Ian Brown, renowned as the former frontman of the Stone Roses, has been venturing into his solo music career since 1996 and has amassed a discography of seven albums. Excitement surrounded the release of his latest single, “Rules,” as he took to Twitter to announce its availability.
However, disappointment loomed for the 60-year-old artist, as his newest track faced ridicule from fans who deemed it a lackluster imitation of The Specials’ iconic hit, “Ghost Town.” Comparisons to a subpar version of the popular track flooded social media, leaving Brown’s supporters disheartened.
One fan humorously commented, “It’s like ordering Ghost Town and receiving a knockoff from Wish.” Another shared their disdain, stating, “Beware! There’s a new Ian Brown single out today, and it’s as dreadful as you would expect. I listened to it so you wouldn’t have to. He still believes he’s a free thinker, willing to harm or infect vulnerable individuals to showcase his ‘freedom.’ What a disgrace.”
Echoing the sentiment, an individual named Ian simply remarked, “You’re beating a dead horse, mate. Brutal.”
Nevertheless, amidst the backlash, some dedicated fans swiftly came to Brown’s defense, expressing their love for the new track. One admirer commended the artist, stating, “As always, Ian, it’s amazing. Keep defying the rules.” Another enthusiast agreed, adding, “Yet another exceptional tune. The lyrics are of the highest quality.”
Joyce Butler drew a comparison to The Specials, noting, “It carries the same vibe as The Specials’ Ghost Town and evoked memories of the lockdown. Brilliant.”
Currently, Ian Brown is embarking on a tour across the United Kingdom, engaging with his dedicated fan base. The Stone Roses, formed in 1983, captivated audiences with hits such as “Fools Gold” and “I Wanna Be Adored.” Following a breakup in 1996, the band briefly reunited for six years starting in 2013.
The Specials released their iconic track, “Ghost Town,” in 1981.
Sam Allcock is the CEO of PR FIRE – PR & Content Marketing Platform
Talks about #pr, #blogs, #marketing, #socialmedia, and #pressrelease
Writes for The Dial in his own time.