STONE ROSES: Interview With Former Guitarist Aziz Ibrahim

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ส.ค. 2024
  • The man Noel Gallagher said had 'The hardest job in the world' (replacing John Squire in the Stone Roses) discusses his time in the band, some stories from life on the road, and from his experience of the band's notorious gig at Reading 1996.
    Aziz on TH-cam: / azizibrahimmusic
    Many images and videos in my TH-cam content have been found online without any attribution or credit available. In many cases I have therefore not been able to add a credit in the videos themselves due to lack of information. If your image or video has been used and a credit is required, please email me with your details and evidence of authorship and a credit will be added into the video description.
    Many thanks, JH.

ความคิดเห็น • 153

  • @JamesHargreavesGuitar
    @JamesHargreavesGuitar  2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Aziz on TH-cam - th-cam.com/users/AzizIbrahimMusic

    • @freakyfreak3732
      @freakyfreak3732 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Wierd request:
      Can u make the time of Alan White on Oasis and how he got fired?

    • @matthewrider5906
      @matthewrider5906 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Another odd request: Could you do something on tunes like Champagne Supernova, Morning Glory, The Masterplan, etc, where Gem's guitar-playing abilities allowed those tracks to sound much more like they did on the records than ever before... But also, what those tunes LOST, live, when Bonehead's steadfast power chord & barre chord rhythm guitar was taken away from the live versions. Cheers & props from #America & this #MadFerItAmerican!💯

    • @Anglo_Saxon1
      @Anglo_Saxon1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      U sound like like your a musician(I'm almost one(a drummer-😂).
      What do ya think about Leam's new stuff? I mean fair play to him for giving it a good go but it doesn't come close to the Oasis stuff in my opinion.

    • @matthewrider5906
      @matthewrider5906 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Anglo_Saxon1 I'm just glad to see em looking after himself, & his instrument, his voice, more. Things like that. I don't really NEED an Oasis reunion. But it'd be nice for them two to bury the hatchet for their 'mum,' innit, in the UK? What we Americans typically just call 'Mom.' But yes, I play & write a little on the ole guitar. Certainly no virtuoso as far as technical skills, I'm rudimentary, at best, when playing a solo, & yet I still like to think I have my own style. Yeah. American kid, experienced Nirvana. But I caught the Oasis fever & it's never left me, (thank God 😉)

    • @Anglo_Saxon1
      @Anglo_Saxon1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@matthewrider5906 Keep at your music mate.Ive been in and out of club bands(the dreaded Working Mens Clubs in the North of England)over the years.
      I agree it would be nice if the two brothers would sort things out.Life's too short.Also I've just noticed that you share your surname with the notorious frontman of another Manchester band,the Happy Monday's.Shaun is a legend 😉

  • @00tcasson
    @00tcasson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Top man Aziz. Too cool by far, unbelievably talented guitarist and thoroughly nice guy & a true gentleman.

    • @dazuk1969
      @dazuk1969 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hey Tony, been subbed to Aziz channel for a while and he is all you say. A really lovely down to earth dude who is a killer guitar player....going right back to simply Red....peace to ya bud.

  • @ianbeauchamp9944
    @ianbeauchamp9944 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Aziz is a man of integrity

  • @caster3283
    @caster3283 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Aziz is a master. He didn’t try to replicate Squire, Aziz has his own style.

  • @jackrkidhirschfield
    @jackrkidhirschfield 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Met Aziz the other day! He is an absolute legend and a really chill dude :) probably one of the most humble people I’ve ever met!

  • @SpindlyScoudrel
    @SpindlyScoudrel 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I saw Aziz and the Roses at Reading '96 - I was quite young and didn't really know of them. I remember thinking the music was great but I couldn't hear the fella in purple velvet singing. We all had a nice time!!

  • @leegearing3297
    @leegearing3297 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Great interview James.
    Aziz is a very accomplished musician came across his work with Ian then as a solo artist, live he is incredible. He is also a top human being, signed every Album Ive purchased and always communicates with fans. For me a legend and a role model musician.

  • @robertbridges5328
    @robertbridges5328 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I was at Reading at 96, I had fun. That's what counts.

