David Beckham has revealed that he has fond memories of The Stone Roses music, as the four-piece get ready to return to their home and the place where Becks started out on his path to becoming one of the popular footballers the world has ever witnessed. The Sun reports that Beckham has added some words to the official program to be sold over the three dates that kick off in Manchester's Heaton Park tomorrow.
"The Stone Roses was part of my upbringing in Manchester. And being an East End boy, that's saying something" he reportedly writes, "Their music has inspired so many people but for me it brings back memories of the most happiest time in my football career, when I started my career at Manchester United. The fact that they are back is incredible to see."
Incredible to see indeed, though anyone not at the shows may have to rely on dodgy phone pictures and videos to witness what it will actually be like over the weekend - at least until the inevitable Dvd of the performance comes out. The National Union of Journalists has backed a move by press photographers to boycott the three shows, a move made after they were forced to sign a contract giving the rights of any of their snaps taken during the performances to The Stone Roses to use in any way they chose, be it on official books, t-shirts, Dvds or other merchandise - all for a fee of one pound. Photographers have understandably baulked at this and with the dates looming no new deal seems to be in place.