THE STONE ROSES have split, with bass player Gary 'Mani' Mounfield joining PRIMAL SCREAM full-time.
The remaining members of the band - singer Ian Brown, drummer Robbie Maddix, guitarist Aziz Ibrahim and keyboard player Nigel Ippinson - will continue to work together under a different name. Mani said he hoped to collaborate with them in the future.
The Roses ended months of speculation on Tuesday, October 29, when they issued statements announcing the break-up. NME had already revealed (October 26) that Mani had been asked to join Primal Scream and was deciding his future.
Ian Brown said: "Having spent the last ten years in the filthiest business in the universe, it's a pleasure to announce the end of The Stone Roses. May God bless all who gave us their love and supported us throughout this time. Special thanks to the people of Manchester who sent us on our way. Peace be upon you."
Mani said: "After much speculation, I've decided, along with Ian Brown, that it's time to end the Roses saga. I will be joining Primal Scream, who are one of only three bands I would ever consider joining. I'm absolutely delighted and am relishing the opportunity of playing with Bobby (Gillespie) and my friends.
"I wish Ian, Robbie, Nigel and Aziz all the best and hope that we will work together again in the future. I take the opportunity to thank our record company who have stood by us through thick and thin and to our fans worldwide for their total 100 per cent loyal support. It's been a privilege to give these people a buzz and it wouldn't have been possible without them.
"I wish Johnny (Squire) and his new outfit a fruitful time, I hope they go on and smash it !"
Primal Scream confirmed that Mani will join Bobby Gillespie, Andrew Innes, Robert Young and Martin Duffy. They are about to return to the studio to finish work on their fifth album, due for release in February or March 1997. There will be a single and live dates in January.
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