There’s something almost poetic about The Sun Still Shines finally getting its day in the light. Originally a lost Stone Roses demo from 1986 – a tune whispered about by die-hard fans but never officially recorded, it’s now been lovingly resurrected by Yon Mon, who’s captured the magic of that mid-’80s Mancunian moment — all loose-limbed rhythm, jangling guitars and understated swagger.
There’s an easy, sun-bleached groove at the song’s heart — the kind that instantly transports you to a summer evening in Chorlton, pint in hand, as the city hums in the background. Vocally, Yon Mon keeps things understated but heartfelt, letting the melody breathe and the rhythm roll. It’s equal parts nostalgia and renewal, a reminder that great songwriting is timeless if given the right hands to nurture it.
Recorded at The Ivy Studio in Bolton with long-time collaborator Danny Hayes, the track is a time capsule that feels startlingly alive. The soundscape glows with that unmistakable pre-Madchester warmth — a fusion of hypnotic basslines, crisp snare cracks, and shimmering guitar interplay that evokes the likes of Elephant Stone and Mersey Paradise. Eighteen-year-old Cole Humphrys threads silvery riffs through the mix, channelling John Squire’s melodic freedom while adding his own youthful energy.
Yet beneath its golden glow lies a deeper mission. Yon Mon has teamed up with Manchester homeless charity Mustard Tree, (donate here) using the single to raise both funds and awareness for their incredible work supporting vulnerable people across the North West. It’s a move that grounds the song’s sunny optimism in something tangible and profoundly human — the idea that even in dark times, the sun still shines.
With The Sun Still Shines, Yon Mon hasn’t just revived a long-lost Roses gem — he’s recaptured a spirit. It’s the sound of Manchester past meeting Manchester present, radiating warmth, hope and heart from every bar.
In Yon Mon’s hands, The Sun Still Shines feels like more than a cover – it’s a love letter to the Roses, to the city, and to the people who keep its soul alive. A resurrection of a lost classic with its heart firmly in the right place.
The Sun Still Shines is released on Friday 31st October on all streaming and download platforms.
Yon Mon’s debut album, You Bedda Believe It is out now on Spotify and on physical copy from Wax And Beans.
Gigs
Yon Mon is supporting Yogi G and The Family Tree
Sunday 9th November The Night and Day Cafe, Manchester
Friday 19th December The Hug and Pint, Glasgow
Roy joined me on episode 152 of the ThisIsTheMusic meets podcast. Available on You Tube and Spotify.
Yon Mon Socials
ThisIsTheMusic 
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