Happy Mondays star Paul Ryder has died aged 58.
The bassist and Shaun Ryder's brother was found dead hours before the band were due to perform at Kubix Festival in Sunderland.
On the group's official Facebook page, a statement read: "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."
Shaun shared the same message along with a picture of him on his Instagram page. It is not known how he died.
Paul previously discussed his drug addiction during his early days in the band.
"It was wild," he said in 2013. "I was 18 and recording an album. I'd learnt how to read and write at school but my real education began with the Mondays.
"I'd been using drugs since I was 17. If you have the money and the lifestyle it's part and parcel of the job, especially when people in the industry are giving it to you for free.
"That was especially the case in America. They learned pretty quickly that if there were no drugs, then there was no show."
Happy Mondays were formed in Salford in 1980. The original line-up was Shaun, Paul, Gary Whelan on drums, Paul Davis on keyboard and Mark Day on guitar.
They disbanded in 1993 after experiencing a commercial peak with Bummed (1988), Madchester Rave On (1989) and Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches (1990).
Paul even ventured into acting, with the star having roles in The Ghosts of Oxford Street, Losing It and a film about his band, 24 Hour Party People.
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The bass player also opened up about his rocky relationship with his brother and previously called him a 'k**b' who always twisted his melon.
"Our Shaun should change his name by deed poll to Walter Mitty. I’m gonna need four years away from them all to get over it," he said.
Talking of the late Factory Records co-founder Tony Wilson, he said: “Tony told the world we were scum and that was how he marketed us.
“Sure, we took loads of drugs and had a good time. But Shaun went over the top. He started telling lies and spoofing me. He loves the limelight and hijacks history to make out he was first to do this, that, the other.
“For 30 years I’ve bit my tongue. But not any more. The tour is starting, our fans are back and people deserve to know my story.
“Yes, Shaun is a lyrical genius but sometimes I look across at him on stage and think, ‘What a knob.’”
Following the tragic news of his death, fans and friends paid tribute to Paul and paid their condolences.
The Stone Roses singer Ian Brown tweeted: "REST IN PEACE PAUL RYDER A GREAT FRIEND A GREAT MUSICIAN A GREAT FELLA BIG LOVE TO AMELIA JACOB SONNY CHICO AND THE FAMILY AND BAND LOVE YA LONGTIME PABS X."
"Very sad news indeed. RIP Paul. My thoughts are with the Ryder family, friends and the band," one fan said.
Another added: "Very sad news, Paul was a wonderful person and great bass player x thoughts to all the Ryder family."
"Such sad news. A wonderful bass player who helped shape the soundtrack to my life. My condolences to the Ryder family and friends. May he rest in peace x," one posted.
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