Paul Ryder with Mark Day and Shaun Ryder of The Happy Mondays (Ian West/PA)
(Picture: PA Archive)Tributes are pouring in to “legend” Happy Mondays founding member Paul Ryder, who died aged 58 on Friday.
Confirming his death on their Facebook page, the band 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.
They added: “Long live his funk.”
Musicians have begun paying tribute to Ryder, the Manchester band’s bassist, following the news of his death.
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
The Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown said he was a “great friend” and “great musician”.
Paying tribute to Ryder on Twitter, he said: “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.”
Meanwhile, The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess hailed him a “pioneer and inspiration”.
He said: “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.”
Oasis and Ride guitarist Andy Bell was among those paying tribute, tweeting: “Really sad news about Paul Ryder, RIP.”
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 band was scheduled to perform at Kubix festival in Herrington Country Park, Sunderland on Friday but cancelled following the death of Ryder.
The cause of his death is unknown.
