JOHN SQUIRE is a modest man who recoils when called a guitar hero or rock legend.
But it's tough not to use such language about the ex-Stone Roses' guitarist. For without the Roses there would have been no Oasis, Charlatans or Verve.
When Squire stepped on stage for his first ever solo gig his reputation could have worked against him. How would he settle into the role of lead vocalist ?
He erased any doubts with an amazing show that proved he's undoubtedly got what it takes. He set the pace as he ripped into the guitar workout from the Roses' epic I Am The Resurrection.
The bulk of the set came from his debut album, Time Changes Everything. By his own admission, he was still finding his feet as a singer while recording the CD. But I Miss You, All I Really Want and Joe Louis showed he's settling into his new role. His voice is a combination of Bob Dylan, Peter Perrett and John Fogerty.
Transatlantic Near Death Experience had shades of The Band while an extended Time Changes Everything summed up Squire's strengths as a player. He relies more on the sheer inventiveness of his melodic guitar runs than any flashy show-off playing. It was one of the few times he allowed himself to slip the leash and was thrilling to see one of rock's most influential guitarists at such close quarters.
When they write King Tut's history one magic moment will stand out - She Bangs The Drums. From the opening bass line to Squire's jangling riffs it was a revelation, and he reclaimed the song from Roses' frontman Ian Brown. His reworks of Waterfall and Tightrope were also incredible. His expression is like a poker player. He doesn't give much away but must have been delighted at such a stunning debut. BILLY SLOAN
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