  • @royfletcher9635
    @royfletcher9635 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great humble man Aziz absolute Geezer ⭐

  • @sammcivor1885
    @sammcivor1885 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Aziz has been a vital cog in some excellent tracks over the years. Top guitarist and seems quite humble. Class video 🙌🏻

  • @bazza5699
    @bazza5699 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    woah, thanks to james and aziz for this ace! interview :)

  • @djw8133
    @djw8133 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Saw Aziz at the New Adelphi in Hull around 2004/5, great gig!

  • @user-od7lf5yh1y
    @user-od7lf5yh1y 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Good show Gents. Thank you both.

  • @balke7935
    @balke7935 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    What a great bloke. I remember being absolutely blown away by Ian’s first line up after the roses. Aziz was a real shot in the arm for Ian who needed someone to set him off.

  • @elliotwhatmore8181
    @elliotwhatmore8181 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I've had the honour to spend time in Aziz's company many times ,either at guitar and pedal shows, one man gig's and seminars at our local music academy. He is such a humble man, really great sense of humour and he is happy to spend time with everybody there sharing his stories and guitar skills,but he is also genuinely interested in other people's guitar and musical journey. Also to see him play live he is absolutely amazing with a guitar ! 🎸✌️

  • @dangreenwood
    @dangreenwood 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    If you’re attending a gig listening out for a note perfect Stone Roses you’re doing it wrong. It’s never been about the performance - it’s about the moment.
    Also, Aziz is one of nicest guys out there.

  • @wellers3429
    @wellers3429 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Fantastic chanel keep it up! Saw aziz solo in either 2000 or 2001 in South shields in the north east he had lazers attached to each finger, I'd smoked something earlier to the show and the lazers and aziz guitar playing sent me to another planet, literally. Also saw him with Ian brown. Great musician

  • @Darkglobe1977
    @Darkglobe1977 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Seen Aziz play with Ian many times. He seems like such a cool down to earth guy. You are putting out great content recently James

  • @justinparkerthewildwolf6394
    @justinparkerthewildwolf6394 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The third coming yeah, I remember seeing press shots of the new roses and being excited and keen because they looked so good

  • @PAULSKOI
    @PAULSKOI 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great interview that James. I saw Aziz play at the Roadhouse in Manchester many years ago and chatted to him after the gig with my friend Alice. One of the best guitarists I've seen and most down to earth guys you could meet.

  • @rrapeez
    @rrapeez 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Aziz is an ace guy and top musician! I love Aziz’s playing at Reading 96 as well.

  • @lynseypringle9585
    @lynseypringle9585 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I was in the sea of people at Reading, I had a great night. Only to be told by people who weren’t there it was shite!

  • @weaksyweak
    @weaksyweak 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Lucky enough to know Aziz and he’s such a nice guy !
    got him to play some guitars on my bands ( Shameless Faith ) EP and he just takes it to another level. Great work James. Great video

  • @tcaudiobooks737
    @tcaudiobooks737 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    A guitar wiz and an absolute gent! Nice one for getting him on.

  • @davidsmith3907
    @davidsmith3907 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    aziz is a brilliant guitarist and an even better man .legend

  • @spencerglover1
    @spencerglover1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Top musician, and a very cool guy is Aziz, one of the most respected musicians from Manchester , Peace ✌️

  • @Manchestermusic90
    @Manchestermusic90 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The best indie podcast 2022 I've watched them all , keep on keeping on

  • @Jason-Scott
    @Jason-Scott 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Seen him live with Ian and he was very good 👍🏻

  • @drewlsy
    @drewlsy 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What a grounded inquisitve chap. His humility is what endeared him to his band mates, including his talent of course. I really enjoy Ian's solo work. There's a few Aziz inspired tunes on them which set them apart from the others.

  • @MY.7987
    @MY.7987 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Aziz is a top guy. Met him once in Manchester and he was an absolute gent. 👍🏼👍🏼

  • @andrewhyde4708
    @andrewhyde4708 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great interview. What a likeable guy. Aziz should write that book!

  • @jezwotton2126
    @jezwotton2126 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video JHG , thanks. Really insightful

  • @jimbobrust
    @jimbobrust 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What a cool guy😎

  • @Themanchesteranthems
    @Themanchesteranthems 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Another great episode and Aziz seems like a really nice cool
    Bloke.

  • @dazuk1969
    @dazuk1969 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Replacing Squire would be a tough gig for anyone, but Aziz is an amazing guitar player himself and doesn't take things to seriously.

  • @GT380man
    @GT380man 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I ♥️ Aziz Ibrahim. He’s a proper bloke & a fantastically creative & skilful player. His Lahore to Longsight has got to be appreciated.

