Press
The Stone Roses
9th June 1990

“it really was a major event wasn't it? i think it's a shame that it didn't really live up to the hype (i'm still sore at the queue for the beer tent!)”

“I think an 'event' is the right way to look at Spike Island.

As a cultural event I guess it was the height of a time that had risen out of the Manchester music scene. It had been the music and music-fashion focus of Britain for the last year or so at that time,
and 28,000+ people got together in Widnes to celebrate that, so I guess it was a major event!?


The day does have some jaded memories - a definite lack of beer and refreshment facilities, the PA struggled in the open air. Which I think did effect the impact the gig should have made for the people who were there.


I remember the 'Close Encounters' light show being pretty amazing though and the firework display as the band walked off stage ended the day well.”

“yes- the lightshow and in particular, the fireworks were fantastic. Hugh Masakela seemed to play for about 37 hours!

But as you say, it was a culmination of a year or so of a particlular exciting feeling of local pride and celebration of music in Manchester.

(If anyone who was involved in Madchester and would like to write a piece specifically about Madchester then we would love to hear from you. Please email us)”