The Stone Roses: War and Peace

The definitive story of The Stone Roses by Simon Spence, with an updated final chapter covering the reunion rollercoaster ride. From the Manchester backwaters to the worldwide 2012 tour, War and Peace lays bare the irresistible tale of the last of the great bands. Based on 400 hours of interviews with over seventy of The Stone Roses’ closest associates, including six former band members, War and Peace is the first major biography of the band that defined a generation. Originally planned in collaboration with Reni, the reclusive drummer, this book had been a year in the making when the Roses, against all odds, announced their re-formation. It is a remarkable coda to an astonishing story. In 1989 their debut album and the single “Fools Gold” made them the most exciting British export since the Sex Pistols. With their incendiary aura, the Roses became figureheads of the ‘Madchester’ movement. War and Peace traces the band’s genesis, studded with violent gigs and abandoned recordings, and shaped by their infamous manager Gareth Evans. The Roses’ legendary gigs culminated in the era-defining Spike Island show in 1990. From this pinnacle, the unraveling was spectacular. But the true story behind their rise and fall – and resurrection – has never been told. Until now. With 40 unseen photos, including from renowned rock photographer Dennis Morris. ‘This is the one. It’s the definitive biography of the band, stuffed with photos that have never been seen before. The writing feels really fresh and definitive. It’s a classic’ – Alex Heminsley, BBC 6 Music Book of the Month. ‘A comprehensive, no-holds-barred account… details with steely, forensic precision the story of the group’s ascent, heyday, and spectacular implosion. All the triumphs and disasters are here’ – The Sunday Times. ‘An era-defining, definitive biography’ – Q. Simon Spence collaborated with Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham on the acclaimed memoirs Stoned and 2Stoned. He has written for the NME, i-D, Dazed & Confused, and the Independent. He was at the Stone Roses’ legendary Blackpool and Alexandra Palace shows in 1989 and covered their era-defining Spike Island show for The Face.