The average day for many does not include a double-take at lunch time to reveal rock legend Ian Brown within spitting distance. But then through utter disbelief, frozen to the seat and seeing him exiting a compromising position, would it be expected that he would still be lingering around outside five minutes later. Forget autographs and photographs, give it the - I’m from Manchester too - banter. Little did we know that this would lead to a personal addition to the gig’s guestlist that night, “Don’t let me down girls,” - as if we would.
Admittedly, I’m not an avid fan of his solo work. I could recall and name the odd song. The laptop library reveals Brown at his best, fronting 1980s band The Stone Roses. A mixture of young and old, locals and travellers afar, descended upon Leeds University Refectory to catch this latest date and immediately sold out addition to Brown’s UK tour.
There was an aura of legend in the building, if such an aura exists. Brown pleased the crowd with his name cyclically chanted to a classic football anthem. The atmosphere was more than adequate and ticked many boxes; I could get into the spirit without knowing every last song or lyric.
Brown’s presence was completed with the aid of the tambourine and a good bash on the harmonica. His attempt to please the crowd involved asking where we hailed, unsurprisingly with the extra cheer for Leeds. Renditions of many of the much loved Stone Roses’ classics heightened emotions more; with ‘I am the Resurrection’ particularly raising spirits. At this point, a bit of jumping, pushing and shoving around, within a transference of sweat, was definitely deemed necessary. His own song ‘FEAR’ particularly pushed buttons.
After the inevitable effects of several pints, a short toilet trip mid-song, could be an indication of the actual satisfaction of the night. However, the spontaneity of that day will never be lived down. Overall, I was and forever will be fully amazed.
