In 2019, Liam Gallagher named his choice for the greatest guitarist since Jimi Hendrix, and the answer was as unexpected as it was emphatic. Contrary to what some might assume, this guitarist was neither his brother, Noel, nor Andy Bell, who transitioned with him from Oasis to Beady Eye. Even Paul Arthurs, a regular collaborator in Liam’s solo career, didn’t make the cut. Surprisingly, neither did Paul Weller, despite his notable guest role in “Champagne Supernova” on (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?.
Instead, Liam’s pick for the best guitarist since Hendrix was none other than John Squire, the lead guitarist of The Stone Roses, known for shaping a bold, inventive guitar style that inspired countless musicians. Squire’s searing riffs and fresh approach to guitar music on tracks like “Shoot You Down,” “Fool’s Gold,” and “Love Spreads” have earned him a reputation as one of the most iconic players of his era.
Liam’s admiration for Squire isn’t recent either. Before collaborating on their recent joint project Liam Gallagher John Squire, the two shared the stage at notable moments in Oasis’s history: first at Oasis’s landmark Knebworth performance in 1996 and later in a powerful rendition of “Champagne Supernova” as Liam took the stage again at Knebworth to celebrate Oasis’s legacy. Clearly, Squire holds a special place in Liam’s esteem—high praise from someone who usually reserves his admiration for idols like John Lennon and Johnny Rotten, the core influences on his vocal style.
The Stone Roses were a massive influence on Oasis, both musically and geographically, as both bands hail from Manchester. The Stone Roses helped cultivate the Madchester scene that soon erupted in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, which laid the groundwork for Oasis’s own rise. Liam has openly shared his fascination with The Stone Roses, even recounting how he once spied on their recording sessions in a story as outlandish as his public persona. “We drove in on a proper combine harvester, like something out of The Professionals,” he said, describing how he and his friends tried to catch a glimpse of the Roses at work. “We could hear some bassline and drums. We got caught, but we went in and had a little chat.”
However, Squire’s later work with The Stone Roses didn’t always match his groundbreaking early material, with the track “All For One” falling short of the inventiveness that marked his earlier years. Since then, though, his collaborations with Liam on stage have reignited the raw power he’s known for. Given Ian Brown’s unpredictable moves, it’s uncertain whether The Stone Roses will ever reunite, but Squire’s legacy endures through their seminal debut and underrated second album, which still resonate as milestones in British rock.
As Liam Gallagher puts it, John Squire remains one of the greatest musicians in the world—praise that shouldn’t be diminished by recent shifts in The Stone Roses’ trajectory but celebrated as part of a remarkable legacy.
