Synopsis
The "Sally Cinnamon" video is a low-budget montage made for the song's late-1989 reissue. Rather than presenting a conventional band performance, it moves through recognizable Manchester locations and street scenes, connecting the track with the city's emerging music culture. The Stone Roses do not appear to have participated in the production, leaving the clip with an archival, promotional feel rather than the carefully controlled visual identity associated with their later videos. Its rough presentation became central to the controversy surrounding the release.
Factoids & Trivia
- The song was originally released by FM Revolver in May 1987, before The Stone Roses signed with Silvertone. When FM Revolver reissued it in late 1989, the label commissioned the video without the band's involvement.
- The clip was assembled around Manchester imagery, including locations associated with the city's nightlife and alternative culture. Afflecks Palace is among the places linked with the filming.
- The Stone Roses reportedly objected not only to the reissue campaign but especially to the video's cheap-looking presentation. Bassist Mani later described the band as being "gobsmacked" when they saw it.
- The dispute escalated in January 1990, when the band went to the former label's offices carrying tins of paint. The incident resulted in arrests and became one of the most notorious episodes in the group's early history.
- The legal conflict surrounding the unauthorized promotional video contributed to a court case between Silvertone's side and FM Revolver. The controversy helped make the clip a notable artifact of the band's difficult transition from an independent release to national success.
- The reissued single reached number 46 on the UK Singles Chart in 1989, considerably broadening the song's audience beyond its original independent-chart following.