The Stone Roses: War and Peace

by Simon Spence

The definitive story of The Stone Roses by Simon Spence, with an updated final chapter covering the reunion rollercoaster ride.From the Manchester backwaters to the worldwide 2012 tour, War and Peace lays bare the irresistible tale of the last of the great bands. Based on 400 hours of interviews with over seventy of The Stone Roses' closest associates, including six former band members, War and Peace is the first major biography of the band that defined a generation. Originally planned in collaboration with Reni, the reclusive drummer, this book had been a year in the making when the Roses, against all odds, announced their re-formation. In 1989 their debut album and the single 'Fools Gold' made them the most exciting British export since the Sex Pistols. With their incendiary aura the Roses became figureheads of the 'Madchester' movement. War and Peace traces the band's genesis, studded with violent gigs and abandoned recordings, and shaped by their infamous manager Gareth Evans. The Roses' legendary gigs culminated in the era-defining Spike Island show in 1990. From this pinnacle the unravelling was spectacular. The definitive biography of The Stone Roses, a must have for fans. This paperback book has 343 pages and 19.7 x 12.7 x 2.5cm.

Genres: Music, Collections

400 pages, Paperback

Published June 16, 2014

Reviews

[Magnus Rygge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bra biografi (for spesielt interesserte)!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never had any real idea how the Stone Roses came to be, so this was great. The influence of punk rock, which is very much a music genre I personally have loved for years. This book is so informative, and so well put together. Sometimes band biographies can be a little disjointed, but this had a good flow.

Even if you are not a Roses fan, I would recommend this book to any music fan in general.

[Johnboy Somerville · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definitive story of the Roses.

Informative and insightful - this book tells the complete tale and with many unseen photos and more interviews with those that were actually there, this volume is a long overdue catalogue of the band and their meteoric rise.

Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[Trace Reddell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read! Be ready for court intrigue, personality clashes, bad attitudes, righteous fury, and fisticuffs! Loved reading that some of my favorite '80s psych bands like The Three O'Clock and others in the Paisley Underground were an influence right alongside the '60s culprits like Love's "Forever Changes." Had no idea that the main lyrical melodies of "Made of Gold" were lifted from The Dukes of Stratosphear's "25 O'Clock," but a quick listen confirmed it. Fun stuff. The last pages even got me to check out Ian Brown's solo records, the first of which -- "Unfinished Monkey Business" -- is a real gem in the rough and will be getting some repeat listens.

[Mikey James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant book! A must read for any fan!

[Rory McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my money probably the best and most accurate biog of the Stone Roses out there currently.