Thanks to Paul Bates for the review and photos:
There are many musicians who are labelled as iconic, Ian Brown certainly deserves that title. Tonight's gig was a musical orgy of Brown's work, both past and present. From the moment the certain raised on 'Destiny Or Circumstance' until the last note of the Stone Roses classic 'I Wanna Be Adored' all those fortunate to have been crammed in to the Brixton Academy were provided with a polished performance of tunes dating from 1987 to 2004. The pubs around the Academy were buzzing with anticipation before the gig, an anticipation which grew throughout former Stone Rose Aziz Ibrahim's solo set, and continued tune by tune through a breathless night. Brown arrived with all the swagger and poise which he normally always demonstrates. The dust was firmly blown off tunes penned by Brown and Squire from the Roses days, and performed as if they were brand new. They say class never dies and the crowd lapped up tunes which had not been heard by some 'live' for many years.
Tracks from Golden Greats, Music Of The Spheres and (naturally!) Solarized were performed with great power and strength. James Lavelle also arrived for good measure to perform 'Be There' and the forthcoming 'R.E.I.G.N.'. Noel Gallagher didn't show as he had the previous night, although frankly nobody noticed - It was a shame for him as Brown was on fire, and may have provided a few pointers for the second biggest band to emerge from Manchester! Ian Brown appears to be on a roll after positive and rave reviews from all nights of the tour, and with news of a new album already being worked upon 'King Monkey' will certainly continue to rule for many years to come.
Setlist:
Destiny Or Circumstance
Sally Cinnamon
(Song For My) Sugar Spun Sister
Where Angels Play
Waterfall
Made Of Stone
She Bangs The Drums
Golden Gaze
Love Like A Fountain
If Dolphins Were Monkeys
Longsight M13
The Sweet Fantastic
Forever And A Day
Time Is My Everything
F.E.A.R.
Keep What Ya Got
Be There
R.E.I.G.N.
Lovebug
I Wanna Be Adored
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