As the lights dimmed, the crowed roared.

This man needed no introduction.

The last time Squire played in the UK was with the Seahorses in 1998 so this was a rare opportunity for fanatics to see the writer of Waterfall and Love Is The Law at his best.

They say embarking on a solo career after being part of one of the most influential bands in the world is never very easy.

You could almost imagine you were back in the Hacienda in the late 80s...

Victoria Allen

But it was a dead cert that if John ever attempted it he would be welcomed with open arms by a throng of Stone Roses devotees both old and new.

His album, 'Time Changes Everything', boasts enough of Squire’s lyrical genius and upbeat melodies to keep the old crowd happy whilst shining a new light on the concept of individuality and innovation.

As he stepped up to the mic he and his band launched into a glorious wail of streamed guitars and frenzied drum beats forming an intro reminiscent of his Seahorses days.

Predictably the 800 die-hards went into overdrive when Squire threw in the classic Roses anthems Made of Stone, Waterfall and the brilliant Fool’s Gold.

Squire: A true all rounder

Such was the strength of his vocals that Ian Brown wasn’t even missed and is testament to the fact that Squire is a true all rounder.

His new work, particularly single Joe Louis, went down well - there were those that obviously already knew all the words and the breaks of the songs.

The set was most memorable for his impressive and infectious guitar hooks that sliced through every track. He had everyone up on their feet and if you blinked you could almost imagine you were back in the Hacienda in the late Eighties.

It was an accomplished performance and on the surface appears to be the beginnings of a very successful solo project.

In this latest incarnation he is unlikely to set the world on fire as he did in the early Nineties with the Stone Roses but should still scale the dizzy heights of his 1997 collaboration with Chris Helme.

- Victoria Allen