  • @roentgenequivalentman9617
    @roentgenequivalentman9617 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Aziz is an Incredible guitarist! Seen him many a time live playing with Ian Brown's solo band. John Squire is impossible to imitate though.

    • @justinparkerthewildwolf6394
      @justinparkerthewildwolf6394 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      He wasn't trying to imitate squire , he has his own way

    • @StevieZero
      @StevieZero 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@justinparkerthewildwolf6394 He's on a whole different level from Squire✌️

  • @StratsRUs
    @StratsRUs 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Aziz is brilliant.Truly breathtaking player.
    Journalists loved to be the centres of attention.
    Saw John Squire play in his band and they were pretty awful.
    You should have asked Aziz about Corpses, how they wrote it.

  • @GingerRascal1
    @GingerRascal1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What a great interview, such a humble guy.

  • @kayla-official
    @kayla-official 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I'd love to relive the 90s such great times.

    • @trutalker3
      @trutalker3 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Best decade ever. We were so lucky to be teenagers back then

  • @stevechandler4607
    @stevechandler4607 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Another great show James… Aziz Is such a cool guy, he is very approachable on fb etc, and I’ve seen him play live a few times and boy can he play!

  • @spakatron
    @spakatron 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That line up on the reading posters behind the band ……Jesus

  • @mikekelly1469
    @mikekelly1469 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Brilliant interview as always!

  • @ConnorBerryOfficial
    @ConnorBerryOfficial 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Love the effort you put into your videos, not enough credit given to ya. So cool to hear the stories from people who lived them!

  • @ChorltonandtheWheelies
    @ChorltonandtheWheelies 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    What a lovely guy! Great interview James as ever - this is becoming one of my favourite channels ✌ 👏

  • @2richants
    @2richants 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Lol. Mani a crack up. A mates band in high school was called "there no sheep in Mongolia" was a good interview and good on him for doing things his way. Would love to see some vids on the verve. Most talented band of that era. Storm in heaven a blinder

  • @justinparkerthewildwolf6394
    @justinparkerthewildwolf6394 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Its a shame about the roses third phase never got off properly, I like the gigs I've seen and they really show promise

  • @PB2536
    @PB2536 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Know Aziz very well seen him live many many times solo and with Ian.
    Such a nice humble man with amazing skills on the guitar.
    Check out his solo albums fantastic sounds. Love you Aziz thanks for the memories 😎

  • @Username89039
    @Username89039 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What a brilliant guy! Top man.

  • @mrkipling2201
    @mrkipling2201 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You are making some absolutely brilliant videos. This channel is so good.

  • @neilsun2521
    @neilsun2521 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks Aziz. I always loved Unfinished Monkey Business. Would be curious to hear those 'Third Coming' Roses songs.

  • @JETFORCEJUN0
    @JETFORCEJUN0 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Excellent content as always. Sooner or later James is going to snag an interview with Noel.

  • @leewhieldon4299
    @leewhieldon4299 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I was at that gig,me mate lost our drugs so I ended up watching it more or less straight and sober and it was a mint gig/atmosphere…listening back it wernt a great performance but it was about the moment..fckin brill gig 🤟😎

    • @ht8083
      @ht8083 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The recorded mix never sounds anywhere near as good as what comes out the speakers/amps! I’d have slapped your mate silly for losing the gear 😂

    • @timcomley3241
      @timcomley3241 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Very hip 🙄

  • @stuartcarswell2815
    @stuartcarswell2815 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Met Aziz a few times in the legendary Greenhouse studios Stockport when he was working with Lou

  • @MrNeilltupman
    @MrNeilltupman 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Aziz seems like a really nice guy 👍

  • @TheStrongBoyz19
    @TheStrongBoyz19 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I did see and meet Aziz for the first time after his show at Foxlowe Arts Centre and he is an amazing and open guy to talk to. Inder Goldfinger was there as well and he's just as sweet. As a fan of The Stone Roses and Ian Brown myself, Aziz is a very underrated guitarist and deserves the love as much as John Squire.

