August 28, 2009 9:30

Ian Brown names his price for Stone Roses reunion

'Reunions are only about the money', he tells NME.COM

Photo Gallery: Ian Brown
Photo: Dean Chalkley

Ian Brown has said that he would reform The Stone Roses - but only if he was reduced to "begging on the streets".

The singer, who plays on the Main Stage at this weekend's Reading And Leeds Festivals, says he's disheartened by bands who reunite simply to cash in on their former glories.

"Maybe if you see me begging on the streets you might find me doing The Stone Roses the next day," he said. "We did it [formed a band] because we wanted to change the world, we didn't do it because we wanted to be millionaires."

Speaking in the new issue of NME (out nationwide now), Brown admitted that there were a couple of exceptions to the reunion rule.

"I was glad when the Sex Pistols got back because they never really got paid," he explained. He added that he was also pleased The Specials together again.

To read the full interview with Ian Brown, pick up this week's NME, out now.

NME.COM will be coming live from both the Reading And Leeds Festivals sites this weekend (August 28-30). Stay tuned to NME.COM/festivals for news reports, blogs, video interviews and photos from the event.

Get next Wednesday's (September 2) issue of NME for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Plus have your say on this summer - fill in the annual NME Festival survey now to cast your verdict on 2009, and tell festival chiefs who you want to see next year.