December 25, 2007 11:00

Ian Brown pays tribute to James Brown

Former Stone Roses man talks about how he felt when his 'hero' died

Photo Gallery: Ian Brown

Ian Brown has paid tribute to the late soul star James Brown.

James Brown, who Ian Brown calls his “hero”, died on December 25, 2006 aged 73.

Ian Brown told NME.COM that last Christmas his festivities were hugely affected by the news that the soul legend had passed away.

“Last year was great until I switched on the radio and I heard James Brown had died,” he said. “That just marred the day."

He added: “Someone said something really funny like, ‘Typical James Brown, he’s taken out Jesus on his big day.’ They were right – it took the shine off Christmas Day, really. Me lad phoned me up and said, ‘Dad, your hero’s dead. James Brown’s dead.’ I switched on the radio and was like, ‘No way, man!’ Gutted.”

To read the full interview with Ian Brown, get the bumper Christmas issue of NME, on newsstands now.