Stone Roses: Can the reunion work?

Seminal guitar band The Stone Roses have reformed for a world tour after more than 15 years after they broke up.

They were one of the most revered and influential bands in British music - but after bitter divisions and a reputation for shambolic performances, can their reunion be a success?

We asked four fans in their home city of Manchester for their views.

Richard Farnell, Vinyl Exchange Records

I saw them first in 1987 and then again in '89 and '90. The gigs were always very euphoric and atmospheric, and there was a lot of tension as well.

I remember seeing them support James and they felt that the people in the upper section of the venue weren't interested and had just turned up to see James. Ian Brown sat on the monitor and said: "We're not going to play until you lot start clapping."

It was a very cocky attitude from the beginning and it stood out at the time because for years we'd gone to see indie bands who looked at their shoes and didn't say anything to the crowd.

Reni was one of the best drummers I've ever seen. Reni, I'm sure, has not lost his touch, and I've seen Mani plenty of times with Primal Scream and he's still great, so I can't see any reason why they can't be as good as they used to be.

Dominick Allen, guitarist with Kid British

I was about four years old the first time around.

I heard about two days ago that they're getting back together, and if I can get down there then I'll definitely be there. You've got to, really, haven't you?

I think they can pull it off. They're professionals, they know what they're doing. They've been doing it for a long time so I don't think they'd be getting back together if they didn't think they could do it.

I think they'll do it really well. I have faith.

Martin Evans, Piccadilly Records

I saw them in Blackpool in 1988. I'll be honest with you, that experience is very vague, I don't remember a lot about it. It's a bit of a blur.

There are a lot of people out there who loved the music at the time and new fans who didn't get the opportunity to see them first time round, so it's good for them.

They're perhaps not as influential as people like The Smiths or Joy Division but they do have a following. People still buy a lot of Smiths and Joy Division records, and if there was anything new from The Stone Roses there would be a great deal of interest, but they perhaps don't have the enduring appeal.

Mark Smith, DJ

I just don't see the point of it. The past is the past.

I wouldn't go and see The Rolling Stones because, for me, the best time to see them would be in the '60s. To see them now, they'd be a shadow of their former selves. And that's what I think the Stone Roses would be now, a shadow of their former selves.

Let's give new talent a go. Let's have some more bands that are similar to the Stone Roses that can make their own path to glory. I wouldn't go.