Alan Wren
Encyclopedia
Alan John Wren better known as Reni, is the drummer of The Stone Roses
.
Reni is considered by many to be the best drummer of his generation and the "single most important drummer in UK indie circles." According to former Hacienda General Manager Howard Jones, he "played the drums like Hendrix played the guitar." His laid-back style of off-beat rhythms was influential in bringing about the blend of indie and dance music that formed much of the Manchester (or Madchester) sound of the day.
During The Stone Roses
he could be easily identified by the now iconic bucket hat
.
, speaking on a BBC Radio One documentary, mentioned that Reni could play better bass than he could, quoting that he could "piss all over me on bass." However, it was his drumming abilities which made him stand out. Whilst growing up in the Manchester suburb of Gorton, "the local kids thought Reni was a freak because he was such an amazing drummer, a total natural. Reni didn't care. He was already jamming along to anything and anybody."
Already in two bands before he joined The Stone Roses, it was perhaps friend Simon Wright
's successful audition for AC/DC
in 1984 which prompted him towards more serious ambitions.
in May 1984 after reading an advertisement the band had placed in Manchester's A1 Music store, now the Academy of Sound. He ripped it off the wall in order to make sure only he would get an audition which occurred in what was at the time Decibel Studios to the north of the city centre. This was a rehearsal studio and required the band to carry Reni's drum kit up three flights of stairs, before running through early songs "Nowhere Fast", "All Stitched Up", and "Mission Impossible". Andy Couzens, then the band's second guitarist, recalls these first few minutes with their new-found 20 year old drummer, noting, "We never discussed it, we knew he was in! He was fucking amazing! What a drummer."
The band's first live show with Reni occurred at an Anti-heroin gig in London, which was being hosted by Pete Townshend
. Having seen the band's performance he commented that Reni was the most naturally gifted drummer he had seen since Keith Moon
. This unusual encounter concluded with The Who
star asking the band whether he could use their drummer, which led to performances of Pictures of Lily
, amongst others, with the 20 year old.
Reni's initial playing style was characterised by the energy from evident influences such as Keith Moon
; Andy Couzens once mentioned he was "like ten Keith Moons in one". Manchester music scene regulars such as Martin Hannett
commented that it was clear most people were attending the band's early gigs to see Reni play. John Robb noted the general feeling in Manchester was, "go and see The Stone Roses, their drummer's amazing". However, as the band's music progressed his playing style became renowned by his use of a 3-piece kit, and the additional complement of his backing vocals on many songs. His use of a smaller kit did not limit the range of sounds he could produce his distinctive use of the high-hat and cymbals created a unique chiming sound witnessed on many of the band's most famous songs. Reni's abilities were most obvious in the live performances that The Stone Roses
gave where he was able to show his full range of abilities. Rhythm Magazine commented that he was, "funkier and more subtle than any drummer in the genre (indie) had ever been", and that he was, "economical, soulful and inventive". Indeed, Rhythm Magazine named him as a drummer hero stating, "you know him best by his ability to always play it cooler than cool". Many fans also found that his harmonic backing vocals were an integral part to the band's music, particularly during live performances. Described in John Robb's biography of The Stone Roses as "the voice of an angel", listening to their debut album, and live shows such as The Blackpool Empress Ballroom (1989), and Glasgow Green (1990, and also Reni's final gig with the band), overtly display his abilities.
Reni was the first member of the "classic" Stone Roses line-up to leave in March 1995, with much mystery surrounding his exit. The band continued with Robbie Maddix as drummer, but then broke up in 1996.
In a press conference on 18th October 2011, Reni, along with the other members of the Stone Roses, announced the band would be reforming for two 'homecoming' gigs at Heaton Park
, Manchester on June 29th and 30th 2012, followed by a World Tour later that year.
. His drumming was credited on the Ian Brown
track "Can't See Me", although Brown later admitted that the drum loop was a sample that Roses bassist Mani had uncovered, and not Reni at all. In 1999 he formed the short-lived band The Rub
with Casey Longdon (rhythm guitar), Neil Nisbet (bass), and Mick Grant (drums). Reni himself sang and played bass and lead guitar in the band. In 2005, Reni gave his first broadcast interview in 10 years to BBC GMR, along with ex-Roses bassist Mani
, on the Manchester Music Show whilst attending a concert by The Coral
. It was reported in early 2007 that the Fun Lovin Criminals had asked Reni to become their drummer. He never responded and nothing has come of it since.
In June 2008, in an interview with Teletext's Planet Sound
, Mani
revealed Reni had formed a new band with an unnamed member of Black Grape
, but gave no other details.
