Paul Ryder, the Happy Mondays’ bassist, has died

“Long live his funk.”

Paul Ryder, a founding member of the influential Manchester acid rock group Happy Mondays, and brother of frontman Shaun, died on Friday morning (July 15th). He was 58.

The news was first shared by the band, posting on social media: “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.”

Ryder and his brother Shaun formed Happy Mondays in Salford in 1980 alongside drummer Gary Whelan, Paul Davis on keyboard, and guitarist Mark Day. Rowetta Idah and Mark ‘Bez’ Berry would join later, adding vocals and percussion (and dancing) respectively.

Signed to Tony Wilson’s influential Factory Records, Happy Mondays were pioneers of what became known as the ‘Madchester’ sound, which blended rock music with elements of rave and psychedelic dance music. As the group’s bassist, Ryder was credited with providing the band’s signature heavy grooves.

A fictionalised version of the group featured in the 2002 cult film 24 Hour Party People, with Paul Ryder portrayed by Paul Popplewell.

A cause of death had not been shared at the time of writing.