Happy Mondays star Paul Ryder laid to rest as…

Happy Mondays star Paul Ryder laid to rest as Manchester’s music scene pay respects

Some of the biggest names in Manchester’s music scene were amongst those in attendance at the funeral of Happy Mondays ’ guitarist Paul Ryder today.

Ryder, 58, died on July 15 just hours before the band was due to play the Kubix Festival in Sunderland. Following the announcement of his death, Paul, nicknamed Horse, was described as a ‘true pioneer and legend’ by his family.

The brother of the bass player, band frontman Shaun Ryder, could be seen wearing sunglasses before helping to carry the coffin into St Charles Church in Swinton during the ceremony earlier today (August 4).

Others paying their respects included Stone Roses singer Ian Brown, Happy Mondays bandmate Bez and former New Order bass player and now solo artist Peter Hook, reports The Mirror.

The service featured Paul's bandmate Rowetta singing Bridge Over Troubled Water before prayers and then David Bowie's Starman as the recessional music.

Singer Ian McCulloch also performed during the ceremony, while Happy Mondays’ manager Alan McGee and musician and DJ Clint Boon were also in attendance.

On the back of the order of service, a message read: "Paul's family wish to express their sincere thanks to you all for your many kind messages of sympathy, love and support at this very sad time."

A week ago, the Happy Mondays released a charity EP in his honour and brother Shaun said: "This special release of Tart Tart showcases the unique musical talent of our brother Paul Ryder who passed from this world ... we will all miss you Horse...he brought the funk and the rock n roll to Happy Mondays ... love you long time R kid."

Happy Mondays bandmate Bez also attended the funeral (Mark Campbell/McPix)

Bass player Paul was a founding member of the Manchester band along with brother and frontman Shaun Ryder, both hailing from Little Hulton. They went on to achieve huge success in the 1980s and 90s with hits including Step On, Kinky Afro and Loose Fit.

His post-funk basslines came to define the music of the Madchester era, when the band were signed to the city's legendary label Factory Records. After leaving the Mondays he went on to live in America where he also pursued an acting career, as well as founding the band Big Arm.

But he returned to The Mondays reuniting with his brother in its original lineup for a hugely welcomed comeback tour in 2012. The band had been back out on tour at festivals across the UK this year.

Shaun, 59, recently said in an interview his brother's death only hit him hard when he returned to the stage to play live. He explained: "I’ve just been looking after my mam, so I’ve not really been thinking about it.

"It didn’t really hit me until I went on stage and he wasn’t there. That’s when it really got me but I couldn’t stop the show or anything, I just kept going.”

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