All eyes are on the city of Manchester as preparations are being made for the grand return of the Stone Roses. This weekend the band will return to the city for three massive sold out shows in Heaton Park. In advance of the gigs, city officials have sent out letters notifying the public about road closures, traffic/safety issues, and also the potential for noise (officials outlined the band's rehearsal/soundcheck schedule with curfews). A "community informational hotline" has also been set up, and fans are even being warned of the potential for bogus merch vendors selling "dodgy merchandise."
Members of New Order, Happy Mondays, Charlatans, and Inspiral Carpets are reportedly attending the shows, and you can pretty much bet Liam Gallagher will be at all three shows (Noel Gallagher is busy gigging on the Euro festival circuit, so he won't be showing up). Even some Hollywood types may be in attendance (though still no official word on whether self-proclaimed Roses' fan Brad Pitt will be making the trek.)
The media are gearing up for the Stone Roses as well: BBC Radio 6 will air a Stone Roses two-hour special Sunday from 6pm - 8pm BST (1pm - 3pm ET) and is taking suggestions for the program right now. NME has a special Heaton Park preview in this week's issue of the magazine. Then, of course, there's always the gossip rags attempting to stir up more Stone Roses drama.
The three night stand kicks off tomorrow with Primal Scream, The Wailers, The Vaccines, and Kid British all set to open tomorrow's show. Updates/video will be posted, so be sure to check back!
"Sally Cinnamon"
"I Wanna Be Adored/Mersey Paradise"