ROCK 'N' POP: THE INTERVIEW - John Squire: Will the Roses reunite?

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Mar 21, 2004 | by BEN TODD

JOHN Squire is regarded as the best rock guitarist of his generation.

In the late-1980s, he led the Stone Roses in turning British music on its head. Their self- titled debut album is described as one of the greatest albums ever in virtually every poll.

Then there are the singles - including Fools Gold, Love Spreads and Ten Storey Love Song, from the Roses' second album Second Coming.

After the Roses capitulated, John enjoyed more hits with The Seahorses in the late-90s with tracks like Love Is The Law before they too split.

His second solo album Marshall's House was released last month. This week John - who is also an accomplished artist - will play concerts in Glasgow, London and his home city of Manchester.

SM: You've done two solo albums now, how do you feel they've gone?

JS: The first one was an experiment and I think it it's the greatest achievement in my career, although it will never be regarded as that by any other people. It was a massive mountain to climb - to sing. I wish I'd had the balls to go out on the road with it first. This time it was much more traditional. We played some of the songs at festivals.

SM: Did it take a while to get used to your voice?

JS: It didn't take a long time, and I was grateful for that because I was bracing myself for that cliche that all singers hate the sound of their own voice.

SM: Do you think it's improved on this album?

JS: Yeah, definitely. It's improved since we recorded it as well. The more I do, the better it gets. The more shows I can get under my belt, the better it will be on the next record.

SM: Which acts do you rate at the mo?

JS: The Kings Of Leon. I saw Joss Stone on breakfast telly and I thought of Janis Joplin.

SM: On your latest album, you can see the Second Coming into it?

JS: It's not something I was striving to recreate. I was searching for something with the last record but this one was made with an intent.

SM: Roses tracks like Begging You from the Second Coming, were quite difficult to do live?

JS: We didn't do it every time. Some times it felt OK, other times not. Don't Stop was a similar problem. They were both based on backward guitaring.

SM: Do you regret setting up The Seahorses?

JS: I don't regret it but I think I rushed that band.

SM: Do you still get offers to put the Stone Roses back together?

JS: My manager Simon Moran is the main instigator of all those rumours. But he doesn't need to make a fortune - he's already got one. It must mean a lot to him because he cut his teeth with the Stone Roses.

SM: Can you see the Roses ever reuniting?

JS: Sometimes I can, yeah.

SM: Do you talk to former singer Ian Brown now?

JS: No. I talk to Mani. I haven't spoken to the other two since Reni left and I left.

SM: Do you think you'll ever talk to Ian again?

JS: Yeah.

SM: Do you like his solo stuff?

JS: I've heard a couple of his songs on the radio which I've liked - but I've not heard a whole album. Reni's making a record but he doesn't play the drums now, he sings.

SM: For many growing up in the late 1980s, the Roses were the soundtrack to their teens

JS: That does mean a lot to me - because I know how important my teenage soundtrack is to me.

SM: This latest album has a lot of echoes of the Roses..?

JS: It needs airplay though, and it isn't getting it at the moment. You have to be a certain age to be asked on Radio 1.

SM: Do you think you're getting too old then?

JS: I know that's the policy of radio stations. I've been told that's the policy but I'm not dejected though. I'll do any radio I'm asked to do but I've been told, the inside track is that you've got to be a certain age.

SM: You're a big Man United fan aren't you - and went to the European Cup final in 1999. What was that like?

I went over with Roy Keane's brothers and we ended up in the players' hotel. It was like a wedding reception - with drunken aunties doing the conga. It was a good night.

SM: Are you a season-ticket holder at Old Trafford?

JS: I'm a league match ticket holder - and I also get priority for other games.

SM: What would be the perfect rest of 2004?

JS: I'd like to do lots of touring. I wanna do as many festivals as I can. I really enjoyed them last year. I'd like to go back to Japan and stay there a little bit longer. I want to get the bulk of the writing done for the next record.

SM: Do you feel you wasted almost five years when the Roses were involved in legal battles before the release of Second Coming?

JS: I don't remember spending any time with my feet up during that time though. We made a great first album - but that took five years as well from the formation of the band in 1984 to 1989.

SM: What's the favourite song you've ever written?

JS: I really like Sugar Spun Sister and Shoot You Down. They're my favourites at the moment. I also like Mersey Paradise.

SM: The Roses have a really devoted fan base - years after they split. Does that surprise you?

JS: I'm a big fan myself - I wouldn't have made those records, released them and put my name on them if I wasn't.

SM: Do you still wear Pollocked jeans?

JS: They were never hip...but I do still have a pair that are painted.