Brit-icons Stones Roses Paint Revenge on Paul Birch (Revolver FM)

Rockapedia | 25th March, 2024 The Stone Roses Interviewed Stone Roses (Public Domain)

Stone Roses And Black/FM Revolver

In 1987 The Stone Roses manager Gareth Evans signed a one-off release with British record label Black/FM Revolver for what would be the bands second single release.

The Stone Roses debuted with So Young/Tell Me which went without much notice outside of Manchester. Sally Cinnamon would be their follow up eventually selling out its 1,000-copy run, but failed to make the desired impact the band hoped for.

Stone Roses And Silvertone Records

At a London gig in early 1988 representatives of Zomba and Rough Trade's Geoff Travis came to check the band out and were impressed.

Rough Trade would fund the studio time to record a single, Elephant Stone however the band would eventually sign with Zomba who transferred them to the newly created guitar-based Silvertone Records.

The band were signed to an eight-album deal, buying the Elephant Stone tapes from Rough Trade and releasing them as a single in October 1988.

The Stone Roses would release their debut album, The Stone Roses, in 1989 and although not an immediate success Revolver FM spotted an opportunity to capitalize on the bands earlier recordings.

Sally Cinnamon Reissue

Revolver FM reissued Sally Cinnamon in 1990 accompanied by a music video. Angered by the release of old material the band refused to appear in the video resulting with the label creating their own by combining footage of Manchester.

The band outraged over the release of the track and video decided something had to be done.

Stone Roses Paint Revenge

While on route to a recording session in Wales the band took a short detour to the offices of Paul Birch, the founder and owner of Revolver Records.

The band approached the offices and knocked on the door requesting to see Birch. When Birch opened the door the Mancunians immediately poured a 5ltr tin of paint over him, first by Remi quickly followed by a second 5ltrs by John Squire.

Birch retreated to the safety of his office in a confused state while the band continued their revenge attack outside the building. Cars were damaged including a Mercedes that belonged to Birch, eventually requiring ten thousand pound worth of repairs.

The story they didn't tell at the time was that they had this paint stripper and harmful chemicals - the cans with the big 'X' on the side - harmful to your skin. I didn't know if they intended to attack us with it or not. - Paul Birch
That was me that, I was going to do his cars with it, but it all happened so quickly I didnt get a chance to do his cars anyway - we smashed his car up anyway so there was no need. - Mani

The band would make a swift exit and continued on their journey to Wales.

Paint Revenge Aftermath

When the band finally arrived at the studio they bumped into Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler, informing them about their detour and revenge attack.

I fucking hate that Paul Birch...nice one, was their reply.

The Stone Roses were arrested the next day eventually appearing in court a number of months later creating a media frenzy. The band feared prison time however the judge would give them a slap on the wrist with a fine for each of the members.


The Stone Roses: Sally Cinnamon (Official Video)

- New Music -