Ian George Brown (born 20 February 1963) is an English musician. He was the lead singer of the alternative rock band the Stone Roses from their formation in 1983 until they broke up in 1996. Following the split he began a solo career, releasing six studio albums, a greatest hits compilation, a remix album and 17 singles. He has performed solo shows in 45 countries. He returned to singing for the Stone Roses on 19 October 2011. On 20 October he put out a statement to say that although he had reunited with the band, it did not spell the end of his solo endeavours.