    • @poisoneddog2967
      @poisoneddog2967 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Aziz has insane ability but squires adulation is for alot more than just his guitar work

  • @eddysandland58
    @eddysandland58 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I remember seeing Ian Brown Live n Aziz was the Lead Guitarist! He had Mad LED lights all over his Fingers n Fret Board! Quality Live Guitarist! This was around 01? Cheers James

  • @jahlee9478
    @jahlee9478 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fair play mate, 74 comments after 10 hours, been wanting a decent video to watch, will watch in the bath.

  • @davebishopcomedy
    @davebishopcomedy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Bought me a pint on Denise Johnson (rip) birthday many moons ago. Lovely fella

  • @GT380man
    @GT380man 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Cool seeing a dozen of Aziz’s guitars. I’ve seen him relaxing with a tiny accoustic.

  • @giveusanepleasebob992
    @giveusanepleasebob992 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Fantastic this mate.
    Seems like a nice bloke.
    Can't beat the original Roses but I think this lad would have slotted in nicely with the original Roses.

  • @SMKshaun
    @SMKshaun 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Love your videos mate, especially Roses and Oasis 🤟 Great interview, Aziz has been on some ace tunes over the years

    • @JamesHargreavesGuitar
      @JamesHargreavesGuitar  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks SMKshaun, I really appreciate it
      Yeah I noticed a few years ago that there was a definite lack of deep dives about this classic era of British music... and after waiting a while for someone to fix this, decided to do it myself haha
      Thanks for your support :)

  • @scorpioscots9692
    @scorpioscots9692 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Aziz Absolute Legend 👌👍

  • @EthanDJC
    @EthanDJC 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    this is absolutely insane man

  • @luke_r1782
    @luke_r1782 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Today is brilliant. I've finished college for Easter and there's a new james hargreaves video!!!!!

  • @libertatemanimae
    @libertatemanimae 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Late night in New Zealand & enjoyed that !!!

  • @davidwaterhouse2552
    @davidwaterhouse2552 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great comment about 'Bonehead' calling you at 3 am ! Cheers dx

  • @WeggieQueen2005
    @WeggieQueen2005 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was hoping this was a return of the return video.

  • @themichael3105
    @themichael3105 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nice one, chief! Cheers

  • @thirdeye147
    @thirdeye147 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Loving Reni's progress through into Primal Scream.

    • @captainfeedback1
      @captainfeedback1 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Reni was never in Primal Scream.

    • @NickyKeatinge-my9wf
      @NickyKeatinge-my9wf 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@captainfeedback1 he very much was

    • @captainfeedback1
      @captainfeedback1 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@NickyKeatinge-my9wf he very much certainly was not. I think you have spelt 'Mani' wrong.

  • @lewisb85
    @lewisb85 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The irony with the slash comment is that Slash is from Stoke on trent and is long term friends with billy duffy. It was billy who told slash about the roses slot being available!

  • @GT380man
    @GT380man 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I think of Aziz Ibrahim as a crucial partner of Ian Brown on several of Brownie’s solo albums. And the only Rockabilly Muslim in Manchester!

  • @danieltaylor4728
    @danieltaylor4728 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What a lovely guy.

  • @garycunns
    @garycunns 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Met Aziz and his tabla player in Ireland, great guys.

  • @wallsgreebo8352
    @wallsgreebo8352 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Incredible guitarist and musician 🙏

  • @nevela1892
    @nevela1892 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Whata top bloke!! Well enjoyed that

  • @neilaspin008
    @neilaspin008 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Aziz is an awesome guitarist in his own right.

  • @littlejohnnyturtle8770
    @littlejohnnyturtle8770 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I was at Reading. I lost my mate cos I was chasing after some girl so I watched the performance with her and I thought it was brilliant! I met up with my mate afterwards and he was furious and wanted his money back. I heard it again on the radio and I get that he sounded bad, stayed up the night before apparently, bit unprofessional cos we all paid good money for the ticket. But to conclude, so many people were excited and buzzing about seeing the roses, that they didn't care about his vocals. I was one of them.

  • @bigbrotherdiaryofanaddict
    @bigbrotherdiaryofanaddict 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Aziz is a legend

  • @timmg3139
    @timmg3139 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great interview

  • @stevetobin7495
    @stevetobin7495 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love the album he did with steve hogarth from marillion

  • @stevesidebottom
    @stevesidebottom 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What a top lad

  • @DungeonTV100
    @DungeonTV100 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Great coup! Just wanna add, that 'un-
    Finished monkey business' is an absolute classic...so well done Aziz..✊💪
    P.s you tell them MoFo's Aziz💙👊💪 😎🥰

  • @jimmy2minutes
    @jimmy2minutes 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great guitarist in his own right.

