15th June 2013
Planned months in advance, my daughter Zoe and myself were thrilled when the day came to watch the great and reunited Stone Roses play their anticipated gig at Glasgow Green.
Having left at 11am, we parked at Woodside Crescent, and walked along Sauchiehall street. We stopped of for Lunch at a local noodle bar before slowly sauntering through the carefree Saturday shoppers.
As we trudged along Buchanan Street and into Argyle Street, the number of bucket hats and Hunter Wellies grew as we neared the Saltmarket, by which time there were multitudes of them.
Zoe stopped off en-route to buy two bucket hats and insisted I should wear one - what the hell - I was in the spirit so did what I was told.
Entering the Green, we were greeted by the sweet smell of smouldering weed which had grown to an industrial output as we neared the entrance.
Here and there, groups were assembled, dodging the June showers to picnic on the grass along with messr's Tennents, Stella and Budweiser.
Getting as far as we could go, we were fourth from the front of the temporary turnstiles approximately one hour before the 4pm opening. Time passed slowly and the throng of sweet weed mingled in the air to the tune of various Roses songs. It grew louder as 4pm approached.
4pm arrived, The gates to the park were now opening to the crowd, however we were still held at bay while security performed their last checks. Suddenly the first fans were through and Zoe and myself were eager to get to the gates but had to be patient as tickets were scanned.
When we reached the gates, Zoe and I linked arms and ran at a speed that Usain Bolt would have been proud of. There ahead of us lay the large stage on which the bands would perform. As we ran, hundreds and thousands ran too, however we were near the front and our distance got us to the stage first (I like to think it was our speed and agility). We were suddenly inside the central arena (one of only 700) and when in we ran to the stage to gain a front of pitch stand.
As we stood there, it rained but soon went off and onto the stage came the first act, "The View". It was busy and their performance was moderately good. Next was Jake Bugg. I had personally anticipated that he would be the worse act (not really knowing his stuff) however I actually enjoyed his throaty trip through electronic and acoustic guitaring and the sway between rock and somewhat country style music. I might be tempted to investigate him further.
The penultimate act was "Primal Scream". I have followed them for years and by now the crowd was building up an appetite for the roses. Their gig passed with some of the old favourites and some stuff from their new album. Soon they had left stage and things were being prepared for the Roses.
The change in set was awesome with lights being assembled, sound systems being checked and a throng of people on stage carrying out sound checks, etc.
Just before the gig, a torrential rain shower drenched the whole park. People all around were being soaked to the skin but...hey who cared. 5 minutes before the Roses entrance, the sun came out and a rainbow stretched from the stage to the end of the park like a promise of something good to follow. The rain went off and 9pm had arrived.
Boy, it did not disappoint.
The crowd (50,000 strong) were by now surging in anticipation and suddenly on came a lone piper to various Scottish folk songs. Then, at last, to the cheers of thousands, the main act, The stone Roses came on stage, greeting the piper and their adoring fans. Ian Brown being very noticable in his Canary Yellow hoody style cagoule.
Quickly they broke into "I wanna be adored" and the crowd went completely ecstatic. Smoke streamers went off left and right of us, bottles threw through the air, the crowd lept to their feet in full voice and the party started. At one point as I looked back into the crowd, bottles and people were flying like Salmon swimmimg up a river.
Early into their act, a fan surfed the crowd and made it over the barrier, only to be huckled away by security. The funny thing, just like the Roses, he too made a second coming and surfed in again 10 minutes later, gesturing (nicely I add) to Ian Brown who gestured "respect" right back.
The whole night rocked, the weed and drink flowed, the crowd were on cloud nine, I was happy, Zoe was happy. It Rocked.
Towards the end Ian Brown exited the stage and greeted his fans. Zoe even got to touch this prodical son (I dont think she has yet washed her hands).
Soon it was over (I counted 18 songs), the four band members greeted the crowd and left the stage.
Time to go. The exit was not as timely as the entrance but we left to the streets so full of fans as to stop the traffic.
Zoe and I walked towards woodlands, stopping halfway for a bite to eat where we exchanged the thoughts that would soon be memories.
A trully great gig, a fantastic act. At 50, they still have it. Heres looking forward to seeing them again.
Here's my youtube link to the gig, where you can watch them perform fools gold and you can see the surfer who was good enough to surf in twice (respect):
Youtube - Stone Roses perform Fools Gold
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