Stone Roses tribute event rescheduled
THIS year’s cancelled Stone Roses tribute concert at Spike Island in Widnes has been rescheduled again and is now due to take place next year.
Spike Island: The Resurrection has been pencilled in to take place on May 16, 2020, but was scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic and relisted to September 12.
The organiser Lightbulb Festivals has now announced the rescheduling of the concert – to be headlined by leading tribute band The Clone Roses – to Saturday, July 24, with gates opening at 1pm.
A statement from the company called it an ‘incredibly tough decision’. Some original Madchester acts are still listed on the bill, namely Clint Boon of Inspiral Carpets, Bez of Happy Mondays, ‘Andy’ of 808 State and MC Tunes of Dust Junkys.
They will be supported by tribute acts Oas-is, The Smiths Ltd, Happy Mondaze, The James Experience, and True Order.
The Stone Roses’ gig at Spike Island in 1990 earned iconic status in indie music lore as 27,000 revellers flocked to the spot of Widnes greenery while the borough was even more heavily industrialised than it is today.
A Lightbulb Festivals spokesman said the celebratory day of music will aim to recapture the sights, sounds and atmosphere of ‘what is widely considered as one of the greatest shows ever’.
In a video announcing the change of date, Inspiral Carpets frontman Clint Boon said: “This year we were due to take you all back to the year 1990, when seminal Manchester band The Stone Roses played what is now considered one of the most legendary gigs of all time at Spike Island in Widnes. Spike Island – The Resurrection will give those who were at the original show a chance to relive that moment, and those who missed it an opportunity to experience it first hand. We’d dreamed about putting on this event for years, patiently waiting for the 30th anniversary year to roll round, but unfortunately it won’t be happening in 2020.
‘‘A few months ago, we were hopeful September would be possible but following the uncertainty around large scale events this year, we’ve had to move Spike Island – The Resurrection to Saturday July, 24, 2021.
“This has been an incredibly tough decision, especially after so many of you have shown so much support for our idea of recreating this incredible moment in 90s youth culture.
“But first and foremost we have a duty to ensure the safety of our attendees and staff, and that unfortunately is unattainable this year given the situation around the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Tickets for 2020 will automatically be rolled over into 2021, and whilst we do appreciate that not everybody will be able to make the new date, by holding on to your ticket you’re helping to support a small independent promotions team through a very tough period.
“If you’re unable to make the new date then refunds are available from your point of purchase.
“We’re now focusing our efforts on July 2021, making sure we can deliver the party of a lifetime for you.
“Standing shoulder to shoulder with your friends and singing the words to your favourite songs will feel more special than ever before when we return to normality, so please keep that vision in the forefront of your mind until next summer, when we meet for a celebration like no other on that infamous Widnes island…’’
Clint added: “In the meantime, stay safe and look after each other.”