Did the stone roses really play at our university? That is a question that almost sounds remarkable to answer yes to but they did. That’s what student unions offer you and that’s what they offered students the chance to see, one of the most iconic bands the country has produced. The date was May 4th 1989, a really testing time for Liverpool but a time that the city bonded together as a union. To summarize the event and how much of a moment it was have a quick read of the words from Tim Vigon in his story of being a roses fan:

“The first time we saw the band live, it was Liverpool Polytechnic in May 1989 – part of a marathon UK tour of shitholes that they did up to and around the release of the album. It was 2 days after the release of the album. The music press had raved about the record, but really the pebble had just been thrown into the lake and the ripples were yet to really turn into waves. The band had already, as was their promise, become the biggest “in their street” and were selling out big rooms in the City to adoring audiences. But outside of town it was different. We didn’t have a clue, we thought the whole world already knew – surely…so we got to Liverpool early, expecting the same sort of thing, but the gig was maybe half full, mainly with travelling Mancunians and a few curious locals. Scouse stalwarts The Real People supported, (wearing waistcoats by the way – they’d turn up a few months later in full baggy regalia with their mini indie-dance classic “Window Pane”) and it felt like any other gig, but we were about to see the Roses…and once their road crew started to set up (even they looked as cool as the band) the mood in the room changed. Those present huddled forward and you could definitely sense the expectation…Cressa wandered out, we all squeezed forward…the band shuffled on like they owned the place. And they did. The bassline to “I Wanna Be Adored” rumbled forth those who KNEW began to move, a strange mixture of jumping and dancing en masse…and when the guitar kicked in, it was fucking bedlam.”

That sounds like something doesn’t it? If you’re into music or not that’s not a bad gig to see at the student union building is it? At this gig waterfall t-shirts were available for £5, they were £15 at a Manchester event a few days later. The stone roses were a big name in Manchester already but after this event in Liverpool they became national, an event at a Liverpool student union really was a big moment for one of the countries great bands. That’s something LiverpoolSU should be very proud of. You could go to an event at your time at the university and see a band and then they could become ‘the’ band. Have a look at the set list and im sure you will recognise a few:

Tracklist:

1. I Wanna Be Adored
2. Here It Comes
3. Made Of Stone
4. Waterfall
5. Elephant Stone
6. Where Angels Play
7. Shoot You Down – Choice Track
8. She Bangs The Drums
9. Sally Cinnamon
10. Standing Here
11. I Am The Resurrection

This is a real landmark moment for the SU, the roses played all over but this is where they seemed to really make their mark. For a Manchester band to make a mark on Liverpool it says a lot as to how good they were. To finish check out the below quote, that’s the simple way to understand what this was all about.

A witness to this gig said, “You could tell that there was something going on. The crowd were well into it. There was a definite atmosphere.” The gig packed out the Polytechnic, which was not used to such big crowds.

The Events

The stone roses could be the highlight of events at LiverpoolSU, however they could also be called ‘the tip of the iceberg’ for all the other music events that LSU provided. These took place like the Stone Roses gig at the Haigh Building which is found just on Maryland street at LJMU’s Mount Pleasant campus is arguably the home of Liverpool student union. In the few years before John Moore’s gained university status a few musicians played at the building. A few really big names and an example of how important the student union can be in influencing culture. Bands who appeal to students often do well and the student union arrange these events because firstly students enjoy and secondly it shows how a student union can influence trends in society.

Liverpool Polytechnic Haigh Buildings
Liverpool, United Kingdom

Thursday May 25th 1989 – The Shaman - Shamen were a Scottish psychedelic-influenced electronic dance music band from Aberdeen, Scotland. The band moved on to international commercial success with "Ebeneezer Goode" and their 1992 Boss Drum album.

Thursday 1st June 1989 – The Go-betweens - The Go-Betweens were an indie rock band formed in Brisbane, Australia in 1977. The band disbanded shortly after playing at the Haigh building even though the reformed in later.

Tuesday 19th October 1989 – Birdland - Birdland were formed in 1988 in Birmingham. Birdland's debut single "Hollow Heart", was released on Lazy Records. It reached #1 in the UK Indie Chart. The band generated a lot of attention in the British music press around the time they played for students in Liverpool.

Thursday 30th November 1989 – Mudhoney - Mudhoney is an American alternative rock band. Formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1988 and they are still active today. In 1989 they toured Britain with Sonic Youth when playing at the Haigh.

Tuesday 20th March 1990 – Cud - The four-piece formed in Leeds in 1987, reportedly when they discovered a discarded drum kit in a skip. They enjoyed moderate success and built up a loyal fan base in the late 80s early 90s playing their brand of indie rock.

Tuesday 30th October 1990 – Blur – Everybody knows who this band is! The band formed in 1988 in London and became an iconic band in the 90s being the main rival to oasis during this time period. They were already in the British charts when playing at the union building. They are a highly decorated band and prove that the union looked after their students.

Thursday 28th March 1991 – Rain - Rain were an alternative rock band from Liverpool, England, who had a minor hit in 1991 with "Lemonstone Desired".

Monday 22nd April 1991 – Julian Cope – Cope is a man who had done it all. He came to prominence singing for a Liverpool band the teardrop express and when he played at the Haigh he was very active in using music to attempt to change the country and make a difference.

Thursday 16 January 1992 – Kingmaker - The group was formed during their gap year by school friends Loz Hardy and Myles Howell. In the early 90s they were tipped as the next big thing and did make an impact on the British music charts.

Tuesday 5th May 1992 – Spiritualized - Spiritualized are an English space rock band formed in 1990 in Rugby, Warwickshire. In 1992 they released their first LP and while members have changed in the band they are still performing music and developing albums today.

Thursday 28th May 1992 – Ocean Colour Scene – another really big name to play for the students of Liverpool. Ocean Colour Scene are an English Britpop band formed in Moseley, Birmingham, in 1989. They have had five Top 10 albums and six Top 10 singles to date. There first album was deemed a failure but by 1993 Paul Weller had recognised their talent and the band supported Weller in 93.