Former Stone Roses guitarist John Squire has said he has no intention of reforming with his old bandmates.

In a message on his website, Squire wrote: “I have no desire whatsoever to desecrate the grave of seminal Manchester pop group The Stone Roses.”

A report in Tuesday's Daily Mirror newspaper claimed the group had organised a 21-date UK tour to mark their 20th anniversary.

But in a statement yesterday, singer Ian Brown played down the claims, signalling his intentions to focus on his solo career.

“Ian is working on his new studio album which is due out later this year,” the statement said.

Fans have called for the group, which also included bassist Mani and drummer Reni, to reform ever since they split in the mid-90s.

But the relationship between Squire and Brown is understood to still be volatile.

Squire's spokeswoman said that the upcoming anniversary of the band's self-titled debut album in May “has got folk speculating”.

She added: "John Squire has just completed another exhibition in London and has plans to take it to Japan in July. Right now this is his priority.”

'The Stone Roses' is to this day one of the most critically revered albums of all time.

(by Jason Gregory)