02 December 2011 Friday - Justice Tonight Concert, Ritz, Manchester

The Guardian Newspaper article, by Sean Michaels: 05 December

Singer and guitarist perform together for first time in 16 years, making surprise appearance at Manchester benefit concert The Stone Roses' Ian Brown and John Squire mounted a surprise reunion on Friday, performing together for the first time in 16 years. 

The singer and guitarist played three songs – including one of their own – at a Manchester benefit concert organised by Mick Jones. The former Clash musician did promise special guests on the Hillsborough Justice Tour, which is raising money for survivors of the 1989 disaster. But the appearance of Brown and Squire is significant: despite announcing their return last month, 

Brown hasn't performed with Squire since December 1995. And the Stone Roses reunion gigs aren't until June 2012.

Friday's concert was almost over when Brown and Squire shambled on stage at the Ritz, sneaking in for the encore. As the lights came up they launched into Elizabeth My Dear, from the band's 1989 debut. The song was apparently requested by Jones. 

The pair also performed versions of Armagideon Time and Bankrobber, originally by the Clash, accompanied by Jones and members of the Farm. According to a report by author and musician John Robb, another one-time Stone Rose was present at the gig. Simon Wolstencroft, the group's first drummer, played with Squire and Brown at soundcheck. 

"Post gig we go to the hotel bar," Robb wrote. "The night is full of great stories, and that kind of electric buzz when you know you have been part of something really important … Ian Brown is talking about the north and the power of Liverpool and Manchester being together and how the two cities can take on the world. 

Some drunk in the bar tries to get Ian to slag off Oasis but he won't have any of it, pointing out that 'in Manchester we stick together.'" Mick Jones's Hillsborough Justice Tour continued to Sheffield on Saturday night, featuring guests Richard Hawley and John McClure. He plays London on Thursday.