It has been quite a week for legendary Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown - after his decision to go it alone on his new solo tour without a live band. But while that decision infuriated some of his fans, he could most definitely count on the backing of one of his biggest fans - in the form of Liam Gallagher.
Oasis legend Liam waded in to lend his support to Ian on Twitter after a week when the self-styled King Monkey was slated by some fans for a "karaoke" performance - when he sang to a backing track on his new solo gigs. It's the first time he's been out on tour as a solo artist in a decade.
But ahead of Ian 's huge homecoming show in Manchester on Friday night, fellow Manc music icon Liam sent his message of support to the star. Liam posted a series of messages on Twitter firmly backing Ian saying: "He's the King".
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Liam started his thread by comparing Ian Brown with Sex Pistols icon Sid Vicious. He tweeted: "Ian brown and sid vicious my way same thing Iong live punk."
Fans responded with a series of questions for Liam. One said: "Rasta did you see Ian‘s embarrassing performance a couple of days ago?" to which Liam swiftly replied: "He’s never embarrassing he’s the king."
Another asked if Liam would ever go out on stage without a live band. Liam responded: "No but that’s me Ian is ian and I don’t think he’s a bad man."
Meanwhile one fan took the opportunity to ask if Liam and Ian would one day team up on a track. Liam, who is well known to be a huge fan of the Stone Roses, excited fans by saying: "1 day he’s my hero."
Ian opened his solo tour at Leeds' 02 Academy on Sunday night and stunned many fans by heading out on stage with no live band, and singing instead to a backing track. It left many of them fuming at paying £40 - £50 a ticket for what they felt was not a full show without a live band.
Steven Latham posted a video on Twitter of Ian singing without a band which swiftly went viral. He said: "Gutted to see @ianbrown turn up to his £40 a ticket, sold out gig at Leeds tonight WITH NO BAND. I’m a life long fan but it was bad.
" #ianbrown does karaoke and butchers his own tunes. Most were too p***ed to care but I had to get out after this one. Longsight M13 was a highlight."
Ian continued with his tour to Glasgow the next night, and responding to the barrage of criticism for his performance, posted on twitter: "GLASGOW. HATERS HATE AND LOVERS LOVE!" He went on to retweet a series of positive comments from fans about the live shows.
Many fans are now agreeing with Liam G and suggesting that Ian's bold decision to do this "his way" is actually the eptiome of punk genius.
Tweeter MB said after the Glasgow show: "[Ian] using his own brain, doing the unexpected, doing his own thing. That's what makes him Ian Brown.
"If u went looking for the norm or Roses tunes then u are 5 years too late and at the wrong gig. Love his solo stuff, love him, great night."
Ian will play an eagerly-anticipated sold out homecoming gig at the 02 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on Friday night. Support comes from former Northside frontman Dermo, who will be playing with a live band.
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