Former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown has played down reports the band are to reunite for a series of summer gigs.

Tabloid reports yesterday (March 17th) claimed the Manchester group had arranged twenty-one UK concerts to mark the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album.

There was also speculation that the group, who split in the mid-90s, could play a major US music festival.

But a spokesperson for Brown said: “We know nothing about a reunion. Ian is working on his new studio album which is due out later this year.”

A report in yesterday's Daily Mirror newspaper claimed the Brown had given the green light for the reformation despite his tense relationship with guitarist Jon Squire.

In December, bassist Mani said he, Squire and drummer Reni were all keen to reform, but added that Brown “just needs some working on”.

An unnamed source told the newspaper the band had decided to reunite “when they realised the amount of money on the table”.

Since their split, Brown has continued to embark on a solo career, while Squire has concentrated on his work as an artist.

Mani currently plays bass in Primal Scream.

(by Jason Gregory)