90s rocker looks unrecognisable with a full head of grey hair – can you guess who it is?

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Born in Manchester, he gained widespread recognition following the release of his band’s first studio album in 1989, significantly influencing the British pop music scene during that time.

However, following only a few years together, internal disputes and multiple personnel shifts took place within the group, along with a prolonged court case regarding their recording agreement.

On the eve of a world tour in April 1995, one member quit, followed by another the following year. 

After performing a few last concerts, which included a disappointing performance at the Reading Festival, they decided to break up not long after that.

As a die-hard fan, I’ve been eagerly waiting for years, and the rumors swirling around finally proved true when they reunited in 2011! The excitement built as they embarked on a global tour in 2012, and my patience was rewarded with fresh new material in 2016. However, unfortunately, their reunion didn’t last long-term.

Today, sporting a head full of gray hair, this lead singer bears little resemblance to the ’90s style with shaggy, mullet cuts that he was famous for. But can you guess who it might be?

It’s Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown. 

Now 62, he has been working on his solo career since the band confirmed their split in 2019. 

Ian achieved notoriety as the lead vocalist for the band The Stone Roses, joining forces with guitarist John Squire, bassist Mani, and drummer Reni. They established the group in Manchester back in 1983, eventually unveiling their legendary self-titled debut album six years afterward.

After resolving a dispute with their recording company, the band released their second album titled “Second Coming” in 1994. They disbanded in 1996.

After achieving success individually, Ian continued with seven highly-praised studio albums and multiple award wins. Later, he rejoined The Stone Roses.

Over a span of fifteen years following their separation, Ian frequently attributed the breakup of the band to his songwriting companion and lead guitarist, John Squire.

In a different context, he expressed: ‘If I found myself in a tough situation with my children living on the sidewalk, I’d rather secure employment at B&Q than change the Rose family.’

Meanwhile, John claimed: ‘I’d rather remove my liver with a teaspoon than reform the Roses.’

Back in 2011, something extraordinary happened that reignited our bond – we both attended the funeral of Mani’s beloved mother. That summer, an even more heartwarming event unfolded as I reconnected with Reni. It felt like a second chance at friendship, and I couldn’t have been happier!

In 2012, the successful music makers reunited for an impressive run of large-scale outdoor concerts, and they kept performing live shows until 2017.

2023 found me gracing the stage at the Warehouse Project in Manchester, where an unbiased crowd observed as I grappled with hitting the right notes during my performance.

On various social media platforms, a video emerged showing Brown, one of several notable attendees for the evening, seemingly struggling during his performance of the 2001 solo hit “F.E.A.R.

Without a live band, the performer left spectators puzzled as he sang along to a pre-recorded track. However, as the song reached its peak, his distinct gravelly voice began to stray noticeably from tune.

Following the Leeds gig I performed in September 2022, which some fans labeled as a “karaoke show,” I faced a strong wave of criticism afterwards. As a dedicated follower, I’ve been reflecting on this feedback to improve my future performances.

Instead of performing at the O2 Academy with his band, the lead singer from The Stone Roses faced criticism when he appeared on stage, relying solely on a pre-recorded backing track for his performance.

Fans were infuriated when they found out that, despite spending as much as £50 on tickets, the event they attended didn’t meet their expectations because the performer seemed to have utterly botched his performance, marking the beginning of his UK tour.

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2025-08-12 12:05