In May 2009, on the 20th anniversary of The Stone Roses' eponymous debut album, Reni and the three other band members sanctioned the release of rare demos and unreleased material. In an exclusive book included with the collector's edition, Reni remained typically elusive. Whilst Ian Brown and Mani included lengthy written accounts of their experiences in The Stone Roses, Reni supplied only an enigmatic poem (Don't Feed the Underdog) and drawings of the four members set to a Sudoku background (Go Figure Heads). However, it is worth noting guitarist John Squire did not contribute at all.
Those who worked with him had high praise for the drummer. Ian Brown: "He’d have been like Gene Krupa
or Buddy Rich
. He'd fill the Apollo up now if he just set up his drum kit in there and played." Mani: "He was an amazing drummer. He was that good, he could do anything. He’s done gigs with one arm – and he played with one arm it was as good as two! The guy is a total genius, a proper fucking one-off you know?" He also gave a rare suggestion towards Reni's general disappearance from drumming since 1995: "I think what it is with Reni is the fact he doesn't think of it [drumming for another band] as better than he has done before." John Leckie (their producer) also gave an insight into the Mancunian's unusual drum kit: "Reni just had a collection of drums you can't say Reni plays a lovely drum kit every tom, cymbal and drum is from a different kit. That's how he makes it up. He's such a great player. When I listen to him play, I just sort of think, "Fuck! No-one else plays like that!" John Robb: "The best drummer of his generation. I’ve never seen anyone who could play drums like that – the talk in the early days was often about Reni – “check out the amazing drummer” hipsters would say and he always delivered. If the Roses ever reformed it would be a buzz just to see him play those drums again – dextrous, fluid and exuberant – he could hit hard like a rock drummer but also had a real swing and that infectious energy.”
that Reni wore during his time with the Stone Roses gained the nickname "Reni Hat", a term that is still in use – particularly in the UK.
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses are an English alternative rock band formed in Manchester in 1983. They were one of the pioneering groups of the Madchester movement that was active during the late 1980s and early 1990s...
.
Reni is considered by many to be the best drummer of his generation and the "single most important drummer in UK indie circles." According to former Hacienda General Manager Howard Jones, he "played the drums like Hendrix played the guitar." His laid-back style of off-beat rhythms was influential in bringing about the blend of indie and dance music that formed much of the Manchester (or Madchester) sound of the day.
During The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses are an English alternative rock band formed in Manchester in 1983. They were one of the pioneering groups of the Madchester movement that was active during the late 1980s and early 1990s...
he could be easily identified by the now iconic bucket hat
Bucket hat
A bucket hat, or fishing hat, is a soft cotton hat with a wide and downwards sloping brim which is worn by both men and women. The brim offers shade from the sun for the eyes and face. The hat is usually made from heavy-duty cotton fabric such as denim or canvas...
.
Early career
Reni taught himself drums in his youth as, due to his family situation, he was nearly always around musical instruments in a pub environment. A naturally gifted musician, he was equally adept at playing guitar, bass and piano. John Robb, in his 1997 book, The Stone Roses and the Resurrection of British Pop, notes that Reni could "play guitar almost as well as he plays drums," and ManiGary Mounfield
Gary Manny "Mani" Mounfield , is an English rock bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. He has a distinctive playing style that combines a fast moving rock style with a dance rhythm or dub groove...
, speaking on a BBC Radio One documentary, mentioned that Reni could play better bass than he could, quoting that he could "piss all over me on bass." However, it was his drumming abilities which made him stand out. Whilst growing up in the Manchester suburb of Gorton, "the local kids thought Reni was a freak because he was such an amazing drummer, a total natural. Reni didn't care. He was already jamming along to anything and anybody."
Already in two bands before he joined The Stone Roses, it was perhaps friend Simon Wright
Simon Wright
Simon Wright is an English drummer best known for his stints with rock n' roll bands AC/DC and Dio. He first started playing drums at the age of 13 and cites Cozy Powell, Tommy Aldridge and John Bonham as his greatest influences...
's successful audition for AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
in 1984 which prompted him towards more serious ambitions.
The Stone Roses
Reni joined The Stone RosesThe Stone Roses
The Stone Roses are an English alternative rock band formed in Manchester in 1983. They were one of the pioneering groups of the Madchester movement that was active during the late 1980s and early 1990s...
in May 1984 after reading an advertisement the band had placed in Manchester's A1 Music store, now the Academy of Sound. He ripped it off the wall in order to make sure only he would get an audition which occurred in what was at the time Decibel Studios to the north of the city centre. This was a rehearsal studio and required the band to carry Reni's drum kit up three flights of stairs, before running through early songs "Nowhere Fast", "All Stitched Up", and "Mission Impossible". Andy Couzens, then the band's second guitarist, recalls these first few minutes with their new-found 20 year old drummer, noting, "We never discussed it, we knew he was in! He was fucking amazing! What a drummer."
The band's first live show with Reni occurred at an Anti-heroin gig in London, which was being hosted by Pete Townshend
Pete Townshend
Peter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend is an English rock guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and author, known principally as the guitarist and songwriter for the rock group The Who, as well as for his own solo career...
. Having seen the band's performance he commented that Reni was the most naturally gifted drummer he had seen since Keith Moon
Keith Moon
Keith John Moon was an English musician, best known for being the drummer of the English rock group The Who. He gained acclaim for his exuberant and innovative drumming style, and notoriety for his eccentric and often self-destructive behaviour, earning him the nickname "Moon the Loon". Moon...
. This unusual encounter concluded with The Who
The Who
The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey , Pete Townshend , John Entwistle and Keith Moon . They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction...
star asking the band whether he could use their drummer, which led to performances of Pictures of Lily
Pictures of Lily
"Pictures of Lily" is a single by the British rock band The Who, written by guitarist and primary songwriter Pete Townshend. It was released in 1967 as a single, and made the top five in the UK, but failed to break into the top 50 in the United States....
, amongst others, with the 20 year old.
Reni's initial playing style was characterised by the energy from evident influences such as Keith Moon
Keith Moon
Keith John Moon was an English musician, best known for being the drummer of the English rock group The Who. He gained acclaim for his exuberant and innovative drumming style, and notoriety for his eccentric and often self-destructive behaviour, earning him the nickname "Moon the Loon". Moon...
; Andy Couzens once mentioned he was "like ten Keith Moons in one". Manchester music scene regulars such as Martin Hannett
Martin Hannett
Martin Hannett , sometimes credited as Martin Zero, was a record producer and an original partner in Factory Records with Tony Wilson...
commented that it was clear most people were attending the band's early gigs to see Reni play. John Robb noted the general feeling in Manchester was, "go and see The Stone Roses, their drummer's amazing". However, as the band's music progressed his playing style became renowned by his use of a 3-piece kit, and the additional complement of his backing vocals on many songs. His use of a smaller kit did not limit the range of sounds he could produce his distinctive use of the high-hat and cymbals created a unique chiming sound witnessed on many of the band's most famous songs. Reni's abilities were most obvious in the live performances that The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses are an English alternative rock band formed in Manchester in 1983. They were one of the pioneering groups of the Madchester movement that was active during the late 1980s and early 1990s...
gave where he was able to show his full range of abilities. Rhythm Magazine commented that he was, "funkier and more subtle than any drummer in the genre (indie) had ever been", and that he was, "economical, soulful and inventive". Indeed, Rhythm Magazine named him as a drummer hero stating, "you know him best by his ability to always play it cooler than cool". Many fans also found that his harmonic backing vocals were an integral part to the band's music, particularly during live performances. Described in John Robb's biography of The Stone Roses as "the voice of an angel", listening to their debut album, and live shows such as The Blackpool Empress Ballroom (1989), and Glasgow Green (1990, and also Reni's final gig with the band), overtly display his abilities.
Reni was the first member of the "classic" Stone Roses line-up to leave in March 1995, with much mystery surrounding his exit. The band continued with Robbie Maddix as drummer, but then broke up in 1996.
In a press conference on 18th October 2011, Reni, along with the other members of the Stone Roses, announced the band would be reforming for two 'homecoming' gigs at Heaton Park
Heaton Park
Heaton Park, covering an area variously reported as , 247 hectares, , over and is the biggest park in Greater Manchester, England and one of the biggest municipal parks in Europe. The park comprises the grounds of a Grade I listed, neoclassical 18th century country house, Heaton Hall...
, Manchester on June 29th and 30th 2012, followed by a World Tour later that year.
1996 and beyond
Little was heard of Reni in the years after he left the Stone Roses. In 1997, it was reported in the NME that he'd been sent to prison for seven days (of which he served three) for contempt of courtContempt of court
Contempt of court is a court order which, in the context of a court trial or hearing, declares a person or organization to have disobeyed or been disrespectful of the court's authority...
. His drumming was credited on the Ian Brown
Ian Brown
Ian George Brown is an English musician, best known as the lead singer of the alternative rock band The Stone Roses, which broke up in 1996 but are confirmed to reunite in 2012. Since the break-up of the Stone Roses he has pursued a solo career...
track "Can't See Me", although Brown later admitted that the drum loop was a sample that Roses bassist Mani had uncovered, and not Reni at all. In 1999 he formed the short-lived band The Rub
The Rub
The Rub were a band formed in 1999 by ex-Stone Roses drummer Alan "Reni" Wren. The band's line up was Reni as lead singer & lead guitar, Casey Longden from Manchester on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Neil Nisbet on bass and backing vocals with Mik Grant on drums...
with Casey Longdon (rhythm guitar), Neil Nisbet (bass), and Mick Grant (drums). Reni himself sang and played bass and lead guitar in the band. In 2005, Reni gave his first broadcast interview in 10 years to BBC GMR, along with ex-Roses bassist Mani
Gary Mounfield
Gary Manny "Mani" Mounfield , is an English rock bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. He has a distinctive playing style that combines a fast moving rock style with a dance rhythm or dub groove...
, on the Manchester Music Show whilst attending a concert by The Coral
The Coral
The Coral are an English band formed in 1996 in Hoylake on the Wirral Peninsula in England. The band first emerged during the early 2000s and found success with their debut album The Coral and follow up Magic and Medicine...
. It was reported in early 2007 that the Fun Lovin Criminals had asked Reni to become their drummer. He never responded and nothing has come of it since.
In June 2008, in an interview with Teletext's Planet Sound
Planet Sound
Planet Sound was a Teletext music page on ITV and Channel 4 in the UK. It was broadcast on analogue Teletext from page 340, and on digital Teletext from page 820. From May 24, 2007, Planet Sound was also available to read online via the Teletext website...
, Mani
Gary Mounfield
Gary Manny "Mani" Mounfield , is an English rock bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. He has a distinctive playing style that combines a fast moving rock style with a dance rhythm or dub groove...
revealed Reni had formed a new band with an unnamed member of Black Grape
Black Grape
Black Grape were a 1990s rock band from England, featuring former members of Happy Mondays. The group's music was funky and eclectic, using varied instrumentation and samples.-History:...
, but gave no other details.
In May 2009, on the 20th anniversary of The Stone Roses' eponymous debut album, Reni and the three other band members sanctioned the release of rare demos and unreleased material. In an exclusive book included with the collector's edition, Reni remained typically elusive. Whilst Ian Brown and Mani included lengthy written accounts of their experiences in The Stone Roses, Reni supplied only an enigmatic poem (Don't Feed the Underdog) and drawings of the four members set to a Sudoku background (Go Figure Heads). However, it is worth noting guitarist John Squire did not contribute at all.
Those who worked with him had high praise for the drummer. Ian Brown: "He’d have been like Gene Krupa
Gene Krupa
Gene Krupa was an American jazz and big band drummer and composer, known for his highly energetic and flamboyant style.-Biography:...
or Buddy Rich
Buddy Rich
Bernard "Buddy" Rich was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Rich was billed as "the world's greatest drummer" and was known for his virtuosic technique, power, groove, and speed.-Early life:...
. He'd fill the Apollo up now if he just set up his drum kit in there and played." Mani: "He was an amazing drummer. He was that good, he could do anything. He’s done gigs with one arm – and he played with one arm it was as good as two! The guy is a total genius, a proper fucking one-off you know?" He also gave a rare suggestion towards Reni's general disappearance from drumming since 1995: "I think what it is with Reni is the fact he doesn't think of it [drumming for another band] as better than he has done before." John Leckie (their producer) also gave an insight into the Mancunian's unusual drum kit: "Reni just had a collection of drums you can't say Reni plays a lovely drum kit every tom, cymbal and drum is from a different kit. That's how he makes it up. He's such a great player. When I listen to him play, I just sort of think, "Fuck! No-one else plays like that!" John Robb: "The best drummer of his generation. I’ve never seen anyone who could play drums like that – the talk in the early days was often about Reni – “check out the amazing drummer” hipsters would say and he always delivered. If the Roses ever reformed it would be a buzz just to see him play those drums again – dextrous, fluid and exuberant – he could hit hard like a rock drummer but also had a real swing and that infectious energy.”
"Reni Hats"
The bucket hatBucket hat
A bucket hat, or fishing hat, is a soft cotton hat with a wide and downwards sloping brim which is worn by both men and women. The brim offers shade from the sun for the eyes and face. The hat is usually made from heavy-duty cotton fabric such as denim or canvas...
that Reni wore during his time with the Stone Roses gained the nickname "Reni Hat", a term that is still in use – particularly in the UK.