Manchester band, The Happy Mondays, has confirmed that their performance at Splendour Festival is set to go ahead despite the tragic loss of musician Paul Ryder on Friday, July 15. Paul Ryder was the base player and one of the original members of the band when they first started in 1980.
Fans had shared concerns that the band may pull out of the show after it was announced that Paul, who is the brother of singer Shaun Ryder, had passed away. The band cancelled their Kubix Festival gig in Sunderland which was set to go ahead on Friday, July 15. A statement from the band confirmed that the musician had died on Friday Morning at the age of 58.
The band, who are responsible for hits such as Step On, are due to take to the stage on Sunday from 6:30pm on the Confetti stage. The Happy Mondays have already performed at Splendour in 2014 after they reformed two years earlier.
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A spokesperson for the band said: "Despite the tragic passing of Paul Ryder last week, Happy Mondays would like to reassure fans that they will still be playing all confirmed shows."
The band have a full summer line-up ahead with shows planned in London, Cornwall and Berwick. They will also perform with Primal Scream in Cardiff and at the Kaleidoscope festival the day before travelling to Nottingham for Splendour.
In a Facebook post, the band revealed they were in a state of shock and sadness following the news. "The Ryder family and Happy Mondays band members are deeply saddened and shocked to say that Paul Ryder passed away this morning. A true pioneer and legend. He will be forever missed. We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time. Long live his funk x."
Fans were quick to share their sadness and grief with many saying the musician would be greatly missed. Many fans also shared their memories of meeting Paul or attending Happy Mondays performances.
One fan wrote: "Very sad news. Thank you for the many years of enjoyment and the memories your music gave us."
Another agreed: "Rip Paul Ryder absolutely gutted can't believe you're gone. Happy Mondays have been my heroes since I was a teenager always been the best band in the world. The world is a sadder place without you."
The Happy Mondays will join Richard Ashcroft, Annemarie, Supergrass and Craig David who are all set to perform across the two-day event.
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