Fool's Gold was epic and by the time we reached the grand finale of I am the resurrection, it was clear that both audience and band were really enjoying themselves and feeding off each other. Considering it was, as you say, somewhat below full capacity that is a difficult atmosphere to create, but they managed it! Musically they were are good as they have ever been (Drums, Bass, Guitar) and although Ian Brown may have lacked the energy he had 20 years ago the performance didn’t suffer. Long live the Stone Roses! One Love! p.s. I think it’s unlikely that we will see them back again but then again who ever thought they would reform after all those years…
The only thing that time and time again brings a lack of atmosphere in Hong Kong, is the management and the constant bad choice of venue. The stone faced staff, with flash lights and attitide that no one is allowed to have a good time, let alone smile at a gig, has been the hong kong way for the almost 20 years that ive been here. Ian Brown had to command the seated fans to enjoy themselves.. I was at Singapore a few days earlier, maybe the staff who manage these venues should go to a couple of gigs themselves to see how people enjoy themselves. Then again it comes as no suprise that people like Kenny G, are so poular in Hong Kong. Once the roses got the audience going it was excellent.
Great stuff from youR www.timeout.com.hk , man. Ive read your stuff before and youre just too awesome. I love what youve got here, love what youre saying and the way you say it. You make it entertaining and you still manage to keep it smart. I cant wait to read more from you. This is really a great blog.
I think other site proprietors should take www.timeout.com.hk as an model, very clean and excellent user friendly style and design, let alone the content. You are an expert in this topic!
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