Musicians hail Happy Mondays’ Paul Ryder as a 'pioneer and inspiration'
By Ellie Iorizzo and Alex Green, PA Entertainment Reporters
Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess has led tributes to Happy Mondays star Paul Ryder after his death aged 58.
The Salford-raised bass player and Happy Mondays founding member died on Friday morning, a statement from the band confirmed.
The group said on their official Facebook page: “The Ryder family and Happy Mondays band are deeply saddened and shocked to say that Paul Ryder ed away this morning.
The Ryder family and Happy Mondays band are deeply saddened and shocked to say that Paul Ryder ed 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 pic.twitter.com/e2LdSaQD6u— Happy Mondays (@Happy_Mondays) July 15, 2022
“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.”
Burgess shared a video of Happy Mondays singing their track Hallelujah on Twitter.
He wrote: “Sending much love to the Happy Mondays family – Paul Ryder was a pioneer and an inspiration to all of us that followed.
Sending much love to the Happy Mondays family - Paul Ryder was a pioneer and an inspiration to all of us that followed. He played on so many era defining tracks. Listening to Bummed right now. Safe travels x x pic.twitter.com/7VAH0bEO3u
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) July 15, 2022
“He played on so many era-defining tracks. Listening to Bummed right now. Safe travels.”
Stone Roses singer Ian Brown paid tribute to the bassist who he nick-named Pabs.
“Rest in peace 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,” he said on Twitter.
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
— Ian Brown (@ianbrown) July 15, 2022
In another tweet, pioneering electronic band New Order said: “So sorry to hear about the ing of Paul. Our thoughts are with his family and of course the rest of the band .”
Oasis and Ride guitarist Andy Bell wrote: “Really sad news about Paul Ryder, RIP.”
British post-punk duo Sleaford Mods sent their condolences, writing “RIP mate”.
A message from Bernard and the band; 'So sorry to hear about the ing of Paul. Our thoughts are with his family and of course the rest of the band .'
Photo by Paul Husband pic.twitter.com/TvoDrkA9x7— New Order (@neworder) July 15, 2022
Glasgow singer Pete MacLeod tweeted: “Paul was a gent & we had good talks when I ed & toured with The Happy Mondays.”
Alongside his frontman brother Shaun, Paul founded the Happy Mondays in 1980 and was credited with giving the band their signature rolling groove 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 ed by maraca-wielding dancer Bez.
RIP Paul Ryder. Thoughts & love to family & friends. Paul was a gent & we had good talks when I ed & toured with The Happy Mondays. Px
— Pete MacLeod (@PeteMacLeod) July 15, 2022
The band had been scheduled to perform at Kubix festival in Sunderland on Friday evening but festival organisers said: “Following the tragic news of Paul Ryder ing away this morning, the Happy Mondays will no longer be playing tonight’s show and our thoughts remain with the band and Paul’s family at this difficult time.”
Synonymous with the “Madchester” music scene, the Happy Mondays’ blend of psychedelia and alternative rock continues to influence other acts.
The band crossed over into the 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.
He also acted in several films including The Ghosts Of Oxford Street and Losing It, and 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.
