Will a version of the Stone Roses continue without its chief

songwriter/guitarist, John Squire? Latest official news from the four remaining

members of the Stone Roses (per a press release issued in Australia yesterday,

Tuesday, April 2) implies that the group will continue sans Squire. The

remaining

band members Ian Brown, Mani, Robbie Maddix and Nigel Ipinson said: "We feel as

cheated as everyone else who's heard the news. We are in the middle of

recording the next LP. We're disgusted yet feel strong and more optimistic than

ever.

Meanwhile, Mr. Squire has also issued a press release, in which he

confirms both that he has left the band, and that he plans to form a new group

immediately. "After lengthy deliberation, it is with great regret that I feel

compelled to announce my decision to leave the Stone Roses," Squire said in a

statement. "I believe all concerned will benefit from a parting of the ways at

this point and I see this as the inevitable conclusion to the gradual social

and musical separation we have undergone in the last few years. I wish them

every success and hope they go onto greater things. My intentions are to

continue writing whilst looking for partners in a new band and to begin working

again as soon as possible.