A founding member of the Happy Mondays, bass player Paul Ryder, has died aged 58. Salford-raised Paul was the brother of frontman Shaun Ryder and his death was confirmed by the band today (Friday).
A statement of the Manchester band's Facebook page said: "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."
Synonymous with the “Madchester” music scene, the group achieved success with their blend of psychedelia and alternative rock alongside other burgeoning northern bands. It is not known how Paul died.
Fans were devastated to hear the news on Friday, while key figures in the music and film industry sent their condolences to Shaun, including Hacienda DJ Graeme Park, Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh and Oasis star Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, ManchesterEveningNews reports.
Ian Brown, frontman of The Stone Roses, tweeted: "Rest in peace Paul Ryder. A great friend and a great musician. A great fella."
Fan Rich Wilson said: "Happy Mondays changed my life when I first saw the video to WFL [Wrote for Luck] on The Chart Show in the late 80’s and I’ve loved them ever since so it saddens me to hear of the passing of bassist Paul Ryder. Such a shame. That boy could groove!!"
Alongside his frontman brother Shaun, Paul founded the Happy Mondays in 1980 and was credited with giving the band their signature rolling groove, present on hits such as Step On and Kinky Afro. The original line-up also included drummer Gary Whelan and guitarist Mark Day, and they were later joined by maraca-wielding dancer Bez.
The band later achieved a successful crossover into the musical mainstream with hits from albums such as Pills ‘N’ Thrills And Bellyaches and also earned a reputation as hellraisers.
Ryder remained an active member as the Happy Mondays broke up and reformed multiple times across the last 40 years. Outside of the band, he also acted in several films including The Ghosts Of Oxford Street and Losing It, and also made a cameo as a gangster in the film 24 Hour Party People, about the Madchester music scene.
He also formed the band Big Arm and released a 2008 album titled Radiator, and played DJ sets around the world. In January 2012, it was announced that the Happy Mondays were reforming with all of the original members, including Paul.
More as we get it.
