Roses.

Well I went. Was a tad negative to be honest. Not a fan of crowds or outdoor nights in general. 75,000 people in a field up north. What was I thinking when I booked those tickets?

The train up was a hoot. Got chatting to some chaps next to us. Drank some beer, exchanged some tales and laughed a fair bit. After Sheffield the train was packed with people standing in the aisles. Listened to one wag trying to chat up a German schoolgirl. When he found out where she was from he informed her that "I ate a whole cactus in Munich, duck". Probably doesn't translate too well. Top stuff.

Manchester proved good fun during the day. Sam and I found a lovely little pub just outside the centre ('The Marble Arch') where we ate a tasty meal. Steak was top notch and Sam's fish and chips looked fine n dandy. Met up with Rich and Maggsy. More beer and chatter. Bus queues were ridic. - looked at least 1-2 hours wait. No chance. Snagged a taxi and for £25.00 took us 4 miles up the road. Decent driver though.

Found the park/field/battleground. Wonderful atmosphere. Smiles a-plenty. Numerous middle aged boyos in bucket hats and faded Roses T-shirts. Beer 'queue'/scrum was 13 deep when we joined it. Purchased said suds and preceded to drink until drunk-ish. 

Found a nice viewing location. Field on a slight slant which helped. Some gentlemen in front us seems to have imbibed some form of non-alcoholic stimulant? They were kissing each other and everything. One such fellow did not seem able to focus his eyes on me as I wished him well for his endeavours. There did indeed seem to be a fair bit of this going on. Added to a most eclectic atmosphere. 

Watched The Wailers and soaked up the good vibrations. Primal Scream next. Loud, funky no nonsense rock and roll. Googe looking good. I did consider getting my rocks off (honey) and getting loaded but it didn't seen entirely appropriate.

Tea time took us to a food van. I had what was advertised as an Aberdeen Angus burger. I dispute this. It seemed to be a tougher, thicker version of his tender brother. Aberdeen Eubank perhaps?

Weather held out. A shimmy of rain but nothing to worry about. Unfortunately I was having problems and went into urinary retention. Did try to spend a penny but made the mistake of looking up over urinal and my gaze was met by a kaleidoscope-eye madman. Shut down son. 

9.10pm. Lights down. "Stoned Love" by the Supremes. Whoooah Nelly. What a track.

9.15pm. Ian Brown runs on. Chaos! Cheers! Roars!. "Here we are, Here it is, Here we go"

Straight into I wanna be adored". Hairs on neck attention pur-leeeze. EVERYONE singing. EVERYONE dancing and smiling. Absolutely wonderful. 

Superb set. A & B sides. Mani looked permanently shocked, Squire aloof and prowling. Reni loving it. He is clearly one of the great drummers. The three of them together were so musically tight and rhythmic. Many extended jams and added musical bits. Mr Brown even managed a little rap about their return. So much better than I could ever have expected. 

Hearing 'Fools Gold' was the absolute highlight for me. Huge bass sounds and groovy guitars.

Red flare lit up as soon …"Waterfall' came chiming out.

Mr Brown does indeed hit numerous bum notes. No matter. You want singing go to an opera.

10.55pm it's over. No encore. Nothing left to play probably. The band hug and bow. Place erupts once again. Everyone leaves in an orderly fashion. More singing. More smiles.

5.5 mile walk back to city centre. Beer. Hilton hotel. More beer. Girl in a g-string. Handshakes all round. Bed. Oblivion.

Thanks to Sam, Rich and Maggsy - fine company.

Thanks to all the crowd for looking after each other, the good natured atmosphere and sheer enthusiasm.

Good work The Stone Roses. Artistic integrity? In if for the money? Blah blah blah. You entertained me for the ticket cost. Had an amazing time.Would have been cheap at ten times the price.

"Easy Peasy"