John Squire: 'Britpop reunions are tragic'

Jon Squire has said that it is "tragic" when bands reform for money.

The former Stone Roses star has rebuffed several reports that his band will reunite in recent years.

Of the most recent rumours, Squire told ShortList: "Mani sat on them this time. It was his turn! They only started because we were all at his mum's funeral - that's what p*ssed him off, I'm sure.

"But I don't see these rumours as special or flattering. It's a symptom of the times. People who can afford to waste money on gigs now are of a certain age and The Stone Roses fit their brief."

Of recent reunions by the likes of Suede and Pulp, the ex-guitarist added: "I went to see what's left of Led Zeppelin recently and really enjoyed that. But I'm not as interested in Britpop.

"I'd suggest that those bands don't bother. When it's just a get-together for a big payday and everyone gets their old clothes out, that seems tragic to me."

Squire claimed that even a phonecall from Led Zeppelin would not convince him to return to music, but when asked if Beach Boys songwriter Brian Wilson could change his mind, he quipped: "Actually, I'd probably consider that one. Why, have you heard something?"

Squire this week unveils a visual arts exhibition titled Celebrity, featuring abstract portraits of Cheryl Cole, Lady GaGa, Rihanna, Lindsay Lohan and other famous figures.

Move through a gallery of images from John Squire's Celebrity show below: