Thought to be one of the most influential bands of the Madchester phenomenon and of 80s indie rock, The Stone Roses inspired a nation of ‘baggies' with attitude. Ian Brown and the band have parted company, so it's a good job The Clone Roses are carrying on their legacy.

They are Gavin Scott (Ian Brown), Tony Scott (John Squire), Mike Bagshaw (Gary ‘Mani' Mounfield) and Phil Bennett (Alan ‘Reni' Wren). Gav came out of the monkey man's persona for a quick chat.

The Stone Roses first came to fame during the time of the Madchester phenomenon – are you fans of other bands of the time such as Inspiral Carpets and The Happy Mondays?

Yes, The Happy Mondays (who we once supported), Inspiral Carpets, The Charlatans. Although Tony likes rock stuff like Def Leppard and Mike likes his punk - Buzzcocks, The Fall, that sort of thing.

Why did you decide to form a tribute to The Stone Roses? Are you lifelong fans or was it the band that you could best mimic?

This year is our 10-year anniversary. A friend introduced the others to me at uni. I went home and was singing along to ‘Waterfall' and my brother, Tony (guitarist) thought I sounded like Ian Brown, so we formed a tribute. Nothing too serious at first -we just played pubs and stuff - but when we used to get really good turnouts, we thought there could be a decent career in doing this.

Where in the UK does the band come from?

The North West (St.Helens, Knutsford, Salford)

Were any of you around during the days of influential nightclub The Hacienda where The Stone Roses played and did you ever go there?

No not really. Mike used to go the Hacienda, but at the time I was only around 11 years old and listening to Michael Jackson!!

Were you ever at a Stone Roses concert and if so what was it like?

No I've never been to a Roses concert, but I have seen Ian Brown a few times.

Which track gets you the best audience reaction at gigs?

Obviously the main anthem is the last song, ‘I Am the Resurrection'. Any credible indie nightclub up and down the country will play it as the last track of the night.

How do you get into the persona of the band before you go on stage?

We all dress up like the Roses so I suppose in a way, we just get dolled up for the gig!!

Have you ever met Ian Brown and if so what was his reaction to your band?

Never met him. I hear he's heard of us but hopefully maybe one day we'll get to meet him. Or maybe not, never meet your heroes and all that.

What makes you stand out as a band?

The fact that we try to create the vibe of a Roses concert by looking like them. We even bought the same instruments and put on the Manc accent. Our sound is authentic too. We're a little bit sloppy musically, like the Roses were. We think it's a good thing!!

Manchester United football club once played ‘This Is the One' at Old Trafford when United walked onto the pitch. Ian Brown's a Man U supporter – which teams do you support?

Yeah, I'm a United season ticket holder in the opposite stand that Ian Brown has his season ticket … how ironic. They always play ‘This Is the One' before United come out - it gets the fans right in the mood. My brother, Tony is a Red also, Mike is a City fan and Phil supports Liverpool.. there's loads of banter every week!!

Do you ever write or perform any of your own stuff as yourselves?

No, not really. We've all been involved in little projects separately, but we don't really have time because this has proved successful for us in itself.

Are your offstage antics as rock & roll as The Stone Roses in their heyday?

Not at all. Nowadays it's straight back to the hotel, for a brew, although it's impossible trying to get some kip at these Butlins gigs.

What's the reaction you get at a Butlins Weekender?

We've only done Bognor and Skegness so far. Although we got a good reaction at both, Skeggy was better because it was up North, where the Roses are far more popular.