Bez rolls back the years for ‘amazing’ gig at Spike Island
REVELLERS rolled back the years as idols of the Madchester era including Bez and Clint Boon descended on Widnes for Spike Island: The Resurrection.
The concert headlined by The Clone Roses tribute band was supposed to take place last year marking the 30th anniversary of The Stone Roses’ famous show in 1990 only for it to be postponed due to the pandemic.
Music fans flocked to the daylong festival in Widnes on Saturday, July 24, in droves, relieved to be able to savour live music in the open air again after more than a year of varying degrees of lockdown.
Among the acts on stage were The Clone Roses, Oas-Is, The Smiths Ltd, Happy Mondaze, The James Experience, and True Order, along with original performers from the Madchester era including Bez, Clint Boon, Andy from 808 State and MC Tunes of Dust Junkys.
Writing on social media the day after the event, The Clone Roses said: “No idea what to say! Just wow! “We aren’t rock stars, just four lads with normal jobs like everyone else who for the last 20+ years have been fortunate to do what we do.
“But that yesterday was something else.
“The weather, the other bands, the DJs, all staff behind the event, and of course the crowd.
“The atmosphere was something special.
“You made us feel like we were The Stone Roses, and we can’t tell you how good that feels.
“The most important thing was that it felt like normality again, people dancing and smiling and being happy, that’s what yesterday was all about!”
One fan replied: “It was amazing, especially after the past 18 months. Thanks so much x”
Another said: “Absolutely stunning! Loved the atmosphere and you was top quality last night.”
Another who said they’d attended the original Stone Roses concert said: “Was amazing guys, from an original Spike islander 31 years older, great day/nite (SIC). Well done.”