Paul Ryder, founder and bassist of Happy Mondays, died on July 15 at the age of 58. The band confirmed the news on Facebook. However, there is no information on social networks about the cause of death. Ryder was a founding member of the band Happy Mondays in the early 1980s. During Ryder’s tenure, the band released many hit albums, including Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches. Ryder has appeared in films such as The Ghosts of Oxford Street, Losing It and 24 Hour Party People. He was also known for writing music for a number of television series.
The band said in a statement:
“The Ryder family and Happy Mondays bandmates are deeply saddened and devastated to announce the death of Paul Ryder this morning.” A great pioneer and icon. We will miss him very much. We appreciate your consideration of everyone’s privacy at this time. His funk x will live on.”
Emotional condolences flood Twitter after Paul Ryder’s death
Several musicians expressed their condolences to the deceased bassist on social networks. Ian Brown, singer of The Stone Roses, Andy Bell, former guitarist of Ride, and Paul Arthurs, former guitarist of Oasis, among others, paid tribute to the deceased musician on social networks. Happy Mondays have recently been on tour and were due to headline Kubix Festival in Sunderland on Friday 15th July.
The organizers of the festival said in a press release:
“Following the devastating news of Paul Ryder’s death this morning, The Happy Mondays will no longer be performing tonight and our sympathies go out to the band and Paul’s family at this difficult time.”
The band were also due to headline the Kaliedoscope event next week in London.
Happy Mondays was created by Paul Ryder.
Happy Mondays were formed in 1980 by Paul Ryder, his brother and singer Shaun Ryder, drummer Gary Whelan, pianist Paul Davies and guitarist Mark Day. Later, dancer and percussionist Mark “Bez” Berry joined the ensemble. Rowetts joined as second singer in 1990. The band signed to Factory Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1987, followed by Bummed in 1988 and Rave On in 1989. Pills n Thrills and Bellyaches went platinum in the UK in 1990. They broke up in 1993 due to internal disagreements.
However, the band reformed in 1999 and played to large audiences. During this time, Happy Mondays produced an instant hit rendition of Thin Lizzy’s The Boys Are Back in Town. Paul left the band once again, this time due to disagreements with his brother. When Happy Mondays reformed in 2004, it never came back. Meanwhile, Paul formed another band called Big Arm and played with Talking Heads and the Tom Tom Club. However, Paul started appearing again with Happy Mondays in 2012. He went on an active tour with them, and the trio had numerous performances planned for this year.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education