A spokesperson for the Stone Roses has denied claims made on UK radio yesterday (May 6th) that their influential drummer Reni has withdrawn from their reunion plans due to illness.
Over the weekend, Dodgy drummer Matthew Priest told Gordon Smart’s XFM show that Ian Brown, John Squire and Mani are now rehearsing with a new drummer as Reni is ‘not well’.
“I bought tickets because The Roses were one of my favourite bands and Reni was playing,” he said. “But I’ve heard rumours that Reni might not be playing – he’s not well apparently and they’re rehearsing with another drummer. They’ve sold a lot of the 250,000 tickets because of Reni – I’d want to see them with Reni.”
However, in reporting the story today in his Sun showbiz column, Smart revealed a spokesman has already moved to deny Priest’s claims, saying: “The Stone Roses are currently rehearsing for their forthcoming dates. All four members can’t wait to play the shows.”
As well as a number of festival appearances across Europe this summer, the Stone Roses are due to play three sold out gigs at Manchester’s Heaton Park, with support being provided by the likes of Primal Scream, Plan B and Beady Eye.