Ian Brown 'confirms Stone Roses reunion in text message'

Ian Brown has reportedly texted a friend to confirm reports of a Stone Roses reunion.

It was claimed on Friday that the band would announce a 2012 comeback tour at a press conference on Tuesday. Drummer Alan 'Reni' Wren later dismissed the rumours.

> The Stone Roses: Career in pictures

According to The Sun, singer Brown sent a text message to Dynamo which read: "We are going to rule the world again. It's happening."

Dynamo added: "He said it's true. It is definitely happening. Ian's on great form. I'll be at the gigs. It's going to be massive."

A source told the newspaper that Elbow frontman Guy Garvey had also confirmed the news at the Manchester Literary Festival, saying: "Guy was talking to friends about how the original lineup had been rehearsing over the summer in Manchester.

Brown and guitarist John Squire have been quick to slam down reports of a reunion when they arose in recent years.

Squire made a piece of visual art in 2009 called Statement which featured the text: "[I] have no desire whatsoever to desecrate the grave of seminal Manchester pop groupThe Stone Roses, 18.3.09."

Bassist Gary 'Mani' Mounfield said that he was "disgusted" by the reports of a reunion which emerged in April after members of the band met at the funeral of his mother.

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Watch The Stone Roses play 'Tears' live at Brixton in 1995 below: