The Story of Spike Island
Few concerts in British music history are as legendary as The Stone Roses' performance at Spike Island on May 27, 1990. Often described as the "Woodstock of the Baggy era," this open-air gig in Widnes, Cheshire, was a cultural moment that encapsulated the spirit of the Madchester movement.
By 1990, The Stone Roses had solidified their status as one of the most important bands of their generation. Their eponymous debut album, released in 1989, was a masterpiece, merging 60s-indebted psychedelic rock with dance music sensibilities. Songs like "I Wanna Be Adored," "She Bangs the Drums," and "Made of Stone" had captured the hearts of a generation hungry for a new sound.
After the album’s success, anticipation for their live performances reached fever pitch. Still, the idea of a massive outdoor show - an acid house-infused rock gig - was an ambitious move at the time.
Spike Island, an industrial wasteland in Cheshire, was an unusual choice for such an event. But its remoteness only added to the mystique. Around 30,000 fans, mostly young ravers and teens bunking off school, descended on the venue from around the country. Many wore baggy clothes and bucket hats - soon to become iconic fashion statements of the era.
Despite technical issues, the atmosphere was electric. Though some critics later called The Roses’ performance underwhelming, for those in attendance, it was a spiritual experience. The day itself has an almost mythic quality - until recently it existed more-or-less only in memory and some low-res camcorder footage, but as of 2024 full-footage of the concert has been unearthed and is set to be released alongside a new documentary directed by Paul Crompton.