  • @CAH123
    @CAH123 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Interesting interview but it really was an Ian solo gig by Reading it's a shame the name was tainted by carrying on without Reni and then Squire. I was at Reading as a 20 year old - a group of us travelled down from Yorkshire mainly to see what was left of the Roses. It was dire and we headed back to the tent for refreshment and so heard the last half hour from afar. Plenty in the crowd started drifting off and were saying how shite they were so it wasn't a media invention although they certainly amplified it.

  • @samuraininjarockstar9355
    @samuraininjarockstar9355 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Mani wore leather keks while in primal scream ……

  • @3_DAYWKENDOFFICIAL
    @3_DAYWKENDOFFICIAL 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    The best guitarist The Roses had IMO. His performance at Reading 1996 was unreal!

  • @moxey4627
    @moxey4627 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Loved the video!
    Bit of an off topic question but you know your blackstar silverline.
    How does it take pedals specifically distortion?
    And would you recommend one instead of valve amp?
    thanks in advance:)

  • @moshambles
    @moshambles 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Lovely guy

  • @mancsakacarl
    @mancsakacarl 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    big love to aziz

  • @CarlEvz13
    @CarlEvz13 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great interview James would love to see Liam on here or maybe Ian bonehead John squire ahh the list goes on....anyway great video mate 👍🏻

  • @Dave-ug9bh
    @Dave-ug9bh 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What a legend

  • @Anglo_Saxon1
    @Anglo_Saxon1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Notice how the lass doin' the interview was deliberately firing loaded questions at 'em about J. S.I think Ian handled her quite tactfully.

  • @MrJimithee
    @MrJimithee 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What a gent x

  • @samuraininjarockstar9355
    @samuraininjarockstar9355 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can’t believe Ian Brown did that solo tour without a band just a soundtrack against his vocals , Brown with Aziz , Inder Goldfinger etc his solo gigs were top both of them two of the uks best musicians absolute sublime……

  • @TheRubyTuesdays
    @TheRubyTuesdays 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a guest!

  • @jamboz
    @jamboz ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Cool guy. One thing I'd say though is Aziz seems to have fallen into the same trap as many Roses' fans have done about their Reading '96 performance. Starts out saying that the media were bang out of order and totally wrong with their criticism of the show, but then in the next breath he basically acknowledges the criticism is correct, and that "things went wrong" and Ian had had a late night, and he couldn't hear himself because of the monitor.
    If you're going to defend Brown and lambast the critics, you at least have to say that the show was great and Brown sang well. Not explain all the reasons he didn't sing well.
    And yes, as Aziz acknowledges here, Brown was never particularly renowned for his dulcet tones, but his voice at this gig was particularly bad. It wasn't helped by the almost cabaret-esque performance of the dancers on stage and Nigel the keyboardist telling the crowd to put their hands in the air.
    The show was criticised for a multitude of reasons beyond Brown's voice. And Aziz did nothing here to explain why the critics were wrong.
    Anyway - Aziz is still a cool bloke, so kudos for the interview here.

  • @ghostface_grilla1155
    @ghostface_grilla1155 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Much respect for this cat😎

  • @michaelgill1203
    @michaelgill1203 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Reading 96 line up how much would tickets be for that gig today?

  • @snapsnappist4529
    @snapsnappist4529 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've never seen him interviewed before, but Aziz seems like a nice, grounded guy. I have to disagree with his assessment of the Reading gig, though. Yes, the press had the knives out for them, and yes, I wasn't there (I read about the whole debacle in the following weeks's NME), but it's quite obvious from the video and audio recordings of the gig that it was an absolute shocker. I've heard drunken blokes in dodgy karaoke pubs sing better than Ian Brown did at that gig. There were stories that fans in the front row were in tears.
    It was quite obvious that they were only there because they had signed a contract and were legally obliged to play. Ian showed up stoned and hung over, looking like a fool in a purple velvet shirt, and the band were augmented by Nigel Ipinson playing incongruous Herbie Hancock-style jazz-funk keyboards and some random bird go-go dancing in the background.
    The only one who came out of it, as usual, with any dignity was Mani. An all-round sound geezer who remained good-humoured throughout every calamity and who never once let the side down, musically. His playing was always flawless and he was never a prima donna, unlike the other three.